Originally Posted by Wunder-Mar
Okay, the title is a bit more panicky than I feel, but I do sincerely need some flannel-sewing tips,
I have made four flannel quilts, 3 of them pieced. Matching seams was my major challenge because the fabric is so "fat" by nature - matching seams was really hit-or-miss results-wise, and many of the seams I was certain were pinned in place were [WHOA!] after sewing them. Is there something I can do (or NOT do) to make matching seams a much easier task, or at least a not-so-discouraging one????
I buy top quality flannel, use top quality pins/thread & needles, am very careful not to stretch or distort the fabric while sewing, and generally do a lot of things "right," but, boy, those "off" seams/intersections is so disheartening. I've been quilting for 20 years now and have decades experience sewing garments and gowns: why is flannel giving me such heartburn?!?!?
I have a ton of 2 1/2" squares left over from my 3 grandkids' flannel quilts - I want to use them to make a quilt for me so I can snuggle up to all of them after they move to California come July (I am in Florida). The pattern I've chosen is a 16-patch with sashing enhancements; it's a size I worked with making their quilts, and I'm comfortable with the size of the squares.
So, Experienced Flannel Quilters, I would welcome any and all tips to help me match seams more easily and anything else I might not have thought of to do/not do while sewing with flannel. Many, many thanks for whatever help you can lend!
Starch, starch, and more starch. I also found not to use an intricate pattern with triangles, etc. I like log cabins or rail fence for flannel. Flannel is just naturally stretchy, that's what makes it so yummy against our skin. So you have to work WITH it, not against it. Thus a simple pattern. Let the fabric and the print do the talking, instead of the squares (or triangles). I love working with flannel, but it does take patience. Oh, added, walking foot works wonders with those seams.