I always use my pinking rotary and trim the cut edges of the fabric - learned the hard way just like you. Also, if they are fat quarters on charms, I DON'T pink them but I do put them in a mesh bag (got them at walmart cheap) about 3-4 to a bag along with a color catcher in each bag and wash them in warm water with a cold rinse. They come out rather nicely. I don't pre-wash a kit, just too much trouble but I do make sure then to NOT was the backing for those so that they are all on the same shrink level. Hope this helps.