If a design isn't woven into the fabric, you can never be sure it was printed to the weave. The fabric is stretched to the limit and the printing goes fast. You can't count on it being true to the weaving so if you are going to use something with stripes or even a floral design you have to watch carefully before doing anything. Yes, fat quarters are but with the rotary cutter and no consideration taken to go with a design. That is one reason I don't wash the fabrics first. An expert quilter told me she never washes the fabric before using it in a quilt, takes the newness out of it and I don't wash a quilt unless it is dirty.
Carol J.