I don't pre-wash, and I starch my fabric to a consistency as close to cardboard as I can get :-D
I LOVE working with the fabric when it's like that.
My various longarmers sometimes complain because they have a hard time wrapping the tops on their machines because they are so stiff. :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
But I always, always wash the quilt when I get it back from the longarmer.
I use whatever heavy duty starch I can find on sale at the market - usually Niagra.
It's all about personal preference.