I love rag quilts since they are very very easy and I am very much of a beginner. I have made 3. And all have been for 3 year olds. aLL twin size. I can't say what has happened for two of them since I gave them for my niece and nephew but the one I made for my son is very very strong and durable. It is definitely toddler safe. I just sewed an X in the middle to hold the sandwich together. None of it has came apart yet. Just be sure that you don't snip the seams when you cut it. And no I didn't prewash any of my fabric. I have used flannels, cottons, jean and even some of that really soft "chenille like" fabric. I figured if any of it shrunk it would just add to the rag look. The last one I made was green and purple on one side and yellow and pink on the other side. Every other row I switched the way the seams went. So the first row all seams opened to the pink side then next row all open to the green side. It turned out really cool. Both sides were completely different and both sides were ragged. They are a lot of fun. Be careful when you dry them and check the lint filter every 5 min or so. :) Good Luck