Fabric shrinks when wetness is applied; it doesn't matter what form that wetness is, water, steam, starch or Best Press. Personally, I prefer the shrinkage to happen when I wash the quilt after construction. The batting also shrinks. However, if unwashed fabric is used the crinkly look is somewhat minimized which I like. I also dry the finished item flat on the floor using a painters drop cloth (plastic sheet) to protect the floor. There are so many variables to deal