when i prewash my fabs, I only soak to make sure they are color fast, then put through spin cycle. no soap. then dry until barely damp and air dry rest of way... never thought of using starch before cutting but very good idea... you can spray your starch before you iron but make sure the starch is dry, or iron then starch warm section. You would have to iron/starch small sections at a time... the hot fabric absorbes the starch much quicker then you don't have a mess on your iron plate.