Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
Flannel for backing ??? >

Flannel for backing ???

Flannel for backing ???

Old 11-27-2011, 05:38 AM
  #1  
Super Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Timmins, Ont. Canada
Posts: 4,683
Smile Flannel for backing ???

I have read on several blogs that some ladies use flannel for the backing on their quilts. Do you have to do anything special to be able to use flannel. I haven't had the courage to use it as I am afraid it will shrink & distort my quilts. Any advice please.
callen is offline  
Old 11-27-2011, 05:45 AM
  #2  
Super Member
 
Charlee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Idaho
Posts: 6,442
Default

I've used it a few times... pre-washing is a MUST!! I find that flannel shrinks more than "regular" cotton fabrics do, I wash mine in HOT water and dry.... I also quilt it fairly close...about every 2 inches...not enough to make the quilt stiff, but enough to keep things from shifting if there's any additional shrinkage anywhere.
Charlee is offline  
Old 11-27-2011, 05:58 AM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
GemState's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Northern Idaho
Posts: 476
Default

Flannel is GREAT for backing! But like Charlee said, be sure to prewash. It is SO cozy and cuddly.
GemState is offline  
Old 11-27-2011, 06:10 AM
  #4  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Central Indiana
Posts: 1,112
Default

Do the prewash so you don't have a surprise after washing the quilt. If you long arm quilt the flannel will stretch so keep that in mind.
ka9sdn is offline  
Old 11-27-2011, 06:17 AM
  #5  
Senior Member
 
SherryW's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 888
Default

I've never used flannel in any quilts yet, but I want to. I guess flannel has issues that I'm not sure I want to face yet. I'm a little intimidated with flannel.
SherryW is offline  
Old 11-27-2011, 06:22 AM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
MissSandra's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Melrose N.Y. Troy Area
Posts: 863
Default

I love flannel for backing just make sure its not a thin cheap flannel
MissSandra is offline  
Old 11-27-2011, 06:26 AM
  #7  
Super Member
 
KimS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Southeast Missouri
Posts: 1,980
Default

I'd like to make a quilt with flannel backing too but was afraid of the shrinking issue. That's a good idea to wash in HOT water and dry in a HOT dryer so most of the shrinking occurs before putting it on your quilt.
KimS is offline  
Old 11-27-2011, 06:29 AM
  #8  
Super Member
 
lynnsim's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,229
Default

Whenever I make my raggy quilts, I use flannel for the back. Love the way it feels! If I used flannel on back of a traditional quilt, I would prewash and definetely not use cheap flannel.
lynnsim is offline  
Old 11-27-2011, 06:35 AM
  #9  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Iowa
Posts: 816
Default

I just quilted some charity quilts for my guild (on my domestic machine) OMG the flannel was a pain- it won't slide on the bed the way cotton will..

That said, I got less puckering with the flannel, and it is super soft now that it is done.

I don't know if they prewash or not. I like the shrinky look you get when you don't prewash cotton batting.
Skittl1321 is offline  
Old 11-27-2011, 06:45 AM
  #10  
Super Member
 
NikkiLu's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: So. Central MO
Posts: 2,759
Default

Yes, prewashing and drying in a hot dryer is a must. I am making lap quilts for a nursing home and they asked if we could put flannel on the backs so that it doesn't slide off of their patients laps while in the wheel chair.
NikkiLu is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
emt2004
Main
27
11-16-2019 07:15 AM
Irishrose2
Main
11
06-19-2017 10:26 AM
KimS
Links and Resources
5
01-18-2012 05:26 PM
craftybear
Links and Resources
0
08-22-2011 02:39 PM
Quilting G
Main
36
02-09-2009 01:21 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


FREE Quilting Newsletter