Same thing happened to me recently. I didn't really want to wash my fabric either, as they were all scraps. My dear neighbor, a retired chemist, explained that after cigarette smoke falls once it has risen in the air - when it comes into contact with fibers it becomes a goo like substance that is difficult to remove. An acid based product like lemon or white vinegar can be added to the laundry soap. Unfortunately, washing in the washing machine is best.
I put all my scraps into two different pillowcases, and once the washer was full of water and laundry soap, I added 1 cup of white vinegar and one cup of baking soda. The soda is not necessary, but is a neutralizer and does not hurt. I don't have a gentle cycle, so used Perm Press. Still, at the end, I had SUCH a huge wad of knotted up fabric, that it took me FIVE hours to detangle, cut threads and iron these scraps.
The person posting these scraps for sale did not mention any smokers, and in my excitement of finding something I wanted, I forgot to ask. :cry: Well, I've since learned my lesson, too. The good news is all the smell DID come out and my scraps now seem to be fine. Best of luck to you.