Definitely new fabric. If it matters to someone if the fabric is washed or unwashed they need to query the seller about it.

I am going to contact the seller, but think part of the problem I had with the fabric was that it was not just washed, put looked like it had come from an over filled dryer & was a WRINKLED mess.
Upsets me that people don't take pride in what they sell.
Oh well - still love it.
Thank you for all your input. - Just love this board

Interesting question.....consider clothing. Returned to the store unused and unwashed--it's still new. Washed and returned, even if unworn, the item is no longer in new condition.

Home definitions of new and commercial definition of new will not be the same. New, in retail, is as it comes from the manufacturer. Wash it and it's not that kind of new any longer. At home, new can take on many meanings. Are "new" and "unused" synonymous? No. I have feed sacks that have been washed but never unseamed--they're not new but they are unused (except for feed).

The seller should have more fully described the condition of the material. I expect to receive new, unwashed cloth unless otherwise specified. It may have been a beginner's mistake.