Wow!! That's a lot of shrinkage. But the quilt is absolutely beautiful and even though it's a little smaller than you want, can't you just imagine the little one dragging it around and sucking on a corner! (Linus-like.)
From what I read, there's a lot of difference of opinion on pre-wash. But what I decided is the following:
- Fabric for anything that will be used by a child or donated to a hospital, or for linens (pillowcases, etc.) will be pre-washed in hot water and dried in a normal dryer cycle.
- Fabric for things I will keep or will give to an adult will be pre-washed in warm watter and dried in a normal dry cycle. (Mostly because we have cats and things need washing.)
- Fabric for a wall hanging doesn't need to be pre-washed.
Just my thoughts.