I put no more than 6 yards of fabric in a rinse cycle, very few threads. Be sure to cut any threads before drying.

I also had to wash my entire stash. My autoimmune syndrome was affecting my lungs and I also was having blisters on the palms of my hands. My pulmonologist asked me to stop quilting for 3 months to see if that was causing or exacerbating my problems. The blisters went away and my breathing improved. So, I washed everything and yes, I dealt with all the strings. Now every fabric (except charms and strips sets) goes immediately to the laundry room. I wish you healing and renewed fun with your quilting; it will be okay.

I serge the raw edges before washing.

You could pink the ends and then they wouldn't ravel.

I don't use soap, but I always wash fabric in HOT water. The purpose is to shrink and remove any bleeding color. Hopefully the hot water will remove the chemicals.

I was watching an episode of Fons&Porter and there was a section where quilters write in with suggestions. One was to fan fold your fabric and safety pin the top and bottom of the folds. It works

I have a surger and surged my edges, like the idea of basting edges together too.

oh I feel for you! I do not prewash my fabric because of the threads but more so because I hate ironing it, some of the fabrics come out sooooooo wrinkled and I can't seem to get them out like I want. So I launder the quilt after I'm finished with it.

Whenever I go into a fabric shop I cough my head off, my hands get super dry from handling fabric, after reading this thread I think I plan to wash my stash as well. Thanks for bring this to my attention.

I use mesh bags or was thinking of one of those pillow case covers that are zippered and would hold more fabric.