loisf

I always wash the quilts that I quilt myself, because I use glue basting. Ones that I have had long-arm quilted, I did not wash. I do not like the crinkly look myself. In fact, I iron both front and back of my quilts after washing/drying and before gifting. That really helps get rid of the "used" look. Recipients are always pleased to know that they have been washed already, because it eases their minds about caring for the quilt. And I always prewash my fabrics.

quiltingshorttimer

poly bat doesn't shrink

zozee

I first try to get a photo outside immediately after finishing the quilt. I think the pattern and fabric show up better in pictures before the crinkled look. And of course, being outside, it will get something on it, no matter how careful I am.

Then I wash mine in either Dreft or Arm & Hammer Free. Dry without sheet. Then I check for flaws and snip loose threads. Next I iron it as flat as possible and gift wrap. Usually the party is 10 minutes after I finish wrapping it, LOL. I try to include a little note with the quilt saying it's been washed, the crinkled look is normal, and it's brand new, specially made for them.

Mkotch

I have labels with washing instructions. But I like the give a crisp quilt.

Fizzle

I do although I do like the look before washing! Especially for gifting. I also make a lot of rag quilts out of flannel and do wash them! A CO worker brings in her completed, washed, quilts to show before she sends off to recepient and they generally have dog hair on them. Makes me a little nauseous! So I don’t know what I would prefer as a receiver? Washed with dog hair? Or unwashed with dog hair? I think some of it comes from the washer anyway!!

Genden

Like many things in quilting, there is no right or wrong answer. I don’t use glue or heavy starch. I don’t have markings that need to be removed, so I seldom wash a finished quilt. If it looks like it needs washing, I wash it. Otherwise, I don’t. Personal preference.

Rose_P

I wash all of mine for all the reasons mentioned by others. The only exception might be a little wall hanging.

hray

Except for small wall hangings, everything gets washed before being given away.
1. Since I don’t prewash fabrics, it removes the sizing
2. Since I do use BestPress, blue markers, Frixion pens, glue basting, etc., it will remove all those
3. I want to be sure the first washing won’t open a seam anywhere—and if it does, I can fix it before it leaves home.
4. Washing, giving “the crinkly look”, covers a multitude of Stitch in the Ditch or FMQ errors.
5. I can assure the recipient, “Yes, it’s washable! It’s actually been washed already for you!” I agree, this seems to set them at ease that they can actually use it.

Becky's Crafts

I wash my finished quilts because of the handling factor as well as if any seams are going to come apart on me, at least I can fix them before it's gifted. Plus it makes it softer. :-)

mamagrande

I don't wash my quilts. I do give written instructions on washing and most are gifted. I have two for my beds and all the other are or will be gifted. Most are queen size and most of the grands already have theirs and am now making another one for my four children. Oh, of course, starting one for an expected 1st great grandchild this Christmas. I do wash the baby ones, young mothers are sometimes are afraid to wash handmade items.