Open out your yardage; accordion pleat it along the selvage approx every 18"; safety pin along the one edge; throw in washer; when finished pull out & shake it down into the folds again; and throw it into the dryer; then shake it when dried; remove pins. It has always worked well for me, although I know some people say it doesn't work for them. I use quilt shop fabrics so not sure how this would work on a very loosely woven fabric.