Because of severe allergies I wash everything before I use it.

I have a rule: if it's going in a wall-hanging, I don't need to pre-wash; if it's going in a quilt, it definitely does need to be pre-washed. We had this discussion on the "Quilt Show" web site, and everyone had a different opinion except Alex and Ricky who had the same rule. I think it's best to pre-wash: you get rid of all the "sizing" that is put in it to make it feel good to us quilters and if it's going to bleed, it will in the wash. Also, I don't put it in the washer unless it is more than 4 yards. I hand-wash it in 1 yard segments. That way, I can see if it going to bleed. If it does, I wash it several times, then treat it with a 1/4 vinegar and 3/4 water cold rinse. I've been told that this "sets" the fabric and helps to keep it from bleeding in the future. Hope this helps.
Myra

I also agree to not prewashing a kit. But I always use SHOUT color catchers when I do wash a quilt to prevent running of obvious colors such as reds, purples even some bright colors. But I never wash charms or fabric that is pre-cut and in strips.
I have learned the hard way, that I need to prewash fabric that has come from my LQS or a local store here in town, to remove the chemicals that leave it stiff and hard to work with, not to mention that several women on this message board are allergic to the chemicals.
Stephanie

No washing....

I also just got fabric from Connecting Threads. I am not washing it as I wanted to get right to cutting it up and making the top. It's for our neighbor who was recently diagnosed with Lupus. The cold really bothers her, so I'm making her a throw & I want her to have it soon!

Some people swear by it and some don't. I only prewash if really worried about bleeding. It's just a personal preference really. :) :-) :-)

Don't prewash either...too lazy and takes the sizing out..

I prefer not to wash, but you do run the risk of colors bleeding. There is a liquid product you can find at quilt shops and online (I can't think of the name off hand) that helps prevent bleeding. I haven't used it myself, but my sister-in-law uses it all the time.

:arrow: Comments from those who have used it???

I do use Color Catcher with my clothes, but it's not 100%. I've started tearing it into three pieces to maximize contact in the washing maching.

I know you can premordant wool with alum to help color "stick" to the fibers when dying. I wonder if you could make your own color catcher with cotton????? :roll:

I like to wash mine. I wash first. Then turn the machine on again but put ion to the rinse cycle. I add liquid starch, a cup full to half a load. Then into the dryer. When it comes out and I iron it, it is almost like from the store. I turn the timer of the dryer on for just enough time to leave the material slightly damp. So much easier to dry.
Rita

I prewash everything because I have had fabrics split on me from the stiffness of the sizing.