I am in the only wash flannels or batiks. I much prefer to work with fabric that has its original fold and do not like to press any more than I have to. This industry has changes so much in the past years that fabric dye do not run or bleed as a general rule. But again its all up to your personal preference but in the past serveral years of quilting I have not had any run or bleed. another factor is to watch the quality of the fabric you purchase. the higher end fabric are just that; You pay for what you get.