postal packin' mama

Has anyone tried batik flannel? If so, how was it for working with and did it hold up well? I'd like to try it for a baby quilt.

Honey

I have used batik flannel from my lqs for pjs for my dgs's. It worked up beautifully. Some of those pjs are now 6 years old, and have been passed down, but they are still holding up, a little faded, but very soft. I have never bought it anywhere but my lqs, so I don't know how others are.

postal packin' mama

Thank you for the input. I was hestitant to buy a bunch for a quilt without having seen any feedback on it. Also I don't know much about flannel in general except that probably the higher priced, thicker ones would remain soft longer, logically - ? Gosh, they're not cheap, either

Honey

Yes, they do. Also, don't forget to prewash. I don't generally, but flannel is different, it will shrink some. I wash mine on a gentler cycle then dry. Some people run a baisting stitch along the edges to prevent lots of strings. Yes, it is expensive from a lqs, but flannel is one thing I WILL NOT buy cheaper. You can tell by the feel what is really good and what isn't. I have bought flannel from fabric chains and had it shred after a few washings. To bad you don't live around here, my lqs has some adorable flannels for baby quilts.

postal packin' mama

Again, thanks for the helpful info. Much better than learning it the hard way! I'm very new to this quilting addiction (I've got it bad, too) so I really appreciate this board. I've learned SO much. Your vouching for those pj's made from batik flannel lasting so well is good to know. Should be good for a baby quilt.

quiltingnonie

I agree 100% with "Honey" - purchase only high quality flannel. I had some real disappointments with flannel from JA's. It totally was NOT worth the frustrations. Also prewashing flannel is a MUST. Since I am a batik lover, would love to see your quilt. I have yet to venture into batik flannels....

postal packin' mama

Yes, I was hoping batik flannel would kind of be the best of both worlds~! I'm going to a big Sewing Expo in a few days so was looking online re:price ranges so I'll have some idea if the show prices are in the ballpark. The SewBatik.com site has some attractive batik flannels for $5.50 for half yard pieces. Will check some other sites too.

Question: they say their batik flannel is brushed on both sides -- that sounds like it'd be a good thing, right?

(probably silly question but I've never done anything in flannel and am very new to this quilting. Love it!)

quiltingnonie

Yes, that is a good thing....it will feel heavier, and have a softer "hand". If you take a piece of cheap flannel, you can hold it up to the light and actually see through it! A favorite website of mine for batiks is Hancock's of Paducah--not to be confused with Hancock Fabrics. I LOVE their huge selection of batiks, altho haven't purchased any flannels from them.
Have fun @ Expo!