pumpkinpatchquilter

Thanks for reiterating with capitals, but I read the first post and am fully aware that it was for a "SWAP". ;)

I was just responding to stewyscrewy up there (who's post happens to be number 7 since you're kindly keeping track there) and I took it that she was asking why you need to prewash at all. Maybe she meant why do you have to prewash for swaps but didn't specify, so I was just putting my thoughts out there. ;)

sewingsuz

try not to load too much and I surege the edges before I wash and it is lots better. even if you zig zag the edges that are not salvage.

Get Away

I purchased laundry bags to put my material in. Thanks!
I will put on gentle cycle and not put as much material in the washer at one time. I loaded up the machine with alot of fabric.

Thanks everyone you all have great suggestions & will use them!!!

Farm Quilter

I fold fabric in half then accordion fold (about 15" wide, WOF is what I end up with), safety pin around the edges about 10" apart...wash and dry, little raveling and easy to fold or iron. Also, if you want to avoid the dryer and make ironing easier, hang the material up, spray with starch and let it dry. I do both with pieces FQ size and up. If it is smaller then that, I hand wash in hot water and lay flat to dry.