Most flannel I have seen is 100% cotton. Make SURE you pre wash - If any red is in the design, wash it separately. Flannel fabric is more dense and will hold more dye. As a hand dyer, I understand how flannel can shrink significantly as well as commercial flannels that will bleed. They are soft and I do love them.
About "use 100% cotton" - I would say that is preferable. Your Aunt was most likely referring to a larger design - say 5" squares...if some are cotton and some are a poly blend, as the quilt is used, washed etc. there will be shrinkage issues. However, as an Art Quilter, I have used small pieces from sheers to upholstery fabric, but with interfacing etc.
Good to note that when piecing cotton fabrics, you DO want cotton thread...not embroidery thread (too thin and will stretch with the weight of the quilt) and not poly or poly content ...too "tough" compared to cotton and it will shred the cotton fabric over time.
Good luck with the quilt
Also,
Last edited by Johanna Fritz; 02-27-2012 at 06:23 AM.
Reason: wrong word