It is not that big of a deal to wash fat quarters. I overrcas the raw edges before dunking them, but if one keeps the agitation to a minimum, that helps minimize fraying. One can also wash fat guarters - orr any size piece, for that mattter. - by hand.
If my granddaughters can wash their thong underwear by macine - which is a very small piece of fabric - a FQ is a huge amoint of fabric by comparison.