How Do You Wash Your Fabric

Hi all!
I have stockpiled a little bit of fabric - some yardage, some FQs. Now, I just threw some in my washing machine and they came out all snarled and tangled up!!

Is this poor fabric, or do I need to wash my stuff on the gentle cycle?

Do you use a lingerie bag for smaller pieces?

(palm against forehead!)

I'm sure they aren't ruined, but everything is going to get twisted in the dryer and all tangled up.....argh.

Thanks!

carri

You should wash your fabric the way that you will wash the finished garment or project.  You don't want it shrinking on you.

I've had this happened a lot of times.  I try to keep my loads to just one yard or a couple of pieces.  They seem to get more tangled in the wash than they do in the dryer.  If it happens, I gently cut them a part.  It usually doesn't ruin the fabric.

I've heard some people pink the edges before washing, but I don't have enough time or patience to try this method.  I'm just in too much of a hurry 

I'm interested in hearing what other people do before washing.

Cutting the corners off should help the fraying.  I also try to cut off excess fraying after taking the wet pieces out of the washer -- before they go into the dryer.  It's also helpful to take the pieces out of the dryer when they're still a tiny, tiny bit damp and immediately press them.  Overdrying can make for some serious wrinkle issues.

I throw it in with the other laundry I'm doing, since I wash it the way I would if it were already sewn. Cold water wash with an extra rinse and a Color Catcher thrown in for good measure.

I always serge the cut edges before washing to keep from fraying. I have washed large 5-7 yd pieces & didn't have any trouble. I usually iron it before cutting anything out.

I forgot to say that I usually wash all fabric in cool water & dry on low unless its heavy fabric.

Ditto, as above, serge edges, cold water, low heat in dryer. That's how I wash most of my clothes!
Serging (or zig-zagging) the edges really keeps the fabric from getting frayed and a tangled mess.

I wash my fabric twice.  The first time I just trim any loose threads off really quick and throw it in with the rest of my clothes.  I usually do not have enough fabric to make a whole load of it.  Smaller pieces I put in lingerie bags.  After drying I usually pink the fabric for the second washing.  The pinking also helps me know which fabric has been washed already.