Sharon that is a very good question. Me I never wash my fabrics. I have been told when the quilt is finished to wash in cold water with a liquid soap and put in 4 or 5 color catchers. If you really want to wash them how about buying one of those net bags, that should keep them from messing up too much put in some color catchers and see how it goes.
I am looking into a new method of Quilt as You Go ladies, all will be revealed later.
Kathy "AS IF" we could ever forget you are in this. You are the leader of the pack so to speak
Elle