Washing tips...

[tcbeginner]

I just got back my first quilt, from the quilter. I'm mailing it to a friend in Iraq. All the materials were washed to begin with, should I wash the final product, would it hurt?

[Leetec]

It probably wouldn't hurt but unless it's dirty there's really no need to.

[Littlebit]

I love to wash a quilt before I give it away, gets all the stiffness out of it, makes it more cuddly for the recipient

[MAWmum]

I like the stiffness so I don't but it really is up to you. Carin

[knitnoid]

I wash all of my quilts before they are given away. My quilts get 'cat approval' so there's bound to be cat hair on them. Also, the shrinking/crinkling that happens when a quilt is washed & dried the first time hides a multitude of imprefections in my quilting.

[FranW]

Always wash mine - I count on that to hide the mistakes. Also makes it nice and soft.

[MastiffMomQlt]

I wash mine, it gets rid of the sizing & basting sprays I use.

[sewcarolyn]

I love the "cat approval" mine get cat tested throughout the whole process. I have taken to tossing my finished top into the dryer prior to quilting to remove some of the hair. I then press it and move to the next step.

[sunsup]

I've never washed a quilt. Maybe I'll give it a try and see if I like the way it turns out.

[gardenquilter]

i dont wash mine - if the quilter handled it properly it shouldnt be dirty