Cdrlinda

I am making a baby quilt and bought a kit. I have never worked with flannel before. Is there anything special I need to know about working with flannel?

bj

Most people recommend prewashing, as flannel tends to shrink, some quite a lot. It's sometimes stretchier, so you have to handle gentler than quilting cotton. But it sure makes for soft, snuggly quilts!

Stitchnripper

I have made several and my advice is to wash and dry before cutting at least twice. You will be surprised at how much lint your dryer will collect! My grandkids love these snuggly quilts.

AlienQuilter

Everytime you refill the bobbin, clean the bobbin area and under the pressor foot. Flannel creates a lot of lint and I've had sizeable lint balls accumulate under the bobbin. Can seriously affect your stitches!

Also, if you have a serger, you might try a simple pattern using the serger - will help with the fraying.

amma

Since you bought a kit, I don't know about washing the fabric. Some kits are generous with the fabric, others send barely enough. IMHO I would just start cutting and sewing :D:D:D

marilynr

Use your walking foot when piecing.

Cdrlinda

Ok. I washed the fabric and was astounded by the amount of fraying. I dried and then ironed. Phew, I still have enough fabric. Really good info. Just curious why it is recommended to use walking foot?