Working with Flannels
03-08-2009, 09:08 PM
#12
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
I always prewash flannel because some of it shrinks a *lot*, and it does ravel more than other cottons.
When I worked with flannel, I followed Sandy Bonsib's advice and used 1/2-inch seams rather than 1/4-inch seams. Also, I starched the flannels heavily before cutting, to stabilize them. Both of these helped make perfect joins. Flannel has a tendency to move around a lot when you are sewing it, and starch really helps with that.
I prewashed and dried the flannel, then "painted" it with a 1:1 solution of liquid Sta-Flo starch and water, tossed the fabric in the dryer, and ironed it with steam. This made it perfectly stable for cutting. The 1/2-inch seams are a good idea because flannel is relatively loosely woven; it prevents the seams from pulling apart later because of frays.
When I worked with flannel, I followed Sandy Bonsib's advice and used 1/2-inch seams rather than 1/4-inch seams. Also, I starched the flannels heavily before cutting, to stabilize them. Both of these helped make perfect joins. Flannel has a tendency to move around a lot when you are sewing it, and starch really helps with that.
I prewashed and dried the flannel, then "painted" it with a 1:1 solution of liquid Sta-Flo starch and water, tossed the fabric in the dryer, and ironed it with steam. This made it perfectly stable for cutting. The 1/2-inch seams are a good idea because flannel is relatively loosely woven; it prevents the seams from pulling apart later because of frays.
03-09-2009, 06:05 AM
#14
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Central Indiana
Posts: 1,266
I have used flannels to make raggedy quilts. If they are not all the same type of flannel I prewash because they don't all shrink the same. I always throw a Shout Color Catcher in when washing them just in case of fading. My friend was making a raggedy baby quilt and she is not a "pre-washer" but you have to with raggedy quilts in the end to get the "look" and when she did the bright pink faded on the white, she was so upset and threw them out immediately. I think she could have rewashed them with a color catcher and saved the project. Before prewashing if you don't have a serger I fold the material wrong sides facing and use saftey pins on each of the corners and a couple in between. That helps keep the material from tangling. I take it out before completly dry then iron it.
03-10-2009, 03:37 AM
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 1,172
Pre-wash, because if the mom is like my daughter, she washed everything before my grandson even sat on it. Most of the babies can't have blankets except on the floor until they are old enough to roll.
03-10-2009, 03:11 PM
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Murrysville, PA
Posts: 3,007
Originally Posted by alimaui
I am trying to plan out a baby quilt for an expecting friend, and picked up some cute flannel prints. I have a few questions, hopefully you ladies can share your wisdom with me.
1. Pre wash vs. no pre Wash, I know normally its an all or nothing king of thing. Either I should prewash all the fabrics or not prewash. Is flannel any different? I got some beautiful blue, but am slightly concerned it will bleed, but then am worried about shrinkage...(I didn't think about this at the store, and didnt' get extra).
2. Shrinkage, how much does flannel generally shrink, and do the edges fray like other fabrics?
3. Children's Sleepwear flannel. I saw the signs at Joann's that say not safe for childrens sleepwear. All the flannel I bought was from the snuggle flannel section and doesn't say anything about childrens sleepwear. Obviously I want the little bambino to be safe, but how do I know which flannels are safe?
Thanks in advance!
1. Pre wash vs. no pre Wash, I know normally its an all or nothing king of thing. Either I should prewash all the fabrics or not prewash. Is flannel any different? I got some beautiful blue, but am slightly concerned it will bleed, but then am worried about shrinkage...(I didn't think about this at the store, and didnt' get extra).
2. Shrinkage, how much does flannel generally shrink, and do the edges fray like other fabrics?
3. Children's Sleepwear flannel. I saw the signs at Joann's that say not safe for childrens sleepwear. All the flannel I bought was from the snuggle flannel section and doesn't say anything about childrens sleepwear. Obviously I want the little bambino to be safe, but how do I know which flannels are safe?
Thanks in advance!
Margie
BTW....I live in PA brrr cold...have used flannel sheets on beds all my life....wear flannel nightgowns and Pjs on self and family....If you dont use that flannel for pjs and blankets...what are you going to use it for anyway lol.
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