Do I need to pre-wash quilt fabric?

[Quiltmom]

Guess it is just me, but I always prewash my fabric. As soon as I get home with new fabric I wash it right away before I press it and put it in my containers.

Sherry

[zfatcat]

Yes I do. I don't want to run the risk of color bleeding after I put all that work into a quilt. I have bought some high end fabrics and they still bled over. Especially the reds. Lori

[bichonsrfun]

I know I'm really late getting in on this. I always, always prewash the fabrics. Many fabrics are made out of the USA and may have chemicals. Washing eliminates these (hopefully!) Also, I add some liquid starch to the water so I'll have nice crisp fabric to work with.

[institcheswithrosie]

I sat in s seminar once and when this question was asked, the vote was about 50/50. The quality of the fabric has improved tremendously in the last 30-40 years. If you. Up quality fabric from a quilt shop there is really no need to was unless you are afraid of bleeding. Then just soak a small strip in hot water.
If you bought you fabric at somewhere like Walmart, I would definitely wash it or you may be very disappointed in the end result.

[Pilot2b]

I only pre wash colors that I think are not color fast, or fabrics I know will shrink.

[institcheswithrosie]

This us one of the greatest discussion points in the quilt world. In a room of 100 quilters, the answer would probably be split down the middle. I do not wash unless the fabric seems lesser quality and is a bright color. Usually I just wash the quilt before gifting with a couple of color catchers. Do what feels comfortable for you.

[Quilter7]

I was told to especially wash batiks because they are made overseas and the sanitary conditions are questionable.