If it's a yard or less, I cut across the ends with pinking shears.
If it's more than a yard, I zigzag the two ends together. This also helps eliminate the fabric getting all twisted up in the washer and dryer. When I'm ready to use it, I just cut the stitched end off with the rotary cutter.
I also never run a full wash cycle. I have an express cycle on my washer for very small loads, and I use that cycle on gentle for fabric.