Originally Posted by Somerset Val
I always wash and starch my fabrics but only when I'm ready to use them. I use detergent but not softener. I've been surprised how 'out of shape' some of the yardage is after washing and am glad I did wash before cutting! When the fabric is starched and ironed, it has a lovely feel to it!
I think that fabric "relaxes" into its natural state after washing and that some of it gets distorted in the packaging process.