Not cringing at all, BearIsGray ... Totally agree!!
Pre-washing (not just for panels, but all fabrics), lets you put the fabric into the worse conditions (hot water/dryer) and you know what you really have and the shrinkage is alrady dealt with!
Then I'd give it a good pressing. QuiltWoman44 has explained the press/iron difference well. I'd do that with Best Press to help you stiffen it up a bit. Then I'd trim it square, in all its off-grain glory! As SallyS explained, your quilting will stabilize the off grain concerns.
Most panels have borders on them already ... but I always cut them off as they are the true problem child if trying to use them in off grain times. After all, we can all make prettier and nicer borders than what come with printed panels.
Good Luck!
Last edited by QuiltE; 06-20-2024 at 12:07 PM.