I preshrink the Warm and Natural batting before I stitch it. I put it in the washer in hot water and let it soak until it's good and wet (it floats so keep pushing it down into the water). Do NOT agitate it in the washer. Then I spin it out and put it in the dryer. It is softer that way and won't shrink as much the next time it's washed. I don't think it hard to push the needle thru. I change the needle often as they get dull with use.