I live in FL. and would like to make my quilts very light in weight. Is flannel an okay fabric to use in place of batting?

Lois

Hi Lois, I'm making my granddaughter a quilt for Christmas and I'm using flannel instead of batting so it will be lightweight. This is the first time I've used flannel instead of batting. I hope it works out okay. :D

Sure it is fine to use flannel. Some folks use no batting in their summer quilts. It is up to you. There really is no right or wrong, nor are there any 'quilt police'. If you find any 'quilt police', I will disavow any and all knowledge. :D

I made a wool quilt from recycled wool cut into different size rectangles and used plaid flannel for the back. I didn't use any batting. It's a nice light weight quilt.

Donna

If you use flannel for the batting, be SURE you wash it first. Maybe even wash it twice and put it in the dryer. Flannel will shrink quite a lot and you don't want it to happen after it is in your quilt.
Judith

Flannel works fine.. I have used flannel as batting for a number of quilts... I even used flannel sheets! I have a friend who uses old blankets for her batting. There really is no right or wrong.

Also.. I made an Easter quilt last Spring and used no batting, but flannel for the back.. it worked fine.

Barb

Yes, use flannel! Pre-wash & dry warm for shrinkage and you're all set. You'll get a nice flat look and won't have to worry about batting bunching up & shifting when the quilt's washed...a real plus! Cotton and poly blends often need lots of quilting, sometimes very close to prevent shifting. Flannel's a wonderful choice, especially for warm climates.

I have never had a problem with batting bunching or shifting. I think that comes from not quilting close enough. Most batting tells you how much unquilted space you can leave. Barb C

Hello to all. I am a newbie to this quilting and have been looking for a place to get some really good answers. It seems like I found it. I am making 2 lap quilts for christmas gifts and don't have much time. I was at the fabric store this morning and since I live in Texas I did not want them to be heavy. I asked them about using flannel and they thought I was nuts. I bought it any way and I guess my real question is if I wash and dry it several times should I also wash the main fabrics to? :?

There are debates over prewashng and not prewashing your fabrics. I always prewash. I want it to preshrink and I also want any excess dye to wash out. That said I know many who don't prewash. So it really is up to the quilter.

About flannel... I have used it many times in quilts (I live in Mississippi) and I only prewash it once. Barb C