The only thing I do different with flannel is wash it before I cut. Also, I will not buy cheap flannel. It is thin, stretches terribly when you are sewing and shreds. The flannel I get is from my lqs, The Cutting Edge. I'm not sure what brand, but I made pj's for my oldest grandson (12) that my youngest (5th) grandson (1 1/2) is now wearing. They are a little faded, but have gotten softer with age. There is not one pair that has torn and believe me they have had a lot of use and a lot of washing.