I would never, ever dry clean a quilt. It can't possibly be healthy, to sleep beneath something treated with chemicals. :thumbdown:

I like to wash first for the same reasons many others here said. I like to be sure nothing becomes "undone" with washing and colors don't bleed (though I do prewash my fabric before cutting). Being paranoid, I guess :o. And I figure that after handling it for a month or two during construction, it may need to be cleaned before gifting.