Originally Posted by damaquilts
oh boy I was going to try one of these. I have to wash fabric. I cannot stand the chemicals in them. Maybe if I am really careful when I press.
I've made four OBW tops now (two are quilted and done). I always prewash, never use starch or sizing, and it turns out well for me.
Of course I don't have the comparison - for all I know I might find it a lot easier if I ever worked with unwashed - but I'd sure say, if you have to get rid of the chemicals then do go ahead and wash. Press with care, take your time lining up your repeats and you'll be fine.
One really important thing for me has been not to cut every 24'' (or however long the repeat is), but to look at the fabric and make sure I make my cuts along the same line in the pattern every time. Lining up the ruler along the same two leaf tips or whatever.