I pre-wash everything and dry it in the dryer. I like to wash my fabrics before I use them because if they are going to shrink or the color run, I want it done before I use it in a quilt. I also preshrink my batting. I prefer Warm and Natural. I soak it in the washer in hot water but do not let it agitate. then I just spin it out and put it in the dryer. After I make a quilt, when I wash it, I do not put in the dryer. I line dry all my quilts. You will have some shrinkage but not as much if you line dry them. That is just my preference.