This is very much a personal choice, however, if you’re going to go to the expense and effort of sewing a quilt then I’d prewash. Smaller items that aren’t getting washed, well for me that’s another story. Weeks shares her insights and they are very helpful! Link to post.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I prewash my fabric for more reasons that simply colour but this is a good examply why fabric should be washed first.
I work in a fabric store and most fabrics are treated with a sizing that keeps it looking bright and fresh but the hand of the fabric changes after washing. Also the amount of dust in the store is phenomenal and considering the number of times a fabric is handled by dozens of hands in a single day it just makes sense to prewash fabrics. :)
You absolutely need to wash your fabric before you sew – you don’t know how much it will shrink in the first wash.
I LOVE color catchers , use them with every load.