I trim the edges of my fabric with pinking shears to eliminate a lot of the fraying then put them into the white mesh bags used for washing delicates - if it is a large piece or if I have several large pieces I sew them into a pillow case - then wash on normal all together with color catchers - works very well - so far everything has worked out well - once they finish washing I take them out of the bags - trim any frayed edges and put into the dryer - I worry about different fabrics shrinking at different rates once in a quilt so I want them preshrunk before I start sewing with them - btw - the mesh bags can be found at Dollar Tree stores 3 for a dollar most times - this is one of the best bargan stores around if you have one nearby and haven't tried it yet do - you won't be disappointed