I use spray "sizing" (Not Starch) before I iron - a light spray will generally do it and if you have stubborn wrinkles, just spray some more. If you do not pre-wash and need help with the fold from the bolt, just spray the sizing and iron.

I have to try Pamo's method with my next new fabric; when I have just a few pieces of fabric (several fat quarters or so), I also toss 1 - 2 old, clean towels in the dryer when I set if for 10 minutes or so....it provides more bulk and absorbency, and they come out fluffy and almost dry, rather than folded up on themselves and very wrinkled. Nancy

If it's already washed and wrinkled, I use Mary Ellen's Best Press clear starch alternative. You can get it with or without scent. I find it will take most of the wrinkles out.

Well, your TaDa moment was Brilliant.

cjbeg wrote:
Glad it worked for you. It was a TaDa moment for me when I tried the technique.

I just tried washing 2 yards of fabric using the accordion method and it worked just like promised. Thank you Thank you thank you. What a difference. Even the cut edge didn't seem to unravel as much. Don't know if it was technique, or that the fabric wasn't cut straight.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

I clip corners @ a diagonal to decrease fraying on the edges, then fold wrongside out in half, matching the cut edges and safety pin loose folded yardage every 18 inches or so along the selvages with a few down center (depending upon the length of the piece). Fat quarters get paired up and pinned together at the corners. Sent through wash and damp dry this way with MUCH less fraying and much less wrinkling. Used to get "broomstick" effect when prewashing yardage before someone suggested this and this has been a Godsend! You still have to steam press to get "perfect" for cutting but works.

I handwash my fabrics then spin the the excess water out in my washing machine, I then iron them, with a hot iron, straight from the machine whilst damp.

excellent idea Pamo, Have to try the fan and pin technique.

I also use the light setting on the machine.

I wash fabrics on a hand wash or delicate cycle with a quick or light soil setting. If it is yardage, I open the fold and fan fold the fabric at one selvedge. I safety pin it and it washes without getting into a twisted mess.
I only lightly damp dry the fabric. Yes, I iron it dry. Fold and store.

when i prewash the fabrics, i dont put them in the dryer, but let it dry slowly, in a normal way, after that, i do iron them with starch! that takes all the wrinkles out

I use cj's method-no more than 10 minutes in the dryer & I take the fabric out immediately & iron & fold it.

For me, I don't use the automatic setting on my dryer. I set the timer for about 10 min on low or med heat to get most of the moisture out, then press dry.

Be careful to not overload your dryer.....I put a few pieces in at a time and take them out still a little damp and the press them with a hot dry iron...and voila...crisp pieces for any project. I also find that depending on overall quality of fabric one sometimes hardly needs to press.