Question on softening a used quilt

[Lainey]

Bought a double-bed size used quilt. Love the colors and starburst design; however, when I got it home I realized the fabric is very stiff. It's in excellent condition, but when I roll it out it feels like a thin rug.

Question for the sewing and fabric experts: is there an easy way to soften this? Should I just wash it and use some fabric softener? Should I just roll it or fold it and then roll or fold it the other way until it is more pliable?

[Float On]

I wonder if the previous owner added starch or something to protect the fabric while having it hung like in a wall display. Or if whoever made it didn't pre-wash the fabric before quilting. That may cause problems if you wash a quilt that wasn't pre-washed like pulling and shrinkage.
Maybe use dreft or woolite or other baby friendly liquid detergent. Handwashing might be prefered. Here are some basic instructions: http://www.quilting101.com/care/quilt-washing

[Teacher Terry]

If something has been starched it will come out when you put it in the washing machine or at least that has been my experience.

[flowerseverywhere]

It may be stitched on an interfacing type material. There was a quilt smart type product that was all the rage for these designs at one point. Is it handmade or factory made?

[Lainey]

It may be stitched on an interfacing type material. There was a quilt smart type product that was all the rage for these designs at one point. Is it handmade or factory made?

As far as I can tell it was hand-made, but am not 100% sure. I've washed it once but will try again, maybe a few more washings will do the trick.