There are so many threads out there on this topic. I was sewing at my LQS this weekend and we were all debating the pre-wash subject. The LQS owner is an avid pre-washer and she has a washing machine and dryer in the shop which is so handy when you buy the back and binding at a class and want to work on it that day.

I recently got a hand me down front loader washing machine and use the speed cycle to do my pre-washing and I have noticed less raveling with the front loader. When I come home with fabric it goes straight to the laundry pile.

This is somewhat off topic...but since Missi brought up raveling...

To try and do our part we do our best to recycle, cut down emmissions etc. We walk more, drive less. I've also started hanging my laundry out to dry rather than use the dryer. Not only has it saved us from $25-45 per MONTH but it saves our clothes. I still do use the dryer to "shrink" any fabric that might, before cutting. But, when I use the dryer on clothing I get a good amount of lint. Probably a small handful from each load. I expect it's from the clothes rubbing each other and the inside of the dryer. So, not only does hanging clothes out to dry help save energy and $ it also extends the life of your clothing. Just thought I'd share. :>

I want a clothes line soooo bad. I grew up with one and love the smell of line dried sheets. I have a back yard with lots of trees - so that means lots of shade and lots of bird droppings. Don't want those on my clothes.

I always prewash my fabric. I always wash it as soon as I bring it home. And I sew up the cut ends to help prevent raveling. Washing removes excess chemicals and dyes from the fabric.
And I always put vinegar in the rinse cycle.
Alex Anderson on "Simply Quilts" says she always
prewashes her fabric.

I don't always wash but I do starch or use Best Press - which smells better - It helps with the straightening and cutting - check out Harriet's book Quilter's Academy Freshman Year -

Ewww. I've not had that happen yet, but our line is in pretty much full sun. I have brought in critters, though if I've left the clothes out too long(like overnight). Nothing like shaking out a spider. <shudder>

This is an age old question. I am a non-washer. I like the feel of crisp fabrics. Shrinking is not a problem unless you buy really cheesy fabric. During the latest boomerange swap I washed my fabrics becasue we were asked to. There were a few that came unwashed, and I liked sewing on them better. I feel it makes a crisper seam. Whenever I've used spray on stuff later, it just doesn't feel as good. And wrinkles - ugh, they are persistant little buggers

I don't some do.

I Never wash - I would give up quilting if I had to pre wash - it is such a pain!!! I use color catchers and never have runs. I love the crinkly look.
Judi in Ohio

Ok ladies thanks for all the advice. I do love Elanor Burns too so I just may not wash just yet. I personally hate all that ironing and it still doesn't have the stiffness even with starch..SO thanks..