Disappointing Flannel
 

I recently made a rag quilty for my granddaughter. I was very disappointed in the flannel after the first wash. I was pilly and looked faded. What is the best brand of flannel to purchase and where do you get it? I would like to make some more quilts, but would like a better outcome.

I order from flannel world and have not been disappointed in a single purchase.

I am with Tartan - it really is a crap shoot. It can shrink in both width and length. I have bought it from Walmart, Joann's, Beverly's, Fabric.com, and the list goes on. I order based on what goes with the rest of the quilt or that I think is cute. One quilt I was making with Disney Princesses - found some on-line for $9.00+ a yard which seemed pricey. Went to Walmart found one extremely similar of $2.95 a yard and it washed up fantastic. I had another one that I paid a lot for because it was so pretty, and it looked like I shaved it. (Thus the reason I bought the less expensive Disney fabric because if it fell apart the investment wasn't as much.)

It is rare when it goes bad - but it does happen.

I've only used Moda flannel and have been extremely satisfied. Nice heavy, soft flannel (but very nice 'hand'); washed/dried beautifully and has held up well in the quilt. I bought in person in Lancaster. Quilt and Fabric Shack. Unfortunately they do not do online sales. Great shop though, if you are in Lancaster.

I found that flannel from brand name like Moda, Riley Blake, etc. never fade, but for the pilling issue, you never know. Looking at the flannel backing of my quilt, I found more pilling in some area after only a few wash! But compared to the pilling of what I consider garnement flannel (the generic brand I buy from Joann or any big fabric store) it's nothing. I can live with a bit of pilling, but I don't want the fabric to become flimsy and faded.

Just a tought: you may want to try Connecting thread flannel. I found it an excellent quality for the price.

I have also had mixed results. I have purchased wonderful flannel at big box stores, and paid top dollar for name brand flannel from a LQS that pilled so badly I was almost embarrassed to gift it. In general, however, I have had the best luck with the LQS stuff.

I have used Timeless Treasures Fabric, Inc flannel and LOVE it! No pilling, not much shrinkage if any. Can't remember the store I ordered it from, but they have their own web site.

That's the way I feel about the first flannel I made. I purchased the flannel from Joann's. I won't do that again. This last time I went to a quilt store. I love the flannel there. It was nice and soft to work with and came out beautifully!