I make a rag quilt for each grandchild as a HS graduation gift using their old jeans. I back each square with flannel. Both jean and flannel stashes are 'out of control'! I put them together in a random pattern and use blue, tan, and black jeans. They do make a mess in the washing machine. Using a commercial machine is a great idea. I went to the hardware store and bought my very own wire brush to help the fray the edges. The older they get and the more they are washed the softer they get.