Ok this is the first time that I am going to be using the cotton batting. I know alot of people prefer that than the poly. Anyway, I was reading the wrapper. Do any of you wash and dry the batting first or just use it as is? I am about to use it for some potholders. I am awhere that a potholder verses a quilt it should't matter if there is a little shrinkage. But I was wondering if I am going to keep using this what is it that you do? And there is one other thing that I didn't notice at the store. Is there different type lofts to the cotton as there is with the poly?