I'm a scrappy quilter mostly so I wash everything as it comes in the door. That way, I don't have to worry about bleeding or whether I'm mixing washed and unwashed. When I feel like putting something together I simply grab stash and cut knowing it will all behave in the same way. Even if it's a kit I wash because leftovers get trimmed up and go into stash bins. I have had bleeders and once is enough. I don't have the output of most of the quilters on this list, so for me having one quilt ruined after much thoughtful work is really too dispiriting.
Diana

I wash all my fabric as soon as I get it, except for fabric that I intend to use as a OBW. From what I've heard, CT kits consist of yardage, not pre-cut pieces, and they are generous with the fabric so they can be washed.

I wash, but only started because I found out last year that I am allergic to the formaldehyde in the fabrics. It works much better, but I still have issues from time to time.

do not wash kit fabrics first.. you may not have enough. especially if it is cut already.

Thanks for this information.

I purchased a kit from a quilt shop and asked about prewashing all material. She said the only thing that she washed were batiks as they were hand dyed. I purchased (elsewhere) two batik kits and instructions say to prewash. Well I did and several of the fat quarter pieces drew up considerably. The next time I think I will try without prewashing.

I don't prewash either, especially a kit, unless you are allergic. Just use a colorfast product when washing the finished product.

When I first started I prewashed everything and ironed but I have always hated ironing and it was a chore. Now I prewash only the reds and blacks that I use and cut everything else with that crisp new fabric feel I do wash my quilts always use cold water, gentle soap and gentle cycle and low heat in the dryer. I have quilts that have been used for children's beds and washed many times still very sturdy and still colorful. Since I machine piece and have them machine quilted by a very good quilter they have proven very useful. My granddaughter has one of the first and uses it regularly for her daughter has lots of black and jade and bright colors and we still think it looks great.

Pre-washed today-aaaaaagh-never again.

Humm, tough question. Depends if it is a kit, although some kits- like the Jenny Beyer one I purchased stated to pre-wash.
If the fabric doesn't run, then I be thinking I will not. I hate pre- washing fabrics! Takes me way to long to select my fabrics, then washing an drying. My vote would cast NOOO :thumbdown: