quilttiger

I have been washing gift quilts first if they are meant to be used on the bed or as lap quilts. I also provide washing/drying instructions. If they are wall hangings, they are not washed. I also love the soft quilted look when a quilt is washed.

cactusmomma

nhweaver, I do not prewash my baby quilts for the same reason....tell mom it has not been washed because I figured she would want to use her own detergent. I always include a color catcher and tell her it will crinkle up when it is washed so don't panic. I've seen the quilts since they've been using them and they look great. So far I've only given away baby quilts. I'm in the process of making one for one of my sisters so when I'm done I don't know if I'll wash it or not. Probably not because I'll probably be taking that last stitch on the binding as I wrap it to give it to her. :-) But, I love all the information on here as to why people do wash before gifting. Thanks everyone.

Charming

Wow I am surprised...don't we learn something new everyday!
I always wanted to wash the quilts before giving anyone but thought it was not nice giving them something that looks used...lol
Thanks for asking the question...

katesnanna

I always wash my quilts before gifting or donating.

carslo

yep, this is me also

Boston1954

I wish they could still look new also, but at the same time with the chalk that I use to draw the stitching lines, and the cat hair etc., it is probably best to get those things out before you give it away.

JoanneS

I pre-wash both fabrics and batting - 80/20 W and N. Sometimes the fabrics are prewashed several times until the color catchers no longer catch colors! I don't wash the finished quilt before giving it away, because I love the crisp look. I always give giftees washing instructions and emphasize that it has been machine pieced and quilted, so it is very safe to be machine washed and dried. I tell my giftees that I wash and dry my own quilts that way.

mighty

I have never washed them before gifting them, but now think maybe I should.

anniebannanny

I always wash! Besides, don't you want to see what the recipient is going to see after they wash it.....it doesn't stay all crisp and new forever. And besides, I love that crinkled look...it gives a quilt character and a sense of belonging.

caspharm

I always wash before gifting. I generally don't prewash and use color catchers as well.