I'd have to wash...but I'd do it by hand. They're not dirty, you're just insuring against bleeding and shrinkage before you use them so be gentle. Even if washing changed their size I'd much rather have to cut them to a smaller size and be able to use them in another project safely than risk using them unwashed and have them ruin my current project. Even some of the "great" fabrics these days are not as safe as one might think and reds (and it's relatives) are notorious. Whatever you decide to do, I'm wishin' you the best of luck!