I don't always wash my yardage but I always starch it. I put it in the washing machine on a rinse cycle and let it rinse and spin , then I take it outside and spray it with a 1/2 and 1/2 mixture of Sta-Flo starch and water. I also use a garden sprayer for my yardage, it saves time and stress on the hands over the pump sprayers. I spray both sides and allow to dry. Then I bring it inside and iron it with grain. You will think the fabric is way too stiff but I think you will be amazed at how well your blocks go together and how flat you quilt lay when finished. Be sure to work on getting a narrow binding , front and back. I cut my bindings 1 3/4 inches , then fold in half and sew it to the front of the quilt with a scant 1/4 in seam , press toward to back and ladder stitch it to the back. It is always good to hear of a newbie and to know you are wanting to do the correct things. Good Luck.