My rag quilt measures 60x72 prewashed/dried. How much shrinkage will there be when I wash and dry? How hot should water and dryer be when I wash and dry? I used flannel fabric that I have had for a while and is not the quality of quilt flannel.

I don't wash anything in hotwater, it shortens the life of any fabric. I wash all blankets in mild soap, and a medium temp dry. I don't use soap if it is not in need of it. I have never measured, but the most shrinking took place in your pre wash. please post a picture so we can see your quilt :D

I caution people about washing quilts. I remind them that there are lots of small pieces that have been sewn together and too much vigorous washing could cause threads to break or fabric to fray inside the quilt. In this case LESS is MORE!

1) Use only gentle cycle -
2) Put quilt in washer - then fill with warm to cool water
3) add only a small amount of liquid detergent
4) agitate for about 15 seconds
5) let soak for 10 to 15 minutes
6) agitate again and let rest

Do the same with the rinse cycle. It may take more time and attention than a blanket, BUT it took more time andf attention to make the quilt.

It is a definitely a HANDLE WITH CARE washing process.

June in Cincinnati

I washed mine in cold water, no soap, cause they were clean. Didn't
check the shrinkage, but the lint you must check every 5 minutes, mine
filled up the filter each time and took quite awhile to dry. :-)

Ladies, I agree, Line drying is the best! But, I don't like the way they look after they have sagged on the line. A wet quilt will sag!! Fluffing in the dryer makes them so nice and soft.

I have suggested to people that they merely air their quilts, over a porch rail or on a couple of lawn chairs. They really don't need to be washed every year.

For those of us who use them as gifts, we really ought to provide washing instructions...as brief as possible. I have donated some that I can almost imagine will go to a laundromat....or never get washed.

I like to think those I give quilts to will recognize the work involved and want to take good care of them. Bet most of us do the same.

June