What's interesting here is that no one mentioned using Retayne in the wash. I sometimes do wash and use it, but hate ironing large amounts of fabric. If you don't iron, cotton is going to be all wrinkly, which I don't like. Years ago I bought a small mangle at a firehouse sale. Came from a local inn that used it for linens. It was great for fabric. Eventually it died, so I'm back to the iron. This board "requires" that all swaps be made of prewashed fabrics. Does this mean some folks ignore that? I'm about to make blocks for the batik swap and was thinking I should wash the pieces I intend to use for it.