I start by WASHING and DRYING all my fabrics as soon as I get them home. Color fabric with colors and whites/background together in cold water. I am in Florida and our water on cold is like a medium temp water in the Midwest. NOTE: Red and White Quilt Pattern Coming Soon to The Quilt Ladies Quilt Pattern Shop.
When I use Pre-cut fabric I wash the quilt after the top is pieced, before batting and quilting. I still do this EXTRA step as shown below when using a solid color with a white background., after machine washing and drying fabric.
These are the fabrics that I will check for color fade. 
I make my own little washing, I use dish soap and hot tap water
Add fabric, move it around
Add lid and shake as a washer does. Let is set for a bit. 10-15 minutes.
Rise well, this fabric DID NOT fade.
IF NO fading please check for fade or bleed in drying. Lay fabric on clean white paper towel and let dry. Some fabrics will dry color onto another fabric.
These fabrics did NOT fade or bleed, time to cut a quilt ! !
Generations Quilts I have shared this post here for YEARS and it’s one of the best. I DO NOT like using any form of product on my fabric/quilts. But these products are here if you like. She has linked all in the post ! as I did.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/QuiltLadies
