I wash them because I have dogs in the house, so as a precaution I just do it, though I like the "new" look.

Absolutely. When I sew it literally drags on the floor, I set it out on the floor, Miss Bess likes to sleep on it when I am binding it and most of all and most importantly, to me, is that it gives it the old look, the poofy feel and looks like it is really loved. Just gave a quilt to my friend yesterday and she loved it. The first thing she said to me was (and I will add that she is legally blind), "Edie, it feels so soft." I rest my case. Happy Super Bowl Day!!! Edie

I wash all my fabric before I begin the quilt.

Yes I wash all my quilts before giving as gifts. I send a note on how to keep it looking great through all the years of using.

I wash my fabrics before quilting, but dont wash my finished quilts before gifting...UNLESS for charity that requires doing that.

I wash all fabric before I cut, but not after finished.

I agree with you as I also wash before giving as a Gift.

I always wash & dry mine before giving to soften it and to make sure all sewing stays intact. I do however only use perfume & dye free detergents & dryer sheets, especially if it's a baby quilt.

I love these two quotes, both are so true.
No one has ever become poor by giving. - Anne Frank
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. - Martin Luther King, Jr.