The only fabrics I pin before washing and drying are skinny strips - 1/3 yard or less - to keep them from tangling with each other.
I also wash long lengths - I overcast the raw edges first - and usually they behave well.
I do unfold the fabrics before putting them in the washer to minimize fading on the fold line - and wash on a short, gentle cycle.
If I take the fabrics out of the dryer as soon as they are dry - my dryer has a setting for how 'done/dry' I want the items - and fold them - usually they are smooth enough to fold and store until ready to cut.
When I take the long lengths out of the dryer, I fan fold them at 24 inch 'intervals' and then fold that so it's 12 inches wide and then fold it selvage to selvage.
I do iron/press the fabrics right before cutting to get rid of the fold lines.
Last edited by bearisgray; 05-12-2012 at 02:55 PM.