I have made many quilts with black as a main color..black is like any other color when it comes to having lint and piles on it..the better the material. ..the less change of the piling..I always wash all my quilts in cold water with white vinegar the first time..it sets the colors ..after going that..none have ever bleed..the black won't wash out any faster than the other colors in the sun..u just notice it more..being in the sun is not good for any color..the material in time becomes weak..black is a great accent color..I think u will enjoy it ..if u put your worries over the color away..treat it like any other color..great quilt pattern..it will beautiful...