I wash my wool blankets so I would pre-wash the wool fabric and any other type of fabric to be used in the quilt. That way they would have all their shrinking over & done with.

I once ruined a woolen skirt by washing it. The interfacing in the waistband shrank and distorted the shape so much it couldn't be used. Sniff, sniff - I loved that skirt.

The wool fabrics that the cleaners washed came back fine. They're a little bit thicker and the weave is a bit tighter on all the woolens but they are perfectly usable.

I have never used wool suiting but I have used heavier wool
blanket wt not coat. I also never prewash my wool I use in my quilts because it will felt! I do prewash if I am making appliques...........I have used both cotton and synthetic batting....and all mine were machine quilted....as far as the backing I have used wool also broadcloth . If I use a wool backing I only use cotton as a batting...........
Also I like to take my wool quilts to the cleaners to be cleaned......and when I give them as gift I tell them to take them to the cleaners to be cleaned.......Wool quilts can be very heavy in a washer.............. and can distort
Sorry I really can't answer your question as far as hand quilting maybe you could try a sample block...
Red

I, too, have a huge amount of wool suiting purchased by the pound as remnants at a local mill store. It has gone into many quilts over the years and I am now finishing one that my mother never got to finish. It's very special to me. I do not pre-wash the wool like I do my cottons, and always dry clean the finished quilts.

I have always used the same wool suiting as backing. Because the fabric is not full width, the backing has to be pieced as well as the front so these quilts can become quite heavy even though the wool is light weight. The result is a reversible quilt, however.

As batting, I have used flannel, cotton, or wool, depending on the desired finished weight and use. It does get quite cold up here and many people like sleeping under heavy quilts. I have tied several of the thicker quilts, but on the thinner ones I like to use larger quilting stitches (sort of like sashiko) or embroidery stitching instead of just tied knots of crewel or persian wool (I never use plain yarn).

You did not ask about binding, but I use the suiting in a double fold binding as usual, but finishing at between 3/4" to a full inch wide. And the only hint I can offer is to be very careful if you have to rip out a seam. The loose weave of the wool can make it very hard to take out stitches if your thread matches too closely. You may want to have it NOT match perfectly, just in case. Have fun, I love working with wool!!

I really, really appreciate these suggestions. This stash has been carefully put away and guarded for many years and I feel quite fortunate to have it. I have yard after yard after yard in green/brown/black/tan suitable for Amish style designs. IOW simple and natural, with rich tones and no frills. I love wools and have always preferred them for winter wear and use, and even use summer weight wools in my better clothing.

I had also thought about using embroidery stitching to finish them off, like in some of the Victorian crazy quilts.......Why not? And thanks for the hints about stitch removal and threads. I am really looking forward to working in this medium.