Hi & Welcome to the wonderful world of quilting!
I don't pre-wash but do use starch for most all fabrics and piecing. I feel it helps me with better seams and especially HSTs.
For larger pieces of fabrics, I spray with starch and then hang in shower till damp. Sometimes I pop it in the dryer if I'm in a hurry. All fabrics for any ac-cuquilt cutting is always starched too. My preference varies but Best Press, Niagra Starch Plus (blue, white, yellow can) and Stay-flo. I'm not a loyal starch brand. LOL!
Good luck on your quilting journey!