lindaschipper

Thinking about using flannel for a backing on a Project Linus project. If pattern calls for 3 yards of backing, do I buy 3 1/2 yards and wash it first it warn water and lightly tumble dry? I've never used flannel for a backing before. Thank you ladies!

Julienm1

IMHO I would definitely wash it. Quality of the fab will determine shrinkage. I always prewash my fab for several reasons: color fast, shrinkage, chemicals (allergies for me). BTY, I sew for PL too. So much fun to make something that may bring a smile to a child.

ckcowl

Yes, purchase a bit extra and launder first.

cat-on-a-mac

Yes, I always wash it and tumble dry. Don't know if you need to buy extra, but that's probably not a bad idea. The amount of shrinkage is hard to predict.

Iceblossom

I always advise prewashing anyway -- and definitely with flannel. Wash/dry at least on warm and throw in a color catcher or two.

You never know on the shrinkage, sometimes there is none, but mostly there is some and the question(s) are how much and in one direction or two.

Karamarie

Flannel can shrink so I definitely would wash it. It will make such a nice soft backing for your Linnus project.

Heathermom2opmc

Hello--I have used flannel on many project Linus blankets and personal. Definitely wash it. Machine was it and dry it on hot. Why? bc they flannel shrinks a lot. and many of the people that get the blankets, including shelters and hospitals, use hot water and hot/sanitary cycles. When our family was foster parents, DSS had us sanitize items. Lice and bed bugs are issues with many shelters and homes. If the blanket is pre-shrunk it helps them last longer. Just my experience. Thank you for donating to a great cause.

Jordan

Yes, I would say to wash flannel first. I had some 10" of flannel and washed them and they shrunk about 1/2". Needless to say I had to change my use of the pattern I was going to make with the squares. You probably need to purchase more backing flannel than what the pattern says.

quiltedsunshine

I agree with drying it on a hot setting. That's where the shrinkage occurs, and you want to get the shrink to happen before you put it into the quilt.

sandy l

I've had some flannel shrink more than others after being washed, so I just add 1 yd to what ever the pattern called for.