bearisgray

That is a lovely quilt. You did such a nice job of arranging the fussy cut pieces in your "flowers". That really made the design so much more special.

If line drying is the only option - let as much water drain from the quilt as possible before hanging it - and then drape it over several lines - that will spread out the stress some.

Also - (I learned this the hard way) - don't let a quilt set in a heap while it is wet. Even though one thinks the colors won't run - don't tempt fate by letting the wet fabrics touch each other for long periods of time.

As to "how often" should a quilt be washed - when it is dirty enough to bother you. That depends so much on how a quilt is used. If a quilt is on a guest bed covered by a sheet, maybe never would be often enough. For a quilt that is on a couch and used by someone every day, maybe once a month.

That is a "it depends" question - and answer.

Again - that is one of the most attractive hexagon quilts that I've seen.