How to wash pleated prairie skirt?

I have a long full pleated type spanish fiesta type skirt and want to wash it, I have heard you use rubber bands and put on a delicate type cycle to keep the pleats in tact,any other suggestions?

where can I find a crocheted or knitted,bohemian or prairie skirt pattern? With the multi-patterned material?

you know,like the ones that were so populat a couple of years ago?
Like this one?
http://www.theworldcloset.com/spring-floral-print-gypsy-skirt.html
instead of the material,I was going to make panels of lacy,crochet,in different colors.
Help! Any ideas,or where I can find a pattern for one??
to crochet or knit,myself.
I want to know where I can find the crochet or knit pattern.