shirleyd

I always wash finished quilts because I'd rather if it's going to bleed or any seams come loose, I'd find it out before I gift it. I sometimes wish I didn't have to wash first because it looks good before washing, but after washing, I'm still happy with it. I also pre-wash the fabric before cutting because I'm so afraid it might bleed and ruin the finished quilt. All very paranoid!

donnaluigi

http://vickiwelsh.typepad.com/field_...read-this.html
this was posted the other day a very good read a women tested all different kind of stuff and found dawn detergent to be the best a must read

GrannieAnnie

You can use dish liquid in a dishwasher even, IF YOU ARE CAREFUL WITH THE AMOUNT. Too much is too much.

IAmCatOwned

I wash the quilt in cold water, delicate cycle and Orvus Paste. I give giftees washing instructions and recommended detergents. I'm less worried about seams or fabric bleeds than allergies since I have cats. I don't use the color catchers. The only fabric bleeds I ever had continued to bleed for four or five washes and certainly have overwhelmed little sheets. Also I don't use fabric softener or sheets normally since most if my clothes don't cling after drying and I hate the cloying odor.

T-Anne

I too always wash my quilts before giving them away. Taking a intense look at it after it has washed and dried always lets me catch anything that I had missed prior to the laundry. I also use the color catchers.