I'm another that really doesn't care much what happens during my initial ironing phase. One thing I do make sure to check is that it is folded in half on grain to make sure I don't get the dreaded 'v' when cutting. I leave my yardage in whatever size I buy it (1/3 of a yard to 3 yards or whatever); wash; dry; spray with starch (I use Sta-Flo mixed 1:1). I do let the starch absorb into the fabric for a minute or 2 so I don't get flakes when ironing.
Then I square up the end and start my cutting. Don't seem to have any issues.