Thanks everyone. I think will try the accordion method.
Speaking of that, there is a YouTube video by Kaye Wood, you can Google this:
Bold Beginnings Quilting Stencils and Paper.mov
The video begins with Kaye reading a viewer tip about how to launder a long length of fabric and it
won't get all twisted...using accordion folds and safety pins. She says it works.
The main topic on the video is good too, very worth watching.
~Neecie