When I start printing I like to stay in the flow. Flow is when the magic happens. So if I spend a day or 2 getting the materials ready then I can stay in the creative flow when I am pulling prints.
Soak or wash fabric in hot water with detergent to remove sizing and get the fabric ready for printing.
I like to dry my fabric the same way I would dry it under usual circumstance. This will pre-shrink it.
Hand printed fabric ready to be cut, pieced and sewed into a pillow cover.
Gelatin printmaking is amazing because the maker can pull delicate impressions very rapidly when using delicate tools and an ink that can hold the edge of the impression.
Some times it takes some experimentation to find the best combination of ink, tools and fabric. Once factor that is an additional challenge when printing on fabric is the competing texture of the fabric. It is easier to find smooth absorbent paper than it is to find similar fabric.
Another consideration when monoprinting with the gelatin plate on fabric is the intended use. If the hand printed fabric is going to be use for wall hangings and mixed media art pieces then you do not have to be concerned with durability or washability.
Some folks like to use the hand printed fabric in wearable art or quilts. Then you need to find the best ink or paint intended for that purpose. The printed fabric should be fixed or set according to manufacturers instructions. Even then I think the fabric should be gently cared for.
If you would like some help making the gelatin plate and learning to print on fabric, then you are in luck. The Monoprinting Fabric workshop is open for registration. Check out the details on the printmaking workshop page.