Advice on using flannel
 

Hello. I am relatively new to quilting and need advice on using flannel for a quilt. The quilt would be all flannel. Are there techniques to using flannel in a quilt? Any advice is welcome! Thanks.

Wash it first to check for colour run and shrinkage. Iron and starch well. Beware of fluff building up in your machine (it sheds a lot).

It will be a heavier quilt than if made with cotton. You can even go without batting depending on the use of the quilt.

Flannel is generally a looser weave than cotton so more prone to stretching hence the importance of starching.

Use a larger seam if possible

My only other advice would be to use the highest quality flannel you can find/afford due to all of the reasons stated above. Personally, I think Moda flannel is very good. I'm sure there are others out there but that is my best experience.

Thanks so much everyone! I will be sure to utilize the advice given!

I love,and make, lots of flannel quilts. My favorite flannels are Benartex and Moda double side flannels ( both sides are brushed, soft, very substantial good quality flannels. I've never had a problem with colors running. I do prewash ( gently) in warm water, dry to just barely dry. Starch & iron before cutting. Nice, sharp New blade in the rotary cutter. I use a normal seam allowance unless making raggy quilts. Prewashing helps tighten up the weave so fraying isn't that much of an issue. I always use batting in my flannel quilts. They are so wonderfully soft, lofty, cozy.

Most important advice to remember: show us what you accomplish 😊

Flannel is very stretchable compared to cotton. You might want to make a test (practice) block first.

I usually pre-shrink flannel, unless it's a rag quilt. It's a good idea to serge the edges (or sew a zig-zag) before you wash flannel so it won't unravel. I also like to use my walking foot. Flannel is kinda loose and squirel-y when you sew it, and a walking foot helps a lot. And I do give it a slightly wider seam allowance -- just a bump of the needle position.

I love flannel quilts because they "breathe" well, and wick away any moisture.

Flannel comes in many weights from very flimsy (in my opinion) to the hefty flannels used in "chamois" flannel shirts sold by L.L. Bean and Eddie Bauer.

It also can come made of different fibers. Not all "flannel" is made of 100% cotton. Check the ends of the bolt for content and care of the fabric.

I am one that now soaks all fabrics that will go into a quilt in hot (as hot as I can get from the faucet) water for an hour or two. Then it goes in a very quick, gentle wash with a tiny bit of detergent and dry until "done." (I usually use the "how dry" setting instead of the timer on the dryer) I feel that agitation is what makes washed fabric look "used" rather than the washing itself.

I have had some flannels have almost no shrinkage - some have shrunk a lot.

I agree with others, first thing off, wash it once or even twice. It is known for shrinkage and you want this to happen before making the quilt. Starching before cutting and before sewing will help keep it from stretching. When running it thru the machine, don't pull on fabric because that can stretch it too. Keep your bobbin area cleaned out, no matter how many times you wash it it'l have lint build up which will cause problems. Good luck. Its pretty to see quilts made with it and they are so soft.

As mentioned be sure to use good quality flannel yardage.There is an abundance of 'cheap flannel' on the market for lesser price and it is literally junk. Moda and Benartex are good. I like to wash mine twice before cutting it. I usually use hot water, detergent and the dryer for the first wash. Then I wash with warm, dry until most of the moisture is gone but damp enough to iron without hard wrinkles. I use regular seam allowances and little shorter stitch length. It does make a heavy quilt-so be prepared when you are ready to quilt-lots of support around your machine.

I was taught to use a 1/2" seam with flannel. Otherwise, I just treat it the same as cotton when piecing.

Maywood has wonderful flannels as do Henry Glass and Wilmington. Quilt shop quality!
sandy

Thank you all for sharing your knowledge! Have a wonderful Christmas!