NO ,Please don't if you want to use the fabric, after washing.

Fabric.com calls a "patty cake" a stack of 10" precut fabrics.

Thank you everyone for your responses... they really give me something to think about

I buy 5 and 10 inch pre-cut squares when they're significantly on sale ( I like the assortment of colors and patterns for scrappy uses). I ALWAYS wash before using, in a hosiery mesh bag. The 5" squares shrink at least 1/4 inch in one direction (lof), but they really don't fray.

If the charm packs shrink when washed, do you still use them when 5" squares are called for?

I never pre wash anything-way too much work and have never had a problem yet.

I've used a lot of precuts and have never washed them, never had a problem. The manuf. do not recommend washing precuts.

I thought a layer cake was 10" ? What are the small 2" about caled.? Confusion in names . I ave used the small squares in a bag. 10" in a quilt and 5" in various projects. Although I find them useful I do not like the mess they make so I take them outside and brush them shake etc to remove the bits. I don't wash them because I'm ready to get on nd time spent brushing is nough wasted time.

Maybe it is a layer cake when they are 10".. and the tag from this particular company just called it a patty cake.

I do not prewash my precuts. If a piece looks suspicious, I test it with a Q-tip and hot water. I can always decide not to use it or run it under the sink and roll it in a towel. But generally - that's a NO on the precuts.

I do not wash pre cuts. I've only used Moda or Bentarex precuts, but have never had an issue with either. I've probably used between 20 to 25 5" charm packs with no issues.

I do pre wash my yardage and fat quarters.