Thank you all for these tips. My fabric is off white 100% cotton. So, I think I will cut it into three sizes for 10" blocks and wash them all. Then I can iron and size them. This way I know they won't pucker as much after they are stitched. I am making 8" squares, so I am cutting 10" squares to fit over my hoop with room to spare.
I have Nancy Z's quilting video. I hope I can put it all together after I get the squares done. I plan to use iron on stabilizer with stitching it out.
Sandra