I've only made 2 rag quilts, both were blue jean fabrics on front with flannel on back, both for boys. I have another one waiting to get started, all blocks have been cut using up a large quantity of my blue jean cut-offs and off sized 5" squares. Again for a boy. Since boys are rugged while growing up I felt blue jean fabrics would last longer for them. Always make it larger so they can grow into it too.