Ann63

I snip the corner of FQs, then put into mesh bag..for fabrics more than a yard, I serge the ends.

lab fairy

I pink the edges. It is cheap, fast and works great. There is no warping from pulled threads, etc. I also throw the fat quarters and fat eighths into a mesh bag or pillowcase to wash.

PMY in QCA-IL

I separate FQs and put 2 or 3 into mesh laundry bags. Luckily, my washer has a very gentle - hand wash - setting, so I use that. Snipping off a corner at the selvages helps some to avoid long ravels. I just soak charms, but don't buy jellyrolls (at least not fabric ones!!) I include color catchers when I wash colored fabrics.

gaigai

I don't prewash anything. But for the IRR, I would put the piece in a bowl with hot water and a drop of dishwashing liquid, swish it for a couple minutes, then rinse in cold water, wring by hand and then iron dry. No raveling. Unless it was Moda fabric. That ravels like crazy.

Quilter2B

I haven't tried this either. I never did anything to the cut edges until I read it here on the Board. I had some heavy woven fabric that needed something to keep it together so I machine basted along the cut edge. My fat quarters I threw into a small mesh bag - those came out good. Still haven't done anything with my cottons though. I have a front loading machine and I've noticed that I don't get much fraying. :thumbup:

lovequilts

I never prewash anything but stuff I get from thrift stores or garage sale. Any quality fabric from my LQS is not washed.

featherweight

Those are the only fabrics I prewash too!!!!

Dragonfly Nana

mesh bag or an old pillow case

quiltluvr

I'd just soak the strips in the sink. FQ's you could soak too but I wash with the rest of the stuff. Most times there's shrinkage and some wonkiness after too.

Jan in VA

After switching from a top loading to a front loading machine I've noticed the same thing. I'm delighted!

Jan in VA