ALL afghans need to be laundered, to be free of smoke, animal and human hair, as well as general odors. Please launder and avoid spraying with scented perfumes, air fresheners and the like. Laundering does more then just makes sure it's clean looking and smelling, it gives you the opportunity to block your afghan which often helps with curled edges and or lopsided situations. Blocking, gives the yarn a chance to rest, which always make the item look nicer.
Sizes can vary, but let's strive to make the afghans large enough to be truly usable for warmth. I would suggest nothing smaller then 40 x 40 for the younger children and certainly larger for the teens and adults.
**When changing colors, NEVER tie and cut. It will not make it through the laundry or family use. Afghans are items to have for years and years and therefore need to be sturdy and well made.**
*while I can't laundered every hat, scarf, pair of mittens or slippers I do suggest if you're a knitter or crocheter in a smoking home, or a home who's furry friends like to lounge on your creations you take the time to launder your items before mailing. Hats, mittens, slippers, and scarves can all be tossed in together with a cold water wash. I don't dry items in the dryer, though most worsted yarn labels say you can. I personally air dry, but if you (due to space and or to keep the animals off the items) choose to use the dryer I suggest you use no heat. The other nice benefit of laundering your items is they will be softer and more comfortable. We all know how stiff some worsted yarns can be. AND even if you're a non smoker non pet home (like me), yarn collects dust.......both at the store before you buy and while it sits in your stash before calling out to you to be item x y z. So truly, laundering is a good idea on many fronts.