Originally Posted by
sylviak
To keep from fraying, trim cut ends with pinking shears. I hope someone else can solve the tangling problem!
I don't trim, clip, serge, or stay stitch the edges of new fabric. Way too much trouble. I keep a pair of scissors on top of the dryer and trim any long loose threads after the wash cycle (top loader) before fabrics go in the dryer. I make sure they're flat before tossing them in the dryer, too.
It works perfectly for me. Haven't had a tangled, wrinkled, knotted fabric in years of prewashing everything I buy from fat quarters to double digit yardage. The bonus is I get to use the 'thread trash' as embellishment for art quilts.