Can I use flannel for the center layer of a quilt? Any suggestions?

Also, I have been reading up on tying a quilt and it seems that many quilters won't tie a baby quilt. I would like to tie a baby quilt, but I would not want it to be a choking hazard. Any thoughts?

Thanks for any help you can give me

Alice

I was taught that baby quilts should only be machine quilted because baby's toes are tiny enough to get under hand stitches and ties, and in no time can cut off circulation. This sounds like an old wives tale though - I doubt if many of our forefathers were short fingers and toes from quilting accidents.

Anyone have some insight?

As for the flannel, I'd shrink it before using, but it should be fine.

Yes ,flannel can be used for the center of a quilt. Some quilts even omit the center of the "sandwich" depending on the weight desired or simply by neccesity and style. Crazy quilts usually had little, if any, center layer. I agree with Moonpi.....I don't know of any who have lost toes or fingers to quilts that are tied. I daresay, as long as the stitch isn't over a 1/4" and is snipped close, it should present no problem. Basically you are tacking it down. I do know buttons are an absolute no-no.

I've tied lots of baby quilts....no missing toes or fingers or choking incidents resulted! My mother in law used flannel instead of batting many many times!

it's possible, i suppose, that a child could chew off the ties. but choke on them? catch fingers or toes? no way.

unless ...

you weren't planning to tie it with huge knots of clothesline, were you?

:wink:

I agree Patrice,. I have tied many baby quilts and never had a complaint . :roll:

I was raised with tied baby quilts, and my kids have several! My Grandma and Mom only TIE with yarn...no other quilting for them.
The only thing to worry about is sometimes after a washing, one will come untied...I just check them after washing and tie any that need it.
My kids enjoyed picking at the yarn. I think it is funny when they get their noses tickled with one of the ties! LOL!
I actually have some quilts QUILTED WITH YARN! My DH's great-granny made them! They are posted somewhere under pictures on this board.

All of my kids(3) were raised with tied quilts from crib on. It was the only kind my m-i-l made. I cannot recall any accidents or problems arising. I would keep the stitches short and clipped close to the knot. My oldest liked to rub the knots between her fingers as she was falling asleep.

Marybeth

If you feel uncomfortable about tying a baby quilt you could do the method that uses a uphostlery needle and all the stitches are run between the the layers drawn up and down and never have to tie. I don't think I am explaining myself very clearly but it works just like tying only there are no strings on the top of the quilt. Sorry I don't know the name of the method.

Rita

I think thats just basically quilting with yarn but am not really sure....but have heard of it.