pre-washing flannel ?

[Shannon]

so we all know that flannel shrinks like crazy but I'm going to make a rag throw out of the Needle and Wool layer cake and I'm trying to figure out how to do this.

The back will be flannel too so I could prewash that, but the layer cake can't be prewashed. If I make the quilt and wash it, what are the chances that the two flannels will shrink the same amount? I think it's an all or nothing situation as far as prewashing goes.

What do you think? Make it and just hope the shrinkage is close to equal or prewash the back first?

Thanks ladies

[Bubby]

Hi Shannon, I honestly don't know how to answer your question. I make alot of flannel quilts, but I make the rag edge quilts that make their own fringe, and I don't wash any of the fabric beforehand. Flannel can shrink through more than one washing and drying. If all of your flannel is from the same manufacturer and line, hopefully it would shrink in the same proportions. If you are not going to was the flannel for the top, I wouldn't wash the backing fabric. Hugs,, Barb

[Cathy F]

With colder winters here (well, except for this year ) I back most of my quilts in flannel. I have not pre-washed any of them and have not had a problem with shrinking. Maybe it's due to the all over quilting on them, I don't know.

[LynneLeavell]

If you are doing a rag quilt you do not wash until after the quilt is done. I usually do two washings and then I throw it in the dryer with several dryer sheets once. Of course you will have a lot strings after the first washing which is normal and you will after the second washing. I do it twice because I like the way it makes them look.

Any way good luck.

Lynne

[K. McEuen]

I wouldn't wash the backing since the layer cake won't be washed. It's just too hard to wash precuts.

[lilmouse]

I would not wash any of it.....I made a bunch of rag quilts using denim on the back and flannel on the front and didn't have a problem at all...both fabrics were new.....and denim doesn't shrink at the same rate flannel does and all my quilts are still holding up....I double check sometimes to make sure...that's when I can...Q4K you can't double check or other charity quilts but those I have given to family and my own have held together fine!

[Jean Sewing Machine]

Is there a tutorial on how to make rag quilts? I get the concept, but a sample i saw was sewed together wierd, a couple of rows then a couple of columns. Is that how they go together? And what size square do you start with? And do you make 4 layers or more?

[K. McEuen]

There are several tutorials out there to make rag quilts. You can start with any size square. You can make it with two layers or three. You can use flannel as the center layer or batting. It's all up to you. I made one for my daughter for Christmas and used three layers of flannel. She says it's very warm.

Search rag quilt tutorial online if you want to see more.

Here's one; http://greenappleorchard.blogspot.co...-tutorial.html

[sunnyQLDmum]

I wouldn't wash the back. Wait until the quilt is finished, then wash it. If it does shrink a little bit it won't really matter as it is a rag quilt, and it will look even more crinkly and cuddly. It will add to the look of the quilt, not ruin it.

[Shannon]

Thanks everyone..as usual you all came through with helpful info!