I know someone will know!
I want to make a ALL flannel Rag Quilt. Thing is Flannel will shrink alot! So do I wash the fabric at least 1 time before cutting? Or just cut and sew then wash! 8-)

I prewash everything. I don't mind the wrinkled look. I just don't like what might be lingering on the fabric from when I bought it. i would wash it all in advance.

I recently made one with flannel as the batting and the backing and cotton on the front. I washed the flannels before I cut them. I was afraid of the shrinkage, even though I used LQS flannel. I didn't want to take any chances as it was a special gift.

Absolutely, wash flannel before using.

i agree with others

I made a rag quilt with flannel and didn't wash it first. There was no problem with shrinkage, but if you are concerned about it then definitely wash it first.

If you are using flannel for both the top & backing, I imagine the shrinkage will not be a problem. After all, you'll be washing it when it is done to 'rag' it.

Well thank you all for the help! :)

I have made several flannel rag quilts, washed after completed and had no problem with shrinkage. I did use the same flannel for both sides.

I have made 7 or 8 flannel rag quilts. I do not wash until the quilt is finished. None of them have had the 'wrinkled' look.

I just made one with flannel on front and back with batting. Didn't pre wash and it looks awesome. It did bleed like crazy but I had a color sheet in washer so no problems :)

The first rag quilt I made, I followed a pattern. The pattern said DO NOT WASH FABRIC, so I don't.

Glad this question was posted as I am starting on several rag quilts made with flannel.

you will get lots of (personal opinions) about this--
i've made something like 27 flannel raggy quilts- i've never pre-washed the flannels for raggy quilts (i do pre-wash flannels for regular pieced quilts which are mixed with other cottons)
all of them have turned out great- they fray/rag nicely- and make wonderful fluffy, soft cozy quilts-
shrinkage amounts a dependant on a lot of factors besides (oh no its flannel)
the batting used (if used) the amount of quilting- the size of the blocks.
if the flannel is an inexpensive flannel-thin with a loose weave it will shrink more than one that is heavy- double sided- nice quality-
but i've never had shrinkage be a factor in the great outcome of a raggy quilt.
some people insist on pre-washing their flannels 2 or 3 times before using for anything---in my mind that is a huge waste of water- but to each their own.

And I am not wasting the water, or paying the high water bill when I don't need to...

I always prewash all fabric and certainly would flannel.

Like ckcowl, I do not prewash flannel for my raggy quilts.
I use warm n natural between the flannel layers. I have made
over ten of them from king size to baby quilts. Everyone has
really loved them. They are so soft.

If you pre wash the ragging will not be as good

I have made several rag quilts and have never prewashed. They turned out great.

prewash everything....you just don't know what is in the fabric (insects or their eggs) or if the color will bleed.....and if using different colors or manufacturers the flannel might not all shrink at the same rate....you really want all those issues taken care of before you ever pick up your rotary cutter! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

I am working on one and I was VERY surprised how much the flannel shrunk! Some say the quality is a factor, which I am sure it is, but In my experience It all has shrunk, no matter what the quality. Also the red really bled and I was SOOOOOO happy that I prewashed all of it by separate colors.Hope this helps.