"made in China" fabric I have to wash because I am allergic to the chemicals they use, and so is my family.

There are advantages and disadvantages. I don't prewash anything except cheap fabric and batiks. Flannel is going to run - so don't use white and use a lot of water. I have not had any fabric from a quilt shop run since about 1997, although I would not trust batiks not to run. Keep in mind that all fabrics have been treated with pesticides. This could have a negative effect on a small number of quilters.

i wash every thing even muslin she way my quilt teacher taught us in her classes

Starch and sizing is "makeup" for fabrics.
I like to know what a fabric is like in it's - more or less - "natural" state
I still think that if a fabric is "too limp" or "too flimsy" to use after washing - it is not worth using at all.
I've also found many moderately priced fabrics to behave as well or better than some higher priced fabrics.

I usually don't pre-wash, however, there are a couple of exceptions. I ALWAYS pre-wash any fabric that I have been given that was part of someone elses stash, or fabric that I got from yard sales or thrift shops. I ALWAYS pre-wash batiks. I serge the cut edges of all pre-wash fabrics before I wash them to minimize fraying. I ALWAYS wash my finished quilts before gifting them.

I pre-wash everything except pre-cuts (jelly rolls, charm packs, layer cakes). I use a gentle/slow cycle on my washer ando not have a problem with fraying even on the fat quarters. The fabric gets washed as I select it for a project not once it first comes home. I have a friend that washes all fabric as soon as it comes in her door and, therefore, it is always ready to go. I prefer my method as when I am ironing it (with starch), I review my selections and often times will change something out. I guess I just like playing with the fabric until it's time to cut it.

I've also come across imperfections or nicks - even in LQS fabrics - GASP! - while ironing/pressing it before cutting it.

Duplicate message. Oops

I mostly pre-wash, as I can't stand the smells on the fabrics! Sometimes it doesn't happen. I then use Magic sizing before I iron, as it doesn't smell too much for me.

I prewash for shrinkage and running colors I would prefer not to wash ahead of time so what is this Best Press and where do you get it if you don't mind my asking. Thank you in advance. Sue