callen

I have read on several blogs that some ladies use flannel for the backing on their quilts. Do you have to do anything special to be able to use flannel. I haven't had the courage to use it as I am afraid it will shrink & distort my quilts. Any advice please.

Charlee

I've used it a few times... pre-washing is a MUST!! I find that flannel shrinks more than "regular" cotton fabrics do, I wash mine in HOT water and dry.... I also quilt it fairly close...about every 2 inches...not enough to make the quilt stiff, but enough to keep things from shifting if there's any additional shrinkage anywhere.

GemState

Flannel is GREAT for backing! But like Charlee said, be sure to prewash. It is SO cozy and cuddly.

ka9sdn

Do the prewash so you don't have a surprise after washing the quilt. If you long arm quilt the flannel will stretch so keep that in mind.

SherryW

I've never used flannel in any quilts yet, but I want to. I guess flannel has issues that I'm not sure I want to face yet. I'm a little intimidated with flannel.

MissSandra

I love flannel for backing just make sure its not a thin cheap flannel

KimS

I'd like to make a quilt with flannel backing too but was afraid of the shrinking issue. That's a good idea to wash in HOT water and dry in a HOT dryer so most of the shrinking occurs before putting it on your quilt.

lynnsim

Whenever I make my raggy quilts, I use flannel for the back. Love the way it feels! If I used flannel on back of a traditional quilt, I would prewash and definetely not use cheap flannel.

Skittl1321

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.

NikkiLu

Yes, prewashing and drying in a hot dryer is a must. I am making lap quilts for a nursing home and they asked if we could put flannel on the backs so that it doesn't slide off of their patients laps while in the wheel chair.