Anyone Ever Use Flannel for borders/backing?
 

There is probably lot's of info on the board, but I haven't tried searching yet. I am making a small quilt out of shirts that belonged to my dad and father-in-law. Some of the shirts are flannel and some just cotton. I was thinking about using flannel as the borders and/or backing. Any advice? Thanks

I think that would be fine, just wash your flannel before you start. A flannel back makes for a nice cuddling quilt.

I have done a couple of baby quilts with the back flannel that have turned out very nice. The flannel does make for a cuddling quilt.

I use flannel and fleece quite often, to me it makes it warmer.

Yes, it's great. If you use quilt shop flannel or Joann's high end flannel, prewashing isn't necessary unless the quilt top has white in it. If you use something like Snuggle flannel, then you need to prewash.

I like to use flannel as a backing it helps to keep the quilt on the bed . DO pre wash /shrink the purchased flannel Hot water .. Hot dryer.

Flannel makes a great quilt back, so cuddly and warm.

I used a flannel sheet for the backing on my sons quilt. I pre-washed it several times and dried it in the dryer to be sure it wouldn't shrink anymore. Turned out really good.

i make alot of premie quilts and i use flannel on back if i use cotton on front or visa versa love flannel on baby quilts

I have used flannel several times and have always been pleased. I agree that it seems to be a warmer, cuddlier (is that a real word?), quilt to snuggle with. Especially for a baby quilt

i mix textiles all the time in quilts- flannels and flat cottons work great together-
the only things to keep in mind is- flannels tend to fray more (they are a looser weave)- starching makes cutting easier and more precise-if you are using clothing- all the pre-shinking has been done- so i wouldn't worry about that-
if the flannels are thin you can use a stablizer
cottons- and flannels get softer, cozier with time/use/and washing/drying...make FABULOUS quilts :)

I agree with the others; flannel is great but should be washed and dryed first.

I've used flannel in baby quilts as batting. It makes the quilt lighter in weight. I love flannel in quilts as piecing, boarders or backing.

It's also great to have a few flannel squares or blocks on the same side of the cotton. Mix 'em right in and it will be a nice manly quilt with different textures.

Before I wash the flannel, I sew up the raw ends. Even though I wash it on delicate flannel will ravel bad! I use a zigzag stitch around the fabric square.

Flannel makes a cozy backing.

I have seen flannel used for borders, came out very nice. I use flannel often for backings and always pre-wash. Alot of my customer use flannel for backs all the time.

I have not had problems with too much unraveling, but I have only used flannel a few times with baby quilts. It is a little fuzzy and a good bobbin cleaning is needed after, but I love it and it gives the quilts such a snuggly feel. I do think flannel requires really good basting, but then again, what project doesn't? I say go for it and let us see a picture of the result! :)

PS I prewash my flannel too, but did not prewash the top fabrics on my last baby quilt, which I am working on now. We will see if that proves to be a problem!

I used a flannel backing for a lap quilt and it worked out really well. It is also so soft.

Sounds good to me, have a lot of fun.

I actually prefer using flannel as backings. The quilts are soooo cuddly and they stay on the bed better as well but I do wash the flannel at least twice before using. Some of them do shrink a bit but they all throw fluff so check the dryer vent a couple of times during the cycle.

Thanks for all the pointers. I didn't know about the raveling, so I will be aware of that problem and I had planned to purchase a higher end flannel. I will post a pic when I am finished. Thanks again for the great advice!

I use ALL flannel backings on what I call my "using" quilts for family and friends. They are sooooo warm and snugly. Yes.. PREWASH and hot dry the flannel (it does shrink a surprising amount) and buy GOOD QUALITY FLANNEL.

I made my hubby a 100 % flannel quilt 5 yrs ago, and hand tied it. I toss it in the washer/dryer every few months and it's still in beautiful shape. It's without a doubt the warmest quilt we have in the house.

"One Patch Flannel Quilt"
[ATTACH=CONFIG]282616[/ATTACH]

I use lots of flannel in memory quilts....seems most people that want memory quilts of men...usually always send flannel shirts or lounging pants to add to the quilt....it's very comforting and snuggly. I also use it on backs of baby quilts or any that I want to be extra warm

i agree, definitely pre-wash! you can use flannel as the batting too. it's great stuff

Pre-washed flannel is great for backings, but I would shy away from using it for the binding. I've heard it isn't as strong as regular 100% cotton.

I've used flannel as a backing. Makes a nice warm snuggly quilt