I don't pre wash unless it is flannel. I have too many large pieces of fabric used for backing that makes washing difficult, and drying becomes a knotted mess. But the quilt will get washed after it is finished. For my birthday I gifted myself with a Rowenta steam generator iron like Donna Jordan has. What a difference it makes in being able to make a nice flat block. I also have a large ironing table, so the ironing process is fun for me. I also have learned to finger press each seam as I go along, making the final press much easier, and a time saver too. The block will get pressed from back AND front at that time.