Mitch's mom

Once it is quilted and washed the batting shrinkage will hide whatever small fabric shrinkage you may have. I would not worry about it at all.

quilterpurpledog

I used to pre-wash everything. Now I don't. I use these fabrics together and have never had a problem. However, I do use the color catchers in the wash after I finish a quilt. I have never noticed different amounts of shrinkage. Someone, above mentioned shrinkage of one-half inch on a five inch square. That translates to 3.5 inches in a yard of fabric or 10 percent. Can't imagine that!

Geri B

Took the words right out of my mouth......it will be a lovely quilt!

Vistacruise

Me, too. And I don't even own any color catchers. I make 10-15 quilts a year, never an issue. Living on the edge!

Manalto

The variable shrinkage that will occur after the quilt is finished and washed will not be apparent but will give the quilt some character and add to its beauty.

Anyone who is aware of the chemical residue left in fabric from the manufacturing process would wash it as soon as it comes home and and then hang it on the clothesline in the sun.

tessagin

I do for the reason of the irritating odor from the dyes that come from the fabric and a couple years ago prewashing clinched it for me when I saw a woman come from outside heavily perspiring and go back to corner deep among a lot of fabric to wipe her brow, face and pits. Luckily, I wasn't the only one since they have security cameras. The manager of the store and another clerk saw her and her companion who laughed and did the same thing. The 2 bolts they used had to be removed from the shelf and sent back to the manufacturer as damaged. Those were new 10 yard bolts. The females were escorted out of the store. Females with children have also been seen to wipe noses. Can you imagine if they weren't caught and maybe it was fabric for a baby/crib quilt?

Manalto

Maybe I'm overly cautious, but I feel that the presence of chemical irritants or carcinogens and, possibly, human effluvia make a pretty strong case for laundering.

Sewnoma

Oh gahhhh - some people have worse manners than wild dogs. I've never seen that, but I HAVE seen someone with a cold sneeze repeatedly into their hands and rub their nose, and then use those same hands to stroke and pet fabrics. Gross!

newbee3

I think it should be okay since 90% is not washed I would use the washed ones also

Gaga4Quilts

Lmao! Wow gross! Well I suppose I should wash the finished product before giving them out at least.

Thanks everyone for all of the helpful info, I feel a lot better about it now. <3 This is a great community.