I use Magic Sizing - about $1 at Wal-Mart.

I don't do anything, I just press it. I would say use starch.

Do you then torn when fabric is damp or is it dry after being refrigerated over it, but cold?

I starch the living daylights out of my material. My DH swears he could cut a finger on the edge.

Katmom, I iron the fabric when it is cool and damp. If the fabric is too wet, I'll put it in the dryer for a few minutes first.

Here is a link to an article that describes Anita's starching technique.

I can see pre-washing for quilts or for other projects what will be washed a fair bit, but what about making purses/totes? I have been making lots of them, and have not pre-washed the fabrics. I also like working with them when they have some body, but hate taking the time to pre-wash and starch etc. When I get a new fabric, I want to start cutting - NOW!! Do others on the board who make totes and bags for sale, pre wash??

Thanks for the link! Is it safe to assume you still need to press the damp fabric with the up and down method and not side to side ? Thanks for your help!

If you have not done it in the past no need to start now, I think it is a waste of my time. I did try it and it makes the fabric limp so then you have to starch it. So if you don't do it and it has worked in the past continue. Just wash with color guard when you wash it.

I hang dry my fabric on a drying rack or shower curtain rod. I don't totally dry my good cotton tees either in the dryer either. Just enough to get most of the wrinkles out, and then dry on a rack. I come from the old school of laundry, I don't like soft limp clothes. With Air drying, the cotton fabric holds a shape better,and then after drying I spray starch it. If the fabric is thinner, I use liquid (blue) starch and water in the sink, and drip dry it outside on the rack. Love the smell of fresh air dried fabric.

I don't. I wash it with detergent (but no fabric softener), line dry it, and iron it. I have not had any problems.