joe'smom

I pre-wash all fabric after zig-zagging the raw edges. I prefer that shrinkage occur before fabric is stitched.

bearisgray

I wash everything that can be washed before using it. Fabric, batting, trims -

For the last few years, I have started soaking things (like colors together) in hot water in a sink or some other container before then gently washing them by machine. DH does give me the old eye roll when every kettle in the house has fabric soaking in it.
He has learned to keep his comments to a minimum and I have learned that he wants a clear place at the table to set a plate while he eats.

https://www.colorwaysbyvicki.com/upl...edingquilt.pdf

Because:

I prefer a flat look -
Fabric and other components do not shrink at the same rate --
I do not want to deal with another bleeder - I have learned that almost any intense color - yellow, orange, red, purple, blue, turquoise, green, chartreuse, black, brown - can be a bleeder. If it's going to bleed, I want to know before it is incorporated into an item --
I want to know what the fabric is like when it is "naked/au naturel" - is it wrinkly, floppy, stiff? Still off-grain? How much sizing did it have?

I have measured hundreds of pieces of fabric before and after "washing" - "just because" - For me, the exercise of washing before cutting is worth the effort - and it is a bit of an effort. I am as eager to "get to the fun part" as anyone else.

I also wash small pieces of fabric before using them - I think if a large piece has characteristics that require washing, so does a small piece of fabric cut from the same bolt.

I also think that excessive agitation and/or crowding of the fabric in the machines while washing and drying them is what will give new fabrics that "used/old" look.

I want to have the fabrics be able to tolerate washing by someone that will "just throw the quilt in the wash".

The quilts I make are for fairly hard use - I expect them to get grubby. However, they are not meant for someone using them as an oil catcher.

I do fear burns, bleach, and tears.

I also overcast the raw edges of most of the fabrics before getting them wet. That also saves time - and fabric - in the long run. I would rather lose about 1/8 inch on each end then deal with the raveling and fraying that can happen with raw edges.

bearisgray

Short answer -

Yes, I wash my fabrics before cutting them.

I consider overcasting the edges to be my "pre-washing" step.

Rhonda K

Yes, I pre-wash for quilts. I want the fabric to shrink at least once. Hopefully the finished quilt size "stays the finished quilt size".

Iceblossom

I'm a big believer in prewashing and for that reason I don't typically buy precuts like jellyrolls. Long skinny pieces knot up the most during prewashing, but small squares/scraps can be washed in lingerie bags which helps a lot. On a side note, after dealing with scraps and stash for decades, in the last couple of years I've decided that I simply don't want to store/deal with pieces less than 6.5 x some sort of rectangle. Even if I'm cutting 2.5 strips, I can always cut down my larger pieces but I can't cut "up" a jellyroll.

I do color test specific pieces of fabric, but usually wash like colors along with my regular laundry. I do throw in a dye magnet thing, if it comes out darker than expected I re-examine the colors. I really dislike the ironing part and find about 6 yards of fabric is all I'm really willing to deal with in a single load, and if possible I like pieces 3 yards and less. Fabric preparation day is part of the process but is not my favorite step.

The prewashing does clean the fabric -- I've seen some packaged fat quarters particularly that had grimy edges. It removes any scents, sizing, starch etc and lets me know the true condition of the fabric. I am "sensitive" to many chemical smells, they make my nose run without technically being an allergic reaction.

The washing and drying sets the shrinkage rate, and if the fabric doesn't hold up to use, well I know it sooner rather than later. I've had expensive "brand" name fabrics turn flimsy as cheesecloth after washing, and then I've had cheap ones that never softened up! Both fail. But once my fabrics have been washed and put in the stash, they are ready to go.

mmunchkins

I prewash almost everything. The only thing I wouldn't prewash are the jelly rolls, due to fraying. I also prewash all new clothes and other textiles, such as towels and sheets. Come to think of it, I also wash any new kitchenware, such as silverware, dishes, glasses, pans, etc.

Mariposa

I pre-wash all my fabrics. I like knowing that I'm getting rid of chemicals, and other "dirt", and checking for bleeders, etc.

quiltingcandy

I pre-wash everything because the chemicals destroy my fingers. And I even use a salad spinner to wash my pre-cuts. I only had a problem with bleeding once but it wasn't quilt related. I do a lot of machine embroidery and always wash to stop the shrinking, that can really be a disappointment when it gets all distorted.

quilting cat

I Always prewash. If small pieces, batik or questionable colors, hand rinsing in white bucket is reassuring.

Synnove

You betcha I pre-wash. Everything. Like colors go together in the washer, and anything that's a medium value or darker goes in with a color catcher. I repeat the washes with additional color catchers until they pick up very little. I recently used a red next to white in a quilt and was horrified when the red dye ran onto the white when moistened by the glue basting. Fortunately it all came out once I washed the completed quilt -- with, yes, a color catcher.