Messy Rag Quilt

I REALLY want to make a rag quilt!! I know that I can MAKE it, but I'm scared to death concerning the "ragging." Haven't found a local laundromat (looking for 3 years now!), so that means I'll be using my own washer and dryer to create the "effect." How in the world do I prevent a catastrophe, with all the threads and lint??? It's certainly not going to be worth it, if I have to have my appliances serviced or replaced!! On the other hand, considering the commonality of rag quilts, there must be a way to accomplish this look, without consequences! What am I missing here? :icon_rolleyes::icon_rolleyes:

When you pull it out of the washer - pull any long loose threads off before putting it in the dryer. Then empty your dryer lint tray every 5-10 minutes during drying time. Since you are in TX and I am assuming it is halfway warm there and it won't freeze, you can take it out of the washer and shake it outside before putting it in the dryer and every so often during drying time. I have done a fairly large quilt in my home machine. :) Lisa

I've made several and they do make a big mess everywhere. When you're finished with the quilt, take it outside and shake it like a throw rug to get out as much lint as you can before your wash it. You need to do what Lisa said, check your dryer at least every 10 minutes and empty the lint. When it's about half-way dry, shake it outside again and then back to the dryer.

When you're all finished with the quilt, remember it will shed again the next time you dry it. Be sure to check your dryer vent when you're all done. If you have the flexible tube that goes to the dryer, it can get clogged or leave enough lint that cuts down on your drying time for other things. Your husband will be thrilled cleaning this out for you.

Do you need to do these things if you go to a laundry mat or just if you use your home machine?

LOLOL - I think that is why a lot of people go to the laundry mat to wash rag quilts

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Originally Posted by andralynaa

Do you need to do these things if you go to a laundry mat or just if you use your home machine?

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I made a small rag quilt and I put it in a pillowcase to wash and dry. It kept the mess contained.

I've done mine in my home machine, just had to clean all the strings out of the washer after and empty the lint trap several times during drying.

I wash and dry mine at home. Usually after the first few washes and drying you won't get nearly as much lint.

I have made several at home with no problems. Only problem I ever had was my little pomeranian loves to stand under the dryer vent outside. She came in one day just loaded with threads!! And since she stands butt towards the vent, all her long hair blows forward and the strings really imbed in her fur. Now, they stay inside if I am drying a rag quilt.

I have washed and dried dozens of rag quilts at home. I have a high efficiency machine and have only had a minimal amount of lint in the wash tub. I do get a lot of lint in the dryer lint trap and clean it off about 3 times. Your quilt will shed quite a bit the second and third time it's washed and dried. When I make rag quilts to sell I wash and dry them two times. I've never had a clogged washer hose or dryer vent.

I have made a few and never had much lint.i use my dogs pillow zipper cover for the first wash and shake it outside before putting it back in pillow case for the dryer.
Gale

I sincerely appreciate the time y'all took, to bolster my confidence in eventually moving forth with my rag quilt plans. God bless.

Thank you ladies for the information. A rag quilt is on my To Do Someday list. Looking for all the hints and tips I can.