generally a sleeve is added to the quilted quilt- before the binding- the top of the sleeve is (encased) in the top binding- then the lower edge is whip stitched down- along with the quilt surface side of the sides so the sleeve is completely attached to the quilt surface with just the opening for the hanging rod. as for pre-shrinking- are you using the same fabric for the sleeve as the back of the quilt? I would pre-wash the sleeve fabric- mainly because the quilting and batting does play a roll in how much a quilt will shrink- the sleeve will have neither- to help hold it's shape. my daughter's wedding quilt has a sleeve- the sleeve (and backing) fabric were pre-washed (mainly because it's flannel) the top fabrics were not pre-washed- 10 years later- all is still just fine...after many trips to the laundry.