Most manufacturers of batting recommend that you open the batting and lay it out flat to relax for at least 12 hours before you are going to use it. Since I always forget :shock: to open mine the day before, I throw it in the dryer and toss it around for about 15 minutes. I have never thrown towels in with it--but I just might in the future--sounds like a good idea to me. I do not prewash my fabrics and I do not prewash my batting. I had never heard of prewashing batting until a few days ago in another thread!! Live and learn!