wash it,, then dry it hot.
OX-Yoke "has" to say don't wash it because the unfinished edge will fray!
So ya loose a few threads and it tyes in a knot! So what. At least the chemical "sizing" is out. Use sizzors,cut the threads loose,don't sue OX-Yoke for wrecking you washer.
Shrinking (washing and drying) cotton does not change the charatoristics(spl?) we BP shooters need for patching. If anything the material is improved because it removes another variable of a forgein chemical(sizing) and any further change.
Just think of your old bule jeans. Gonna be a bitch, and care for'm through half wash and half dry,line dry'm,pressed just right, then bleach just the right places? or ya gonna just toss'm in,, dry'm when there done,, and wear'm?
good luk, it's purty easy really