I wash before gifting as well. Many of the same reasons others here have stated...pet hair; dust from dragging around; etc. But for me, also, washing out the markings from my quilting lines either machine or hand quilted.

I glue baste my quilts and have cats, so washing before the quilts leave is automatic. Like others have said, that way you can check to see if it's a bleeder or has loose threads or seams

I didn't know that finished quilts were supposed to be washed in my early quilting days.

Now I do wash them before gifting to others for the above-mentioned reasons.

Always. Once I was trying a different thread that a friend loves. Nope. The quilt came out bumpier than bubble wrap. It was in my stack of quilts to give away and my sister in law chose it. I told her it was an experiment of a different method, so it created different results. She loved it. Only I know it was a total mistake. If it had been a flat quilt coming out that way, I am sure she would have thought it was ruined.

Yes, I wash before I gift a quilt. My cat always helps me especially when I am binding it.😹

Even tho I prewash all the fabric prior to sewing, I still wash before gifting. I love to see how the batting changes the appearance of the quilt and I can examine it to make sure it's "perfect."

I always wash & dry my quilts before I give them away.

I also wash quilts before giving due to my basting method and the amount of handling. I am a pre-washer except for pre-cuts and use color catchers for quilts with pre-cuts. If I know a recipient has skin sensitivities, I don’t use softener or dryer sheets.

I almost always wash it before giving it away.