My friend has made hundreds of bowl cozies in different sizes that she sells at craft shows and to friends. She does not pre-wash the batting or the material and they come out very nice. I have several of them in different sizes, have washed them in the machine and let dry on top of the dryer. They are still very nice. By the way, she buys the Wrap n"Zap in rolls from Wal-Mart on line at a good price.