I pre was all my fabrics. Set washer on gentle or fine cycle. Much less tangling of strips. I have also found laying pieces flat on top of dryer before putting in to get out wrinkles. I keep scissors on dryer to cut string after washing. Also using mesh bag to hold small pieces helps tangling. Pre cuts shrink one direction. charms come out 4.5 x 5. Use color catchers. I do not wash reds & purple with whites on principal. I have also washed pieced tops on gentle cycle.