flannel quality
 

JoAnn's is having a big sale today. Is there a big difference in quality of flannel there compared to a Local Quilt Shop. I have never bought flannel. Are there different grades at Joanns? This will be to back a twin sized bed quilt. Thanks in advance.
Mary Ann

I buy a lot of flannel from JoAnns. Rarely have I had a problem. Just finished a baby quilt with some, Washed up beautifully.

umm....I have not had the best of luck at JoAnns....seems like a lot of their flannel is thinner and more coarsely woven. I did buy some of the flannel their for a quilt backing on a flannel throw that had quilt shop flannel on the top. I washed the JoAnn's fabric prior to using it and am glad I did....it shrank about 4 inches. I used it anyway...it does feel thinner and is already starting to pill. So, I usually use the quilt shop flannel for quilts I hope will last a while. The flannel lap quilts where all made using up scraps from previous flannel quilts and I am ok with the cheaper flannel from JoAnn's for those. I am glad I used the more expensive flannel however from the quilt shop on the king sized flannel quilt I made for my nephew....cost a lot more....but I liked the quality.

I only use LQS flannel for a quilt. I have only made on flannel quilt and the moment I added "the perfect color" and it was not LQS fabric I spent hours tearing it out. I think that is what turned me off to it. I gave the quilt top to another quilter who finished it up and loved it. I replaced the JAF fabric with the LQS fabric before giving away the finished top. Never attempted another flannel quilt. So IMHO there can be a huge difference. Be careful.

I agree with the other posters about the fact that the flannel from JA Is thinner than name-brand LQS flannels. This said, at the risk of activating the quilt police, I will admit to using it as a backing. For quilts that I am making to really use, those throws that are in and out of the washer/dryer, I will use JA flannel for that. I actually like that it is a bit thin as it makes for very easy quilting and compared to a thicker LQS flannel, it needs less time in the tumble dryer, thus putting less stress on the top. And it is true that some of these fabrics pill worse than others, but even with the pilling (which changes over time) it is very soft and snuggly.
Being able to back a large throw for about $15 when the flannel is on sale like it is right now is soooo much nicer than spending around $60 for premium 45” wide fabric. So, if the use is appropriate, I will happily use JA flannel. And in all honesty, they have some pretty cool new prints out right now.
Hope this helps.

I used to buy a lot of JA flannel to make sleep pants for my kids and while it was perfect for that purpose, the fabric pilled after a bunch of washings. I only use LQS flannel for quilts since I want them to wear well and look great for a very long time. If you keep your eyes open for sales, you can get LQS flannel for reasonable prices.

To answer your last question, yes, there is a difference between some of the JoAnns flannel as well. The solids seem to be much thinner than some of the prints and fray terribly, so you do have to look them over carefully before you buy. Hope this helps.

I use flannel sheets for backing quilts when I want to use flannel. I have bought the Cuddle Duds brand from Kohls usually on clearance and with a 30% off coupon you can get a set of sheets for a really good price. My last purchase was a set of twin, full, and king, all three for about $80. Could not even buy yardage for that price. I do pre-wash them but they stitch up beautifully and I have had no problems with them pilling.

And again I'm going to comment that JoAnn's offers a variety of quality. JoAnn's offers craft fabrics as well as good quality fabrics. I have had "quilters flannel" greatly disappoint me with shrinkage, pilling and bleeding while some other flannels have worked well in construction and wear. Just because fabric comes from a quilt shop does not guarantee fantastic results just as buying from JoAnn's isn't doomed to disappoint. Take a look at the piece you want to buy, it's intended use and your pocketbook!