IowaStitcher

I saw a clip on a quilt show about "fluffing" a rag quilt with a nylon string weed eater. Then shaking or vacuuming to take out some of the excess before the initial wash.

ruthrings

I'm glad that possibility occurred to me. Thanks all for your advice. Laundromat, here I come.

slbram17

OK, I have not done this since I haven't made a rag for a while, but I have read where you can use a butter knife to comb the seams before you wash it. This helps reduce the threads that go into the washer.

Serita

Geri B

Yes, that's cheaper than having your pipes unplugged by a plumber! ....or burning out washer/dryer...... Not worth the risk

nena

I had to get a new washer because of a rag quilt. Never again! It was homespun fabric.

Dyan

I have a laundry tub next to my washer, I take the drain hose and tie a old sock around it, and let the water drain through it, I get enough lint to about fill a 2 liter pop bottle, But I wash them here at home.

Pam B

I almost always take in town to a laundromat. We have a septic tank at our house and I don't want to mess anything up with that. The one time I did it at home, the next time I did laundry my machine would not agitate. I ended up pulling miles of tangled strings of thread out from under and around the agiatator. I cleaned the dryer filter often, also.

ruby2shoes

I have only made 3 rag quilts and had no problems with them in my front loader washer; did get a goodly amount of fluff out of the dryer but no real drama.

Yooper32

Luandromat, the only sensible answer.

thread mess

Word of caution - Many laudromats will not allow rag quilts because of the amount of lint!