I really like the the wrinkly crinkly look, so I didn't do anything to prepare the fabric or the batting- I did check the fabric to be sure that it didnt run, but that was it. I figured that since this quilt was for a baby that it would be frequently washed anyway, so I said what the heck and went for it! Washing it totally changed its appearance. I put it on air dry only in the dryer, since this is Oregon and it was raining the day I washed it- no out on the clothesline that day! (it seems it rains all year except for the summers :D)