I sort of wash fabric by hand in my machine. I put a little water and detergent in my machine. I put my fq or yards in the machine, beginning with the lightest colors. I swish it a little, not enough to make it ravel. I take it out and let it sit in my sink while I swish the others, darker and darker colors. If none of them run, I'll put them back in and spin them out together, then add rinse water. I still swish them by hand or wooden spoon. They don't ravel, don't get very wrinkled. I set the machine near the end of final spin. After that I fluff them out in the dryer and iron them. (I wash wool sweaters the same way.)It doesn't take much water or detergent or time.