To pre-shrink or not to pre-shrink.

[grntuscarora]

That is the question.

I'm making a quilt for my daughter, and for the first time am using a needle punched cotton batting (Warm & Natural Needled Cotton). I've only used polyester battings on previous projects, so am in uncharted territory.

The maker says to expect a 3% shrinkage, but also says "Many quilters prefer not to pre-wash to achieve the unique effect created by the slight shrinkage of the batting when the completed quilt is washed." Instructions are given to preshrink if I choose to.

My question is-- What is the "unique effect created by slight shrinkage" that they're talking about? Shrinkage of any kind seems to me like it would create a wrinkly mess.

Quilters, your advice is requested. Should I take the trouble to preshrink or not. What will I wind up with if I don't.

PS Never posted in this particular forum before. Thanks for letting me post here!