Hi!
I am new to the board and also to quilting. I am going to make a rag quilt for my grandaughter, as my first project.
The front will be cotton, Warm and Natural batting and flannel back. Since I have a whole different combination of fabrics, should I prewash or not? The flannel is a deep purple.
Thanks for you help!
Lynn

I would at least wash the flannel, more to avoid shrinkage problems than anything else.

I would pre-wash the fabrics, especially the flannel. I would probably wash and dry the flannel at least twice. Flannel tends to shrink a lot more than cotton.

Be sure to post a picture when you are done! :)

First of all welcome to the board from Pipe Creek Texas!!!

I have made many, many rag quilts over the years. I have never prewashed any fabric. I wash the quilt after it is complete so that it frays better. I guess it is a matter of personal preference....good luck with your decision.

I've made many flannel rag quilts and I never prewashed either. You always wash it afterwards to get the fraying to start. I've never had an extreme shrinkage problem either.

I have made several rag quilts with cotton top and backing and flannel between. I have never pre-washed my fabrics and haven't had any problems with shrinkage.

I would definitly wash the purple flannel!! Purple always bleeds, a lot!

I continue to hear from folks on here to pre-wash flannel, but what about the flannel charms? I used them and didnt pre-wash but I haven't quilted it yet either so I dont know if it will shrink. Sure hope not.

i have made a couple of rag quilts (lap size) and never prewashed. going to try to do a quilt for hubby with a mixture of cotton and flannel (his old concert t-shirts) so curious how this will work out. i use flannel as the middle fabric - not quite as bulky but a very warm quilt. mother in law is going to get a rag quilt for christmas with cotton on top flannel in the middle and probably cotton on the back. let us know how yours turns out!

Made several rag quilts using flannel on both sides 'No' batting used. Did not pre-wash. Warm & Natural will be bulky. For a warmer quilt you may want to use flannel as batting. Will be much softer for little hands to hold.
She will love the quilt.

I would wash the flannel. It shrinks so much.

T-shirt knits will probably curl where cut instead of fraying. Might want to do a practice piece and see what it does.

I have never mixed fabrics for a rag quilt. I use flannel front and back and have never prewashed . Never had any problems either

I always prewash flannel, just in case!

i was thinking of making a border of flannel around each t shirt - or maybe a possible border with cotton- do you think that would work better?

Thanks to all for sharing your knowledge and expertise. I did a test with the corner of the purple flannel and it did not fade one bit.