i always step outside and give it a good shake right out of the bag when i get it home from the store- before i take it into the house- and i try to purchase it in a way that i can just piece it and not cut it more (such as getting 2 (2yd) pieces instead of 4 yards---to keep the shedding out of the house- that is my only complaint about the stuff- the kids in my family always request it on the back of their quilts- but it is so....messy! when i order it i again- take the package outside, open it & give it a good shake...that helps