Using flannel instead of batting
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Piedmont Virginia in the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mtns.
Posts: 8,562
You might try Quilters Dream Request cotton batting; it's the thinnest weight cotton they have. Their website says it's excellent for summer weight quilts and hand quilting.
I love Quilters Dream products!
Jan in VA
I love Quilters Dream products!
Jan in VA
#12
Power Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 17,827
I used flannelette for a batting several years ago. Washed/dried on hot/hot several times to get the shrinkage under control before taking all to some Amish ladies to handquilt.
They liked working with it. It has not had any further shrinkage with washings and I have not seen any crinkly-ness or wrinkles show up. I really like the feel of it ... nice body, not stiff, and quite comfy when used on the bed. In the summer, just a sheet and this quilt. Wintertime, add on an extra quilt(s) for more warmth.
While many say flannelette is heavy .... combining this one layer with traditional quilting cottons for the top/bottom has not made for a heavy quilt to move around. I actually find it quite light.
The quilting does show, but no you are not going to get a poofy look, being that there is no loft in it. If you want the quilting more noticeable, try a thread with more contrast and perhaps a heavier weight.
All in all ... I've had no regret in using the flannelette as a batting.
They liked working with it. It has not had any further shrinkage with washings and I have not seen any crinkly-ness or wrinkles show up. I really like the feel of it ... nice body, not stiff, and quite comfy when used on the bed. In the summer, just a sheet and this quilt. Wintertime, add on an extra quilt(s) for more warmth.
While many say flannelette is heavy .... combining this one layer with traditional quilting cottons for the top/bottom has not made for a heavy quilt to move around. I actually find it quite light.
The quilting does show, but no you are not going to get a poofy look, being that there is no loft in it. If you want the quilting more noticeable, try a thread with more contrast and perhaps a heavier weight.
All in all ... I've had no regret in using the flannelette as a batting.
#13
I love using flannel as a batting!!
Pro's ...
it's sooooo soft and supple. The drape is better than any batting you will use. You can easily wrap it around a baby's finger without folds or stiffness.
Very warm, but still breathes
You can quilt is far apart if you wish since the batting is a weave.
Cons ...
It doesn't show the quilting as much (this may be a pro <g>)
can be a little on the heavy side
Washes beautifully (I don't care for the crinkly look ... this may be a con!)
Highly suggest washing the flannel at least twice in HOT water and a HOT dryer to make sure it shrinks properly.
Pro's ...
it's sooooo soft and supple. The drape is better than any batting you will use. You can easily wrap it around a baby's finger without folds or stiffness.
Very warm, but still breathes
You can quilt is far apart if you wish since the batting is a weave.
Cons ...
It doesn't show the quilting as much (this may be a pro <g>)
can be a little on the heavy side
Washes beautifully (I don't care for the crinkly look ... this may be a con!)
Highly suggest washing the flannel at least twice in HOT water and a HOT dryer to make sure it shrinks properly.
#15
Super Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: S.E. Queensland, Australia
Posts: 1,489
I have been debating the same thing, Peggi. My Father-in-law worked outdoors and wore flannel undershirts in summer and winter, and they certainly were not flannelette. The fabric was more like felt, so I assume this is another glitch in the term used for two different products.
#18
Power Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 17,827
ITA ..... I used it once ... and have really liked it for the light weight and nice soft drape. Plus that it is a very warm quilt.
#20
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Horse Country, FL
Posts: 7,341
I've used it before and had no problems. I am not partial to a lot of loft, as the quilts that I grew up with didn't have much. I did make sure that the flannel was washed and dried before using it. It makes a sturdy batt without adding a lot of weight.
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Andrea7
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05-05-2010 05:50 PM