if the fabric i buy is stiff and or overly wrinkled or of a low quality cotton i will serge the cut ends of the yardage and put the piece through a quick wash and rinse then hang on clothesline or dryer rack to dry to the barely damp stage. then i use a dry iron and press. also if it is a color i am afraid of bleeding i will also use one of those color magnet thingies in the wash water-they work great!