Originally Posted by PURPLEROSE
sorry very new to quilting. then i sould wash first and if it bleeds don't use it. I want to make lap quilt to give to seniors in the rest home. they would be washed alot
With the exception fo flannel, I don't wash first. I just test the fabrics to make sure they don't bleed. (Drop a small square of fabric in a glass of water and leave for awhile. Also rub damp fabric against white fabric to make sure no dye crocks.)
A bleeder fabric gets washed in Retayne and tested again. A few might need a second treatment in Retayne. The only way I won't use a fabric is if it is still bleeding after two treatments with Retayne.
I have never found fabric shrinkage to be a problem. A little shrinkage makes the quilt "crinkle" like antique quilts.
Flannel I usually wash and dry twice because it can shrink so drastically.