Extreme Quilter

Is it difficult to free-motion quilt?

Caroline S

I have used flannel as backing on several quilts. Washing in hot water is a must, perhaps even a double washing is in order. Also, wash dark colors, with a color catcher. My DD had a piece of red flannel she wanted to use on the back of a baby quilt. She decided not to use it because after washing at least 4 times with a color catcher it was still bleeding. I also look for good quality, portugese, little used flannel sheets at my local thrift stores. They make great one piece backings.

dunster

As others have said, wash in hot water until it quits bleeding and shrinking. Use better quality flannel if possible. I've used it on the back of several smaller quilts and I love how it feels. You can starch it too to help control it while quilting.

Barbshobbies

I have only used flannel on childrens quilts, because they get washed a lot. I have to asked, does flannel look O.K.
after a few washings or does it start to look faded? ( on new quilts made for adults)

ywoodruff5

Flannel is a cozy backing - be sure to prewash and buy a good quality flannel. Having said that, I have found that the flannel does not hold up as well/long as a good cotton.

ckcowl

in the 100+ quilts i've made over the years i would venture to guess 3/4 of them have had flannel backs-i love working with flannel- and everyone around here loves the soft-warmth
it is certainly nothing to be afraid of- it's just another cotton fabric=
it does have a looser weave- so pre-wash it-
when i buy my flannels i bring them home - toss them into the washer- with a small amount of detergent to remove any sizing/chemicals in the fabric- warm water- then i toss them into the dryer-
when they come out they are (tightened up) soft and wonderful-
it is a good idea (especially if the flannel is single sided-or thin) to starch your flannels before cutting-this just makes it easier to get accurate cuts.
some people wash their flannels 3 or more times---i never have- i wash & dry them once and use them- if i'm using them for a raggy quilt i don't bother pre-washing
i've never had a flannel backed quilt come out with any type of problem---from shrinkage-or anything else- they are beautiful, soft and cozy warm.
i use flannels for appliques- with no adverse effects either-
and it quilts beautifully too- i've just never had any problems with flannels- it is one of my favorite quilting mediums-almost all of my quilts contain some flannel- on the front, for backing- even as batting

SuzieQuilts

My son likes a flannel back as it is warmer, so when I make him a quilt, I make sure there is a flannel back. Higher end flannel has better results

Skittl1321

I found it more difficult than regular cotton, but it was not extremely difficult.

Sewhappytoquilt

[QUOTE=Skittl1321;4724939]I just quilted some charity quilts for my guild (on my domestic machine) OMG the flannel was a pain- it won't slide on the bed the way cotton will..

That is why I LOVE flannel backing so it WON'T slide off the bed - hahaha - each to her own, I guess!

Nanamoms

I am making my 19 month old grandson a small quilt and was considering using flannel on the back so it would be cuddly and soft to him. I'm usuing a panel and will just add borders. I won't be quilting it per se but will be tying it. Is there anything I need to know other than wash, wash, wash prior to use? Is there a certain distance it should be tied? TIA