Flannel for backing ???
#11
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 said, I got less puckering with the flannel, and it is super soft now that it is done.
I don't know if they prewash or not. I like the shrinky look you get when you don't prewash cotton batting.
That said, I got less puckering with the flannel, and it is super soft now that it is done.
I don't know if they prewash or not. I like the shrinky look you get when you don't prewash cotton batting.
Is it difficult to free-motion quilt?
#12
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Sierra Vista, AZ
Posts: 3,992
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.
#13
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.
#16
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
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
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
#19
[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!
That is why I LOVE flannel backing so it WON'T slide off the bed - hahaha - each to her own, I guess!
#20
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: MS
Posts: 2,624
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
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08-22-2011 02:39 PM