That is very interesting about the agitation @bearisgray and makes complete sense. I will try soaking rather than washing (not sure if my machine has a soak function so it may have to be the bath..)
Since the quilts are primarily intended as wall art rather than use, I think I'm ok with starching although I do know what you mean about it not substituting for fabric quality.
I'm actually still not sure I've been clear yet - so sorry, this must be frustrating for everyone. I don't mean wobbly outer edge or rippling across the body of the quilt, which can usually be fixed by blocking. What I mean is the tiny gathering around the quilting lines that creates a crumpled, crinkled look within the quilt lines rather than a smooth gently padded, rounded look in between the qullt lines. Two examples grabbed from the internet below - first is smooth, second is crinkly!
