Im getting ready to make a flannet lap quilt..4 different flannels. Would you prewash all of it due to the possible shrinkage issue?
Thanks!
Melinda

I would wash it in hot water and dry it twice...flannel really has a tendency to shrink a lot :wink:

Thank was what I was thinking. I have an actual pattern and bought the amount of material it called for. Do you thinnk I will need more??
Thanks!
Melinda

I would remeasure the yardage after it's washed and dried. I believe that most patterns have a bit of a fudge factor built in, so if the shrinkage isn't drastic, you may be OK.

You may also make a sample block and see how much it really takes and figure the math from there.

If you run short, is it possible to make the final border a little narrower?

...or you could just buy more fabric. There's always room in the stash bin.

lol...GOOD idea Martina...but I kind of overspend (by buying enough for two) already!! :)
Melinda

Amma...Would you wash brite colors in hot water?

When working with flannel I always take a little large seam than the regular 1/4". I just use the width of the presser foot.

My LQS and the last two kits I have bought, highly recommend washing the flannel ahead of time. Even the better flannels will shrink, but not nearly as bad as the cheaper ones.
Why take the chance of ending up short or wonky when not meant to be?

As a test/exercise:

Measure your fabrics before washing - length and width - measure after washing and drying - see what you think


Some fabrics shrink quite a bit crosswise - some shrink lengthwise - some shrink both ways - and some don't seem to shrink at all.

And I've found this to be true at all price points.

I would definitely wash it. Flannel shrinks a lot.