I'm hesitant to try to wash purchased jelly roll strips. Is there a way to do this that won't create chaos? The only reason I would wash them would be to use in a swap, so if it can't be done easily, I'll just do something else instead of using the jelly roll strips.

I think it would depend on the fabric type. If its batiks ... no need to pre shrink..... but they run ....and run... so soaking them inthe sink( i don't think you want to pretreat with retayne for a swap???). Then just let them air dry on a rack, and press.
Other cottons i would soak in the sink as well, to saturate the fibers ( you may find a few that will run and can seperate them at this point). The heat from the dryer will pre shirink them but doing alot will be quite a mess. Use a laundry bag for delicates , it will keep them from being quite so tangled.
I would not pre wash Jelly roll strips of Homespuns ....way too much raveling... unless you want to overcast the raw edges prior.

I don't wash my jelly roll. To much loss.

Don't prewash them. Precuts are the only fabric I don't wash.

Do not wash jelly rolls or any other pre-cut fabrics. You won't have the right size pieces when done.

If you prewash, you will have to measure them all to make sure they haven't shrunk :wink:

I don't wash jelly rolls. I have made two quilts using them and they turned out okay.