Another Rag Quilt Question
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Norfolk, VA
Posts: 5,397
When I pre wash fabric which isn't often(usually for garment making) I sew the cut edges together with a narrow zigzag or my serger then when it's washed/dried I just cut the sewn edge off. No fraying strings left in the washer/dryer and I only lose about a half inch of the fabric cutting off the sewn edge so it's worth the effort to me. I haven't yet made a rag quilt but I've used flannel for several backings and this is also what I did with the flannel.
Cari
Cari
#12
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 180
I have never had this problem. I use flannel, which is not prewashed. After making the rag quilt, I wash it in warm (not hot) water. I put it in the dryer with one TOWEL. About half-way through the drying cycle, I open the dryer and clean the lint filter then finish drying. You can do this sooner and more often if you want. The towel collects some, too, which is why I use it. Later, i just shake out the towel and wash it. This technique works very well for me.
#13
Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 21
I’ve made several rag quilts from flannel. A few years ago the local laundromats started posting signs of “no rag quilts” because the lint was killing their washing machines. So for the first two or three times of washing this is what I do ... take an old sheet and sew up 3 sides .. put your quilt in the “sheet bag” and sew the sheet bag shut. Wash in your washer. Take it out of the washer, go outside and use scissors to cut one seam open. Shake the dickens out of your quilt and pull out the big clumps of strings from your bag. Put the quilt back in the bag and sew it shut. Wash again. After the wash, again take it out, shake shake shake, etc. Put it in the dryer and set a timer for 10 minutes .. every 10 minutes clean out your dryer lint trap. After drying, take it outside and again shake shake shake and pick off any big clumps of strings ... now you should be able to wash it again without the sheet bag ... then dry checking your lint trap every 15/20 minutes. If your rag quilt is strictly cotton you should only have to wash once in the sheet bag ... if it’s from homespun fabric you’ll probably need the bag 3 times. That’s my personal experience anyway.
#14
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,890
Thanks, guys. The stopped up drain was from many washing 1/4 to 1/3 yard pieces of I spy fabric when I first started swapping. Now, I buy 1 yard pieces and use them in more than one swap, so I don't have as many cut edges.
Thanks again. I have the fabric for a flannel quilt, but I don't think I'm going to make it a rag quilt. That sounds like a pain in the tush.
bkay
Thanks again. I have the fabric for a flannel quilt, but I don't think I'm going to make it a rag quilt. That sounds like a pain in the tush.
bkay
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