Washing a Quilt before gifting it.
 

Do you ever wash your quilt before gifting it? I am not talking about washing the fabric before you piece and quilt it. I am referring to washing it after you have completely finished it? I really messed up on some quilting and would like to conceal it best I can. The fabric used is mostly print, but also some solids. How do you feel about the appearance of a washed quilt vs a quilt that has not been washed yet.

I would never dream of giving a quilt that had not been washed. If there is a bleeder or a seam that came apart or something else I want to know about it beforehand and that’s why I always wash a quilt before giving it. It also washes out the starch, dust and anything else that might be on the fabric. I would be mortified to give a quilt and then have the recipient wash it, only to have something happen to it.

I do. I want to make sure the quilt will do okay with washing (seams and colors) and also want the recipient to be able to use it right away. And not have any surprises after they wash it. I do give them some color catchers too, and tell them to use them for the first few washes. I gave a friend a baby quilt last year and was happy i washed it since she wrapped up her newborn in it right away.

I wash every quilt after I finish binding. There is too much dragging about during the process and then there is Wally, my cat who has a great talent curling up on quilts as soon as I turn my back.

I agree with washing before gifting. I used to wash every quilt as soon as the binding was done, but I've not kept up with it lately, not sure why.

The last thing I do with my quilts gifted or not is wash and dry on regular settings. I know if I gifted a quilt with special instructions it would never get used. My card always says wash and dry as normal and if it gets worn out I will make another. Plus I want whatever is collected on it while making it to be washed away

Just wondering - if one wants a quilt to look "new" - as in no puckering - can one block it to get that "look"?

I also wash the finished quilt before sending it on its way. It gets handled a lot while being made.

Personally, I think quilts look like there is something wrong with them if they are not puckery. They are supposed to be puckery.

I always do for a couple of reasons. First I want to make sure nothing runs or does something funky and second I have cats and they find quilts no matter where they are!

[QUOTE=bearisgray;8430418]Just wondering - if one wants a quilt to look "new" - as in no puckering - can one block it to get that "look"?

I’m no expert but I believe that the batting plays the biggest part, as does quilting; there is the “classic quilt look” rather crinkly and divine. This is achieved by a natural fiber such as cotton or wool or a combination. The less crinkled look is achieved by a poly or other man made fiber. At least this has been my experience in my quilts. I like both looks and each one has a place depending on the type of quilt and personal preferences. I’m sure someone with far more expertise and experience will be able to provide better feedback.