If I've pre-washed my fabric, I use sizing (I prefer it to actual starch) as I press the big pieces (if I have pre-cuts, I don't pre-wash them so they don't need starched). I also starch a little on the finished block. I usually always wash my quilts before I give them away or use them for the 1st time so the sizing washes out then & the quilt isn't stiff.