Major shrinkage

[Loonwatcher]

Ivebeen making small baby quilts for gifts for people that I don't really know well. They are a great size for a carriage or the car seat - about receiving blanket size. Quick to make up. The one I posted earlier this week was about 33" x 33" but when I washed it it lost about three inches each way. Isn't that a lot of shrinkage for such a small item? It was all flannel. I usually only wash after the quilt is done (no pre washing) because I'm so anxious to get started.

Does flannel usually shrink that much? If so, I guess I better learn to take the time to pre wash.