Flannel Backing
 

I'm machine quilting my first flannel quilt (twin size). I'd like to use flannel for the back. What do you use? Do you buy a flannel flat sheet and then use it? (I've checked Amazon, Overstock, and Walmart and they're all spendy for flannel sheets). Or should I buy flannel by the yard and piece it? I'm just not sure how to approach the back.
Thanks,
Ell

I get my flannel when it’s on sale at JoAnn’s.

By the yard?
 

Do you buy it by the yard for a single sized bed quilt? How many yards do you buy? I'm assuming you just sew a seam down the middle.
Thanks,
Ell

I get mine at JoAnn's, too. Our charity group buys it by the bolt at the Black Friday sale since the price is so low. The yardage I buy depends on the project. My cancer center donation quilts are 40-ish inches wide so only need to buy the length of that quilt, usually 60-ish.

I use the Robert Kaufman app to figure out yardage. You can seam it either lengthwise or crosswise to get the correct size.

I purchase 108” wide flannel backing fabric from fabric.com

I piece my backs regularly. Wish I had a bigger budget for wider fabric but I don't and I seem to be unable to make quilts that fit nicely into one width of fabric.

The next top I will quilt down has a pieced flannel backing. I sewed my seams at .5" and pressed open.

When you piece a back, you want to avoid having the seam on an area likely to be folded, so not down the middle. Typically for a larger back you use a whole width down the middle and then the other piece you cut down the middle so you have 1/2 WoF (width of fabric), full WoF, and then the other 1/2. Yes, two seams but it's better than one!

The quilt I finished last night I had a lot of yardage to use for the back. The quilt itself was maybe only 4" wider than the width of fabric... I went the horizontal route for the seam, there is only one about 1/3 up from the bottom. I used the remainder of that yardage to make the binding.

I just checked flannel sheet sets on Walmart.com and you get a flat and a fitted set (full size) for $30. That would be enough flannel to back two quilts. You say it is a twin size quilt but without the actual dimensions of it, it is hard to guess how much yardage you would need. Assume the top is 71x96. If you bought wide flannel at Thousands of bolts which is probably the least expensive I have found it, you would need at least two yards (which gives you 72" x 108", probably more than enough to back a small quilt) and that would run you $28 plus shipping. Both of these options are less expensive than buying standard width flannel and piecing it. Even if you could find flannel for $5 per yard you would need to buy close to 6 yards (probably more to give you the needed wiggle room for the back)

I use flannel for backing baby quilts sometimes. I always buy yardage, based on the size of the quilt, and I always, always wash and dry the flannel before I piece or quilt. Different flannels shrink differently, and I don't like that.

I buy flannel from the bolt. Make sure it is a good quality of flannel. Wash and dry it 2-3 times before using. Flannel shrinks! My last flannel was for a baby. I washed it one time. It shrank 4” all round.

I buy it by the yard and at 108" wide. Hancock of Paducah sells it a s well as fabric.com. Shop around for the better price when on sale. I have not seen it at JAF but that doesn't mean they don't carry it. I have just never looked there.

They do make wide width flannel, google it.

I often use flannel as a backing and I have used both flannel sheets and BTY flannel. Reminder, any sheet is usually a lot bigger than the top will be (tucking in room). And, when I buy BTY, I do not like to do a seam down the middle. I prefer to use a full WOF down the middle and the more narrow bits on each side. I find it a bit more interesting. I also tend to 'add' stuff to the backs for interest. Perhaps I will piece a block in the center of each side or do a scrappy 6" strip down the sides of the full piece - anything to add a bit of interest. I also am one of those folks who tend to not prewash my fabric - But - when I am going to do a flannel backing, I do prewash everything.

yes, Joanns carries wide flannel right next to the wide cottons. When you have a 40% coupon, it is a very reasonable option (and no seaming!).

I have bought fabric by the yard from Amazon and Fabric.com I have also found some incredible prices on flannel sheet sets on Amazon. (finding the right color at the right price is the catch there). Recently I had a 30% at Kohls and I found some king size flannel blankets for $23. 90" x 108" is perfect and since they are all season blankets they are basically sheets. I am very happy with them :)

I just keep my eyes out for sales and good deals - - before I need it for a backing

I do like the idea of buying a bolt just so I wouldn't have to worry about it... I might shop around and see what I can find just for fun :)

My experience has been stick to a name brand such as Moda, Robert Kaufman etc. I've bought from JA years ago and the quality is just not the same.

I buy at JA with coupons.