I agree with always pre-wash flannel (I don't prewash anything else but let's not get started on that conversation here). I also don't use starch - dry the flannel and pull it out of the dryer as soon as it's done (or even a few seconds earlier) and fold or hang it to reduce the number of creases in it (I don't like to iron large pieces of fabric and found that hanging it over a shower rod helps here)....and make sure you use at least half inch seams with flannel. About that lint in the lint trap - save it and stuff it inside empty cores from toilet paper and you have great fire starters for camping or the fireplace....and I've used the lint that was a pretty color in art quilts...the ultimate recycling!