This is for Joaneau who asked how to control fraying when she prewashes her fabrics:
Yup- agitator washers can do a job on some fabrics. Batiks seem much less prone to this than others. If your machine has a "delicates" or "gentle, fast" setting try that. It does help. I also wash my fabrics in those zippered mesh laundry bags (unfold the fabrics so the water will penetrate!), especially for fat quarters which ravel from three sides! Fabric is getting too expensive to lose significant amounts in the wash!
Also consider keeping a scissors near by. (I hang mine on a cup hook screwed into the wall next to the washing machine, labeled "Laundry Room"). Trim the ravels and knots and untangle the fabric before it goes into the dryer. This lets the fabric relax and reshape and it is so-o-o much easier to press and fold later. Good luck!