I started as a garment maker, too so I wash everything. I am about to start on two different quilts- all kaffee fassett fabrics. One is several techniques- foundation pieced, english paper pieced, and appliqued. The other is raw edged appliqued. I had yardage, the 6" rolls, fat quarters and layer cakes. I serged them all except the layer cakes since they were pinked. the layer cakes shrunk every which way! some were fine but others were a good inch in one direction and others the other direction. I always serge the edges first so I don't lose any yardage- it takes a few minutes, but it keeps it beautiful! When raw edge appliqueing they say the chemicals on the fabric really make a difference in the way the fusible holds when using a light one like Misty fuse. Raw edge gives me the chills enough without asking for trouble!