Flannel Sheets- It's not my imagination!
 

I like flannel sheets, both on my bed and on the backs of my quilts. Lately, I've been finding it much more difficult to find tightly woven, good quality flannel sheets that don't shrink, pill or get really thin after a few washings. I was pretty positive that the quality has deteriorated and now I'm sure. I've been cleaning out closets and on the top shelf, I found a flannel sheet purchased from Sears probably twenty years ago which had never been used. It's thick, soft, has deep hems and best of all, Made in Canada! (Don't ask why it's been in the closet that long). It's absolutely perfect for the quilt top backing that I need to finish a quilt for my granddaughter. Now I wish there were a few more up there. Does anyone know a source for good quality flannel (sheets or yardage) at a reasonable cost?

I tried Hobby Lobby, Joann's, and Hancocks to find just some plain black and some plain white cotton and all they had was this stuff that's only got one selvage edge. The other edge has been cut and then glued! Yes, some type of glue has been used to seal it and in places it's 1 1/4" wide. Very shabby quality. But then again, I don't look as good as I used to either. :D

Try The Vermont Country Store at www.VermontCountryStore.com or 802.776.5710 and I am NOT associated with them in any way. Some of the things they have will take you back! Some are quite amazing and unique in today's time.

I have give up on flannel. I bought "the good stuff" and paid big $$ at LQS and it pilled on the first washing , not as bad as some of the Jo'ann cheaper flannel , but pilled none the less.
I thought sheets might be better , but from what you are saying .. quality flannel is not in most sheets either.

Also LL Bean has flannel sheets, different weights and free shipping, both ways. I love flannel sheets on my bed, winter and summer. I am not associated with them in any way except I order from them.

QVC's "Northern Nights" linen line has "Super Chunky" flannel bed sheets. These are the only flannel sheets I use now. I also use their 600 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets in the warmer months. Very nice quality on both.

I think JC Penny's sheets are really nice.

I agree with the LL Bean sheets - very good quality - or at least they were last time I bought them. Menopaus has made flannel sheets a thing of the past. I will also say that Moda flannel is very good. Bought some at a small shop in Lancaster last year and it was just yummy. Was a dream to work with.

We bought a red plaid flannel sheet set at Target last winter and they are the most fabulous flannel sheets that we have ever had. Wash after wash. The only problem is that they still bleed - don't want to wear a white nightgown as it will be pink by morning.

I absolutely love Costco flannel sheets! They are so thick, soft and cozy, they wash and dry beautifully. Made in Portugal - I was looking at the LL Bean catalogue and their sheets are also made in Portugal - I am sure they are the same manufacturer.

Unfortunately you have to buy a set and I know you are looking for singles - I wouldn't even bother with Sears, Zellers or Wallies - you might luck out at Winners or one of the other home stores and get a quality single.

J

What a great site. I went looking for flannel sheets and found things I hadn't thought of in a long time.. I remember the Jubilee Kitchen Wax, and loved it. It made everything in the kitchen look like new again, and it smelled so good! I didn't use the Lifebuoy Soap, because it had a pretty strong smell, but it takes me back!

I like Lands End or LL Bean - they are expensive but they last forever and they are soft forever. Also, Lands End has a return policy - if you don't like something for any reason you can return and get a replacement or money back - even if you washed it and don't like the way its wearing. Now you have given me a great idea.

I have recently been on a quest for good white muslin for backing and for background for a repro quilt. Non-existant. It is all like cheesecloth. I have given up and started buying white on white also. Not a choice I really wanted, but I am not using crap for either background fabric, or backing.

I know I'm in GB but Ialways used NAPGUARD make, they still do them ,think some now have poly in them for cheapness .

I've bought Woolrich flannel sheets at Target and they seem to be OK. Seems to me they are a little thicker than others.

I just got clearance regular 150 bucks for 45 bucks (king size) from khols They are unbeleiveable! They are plaids in reds or blues but they are so nice I didn't care about the colors!

Thnak you for the site it is a great one

I like Land's End flannel sheets, though I have not had any new ones for years and so can't comment on current quality. But the nice thing is they list the weight of the flannel in their catalog. I've never really known what 5 oz. and 7 oz. refer to (weight of a square yard? of a yard at full width? not sure), but they are heavier than any other I have ever found.

I bought some flannel sheets for our DGD's room ( spare room) at Target on sale and I was pleasently surprised at how good they are. Now as loosely woven or cheaply make as so many. You might check them out.

I buy sheets for my beds only from LLBean....they are thick and cozy. I guess they could also be used for the baCK of quilts...I dont use them for quilts.

I don't use flannel for quilts, but I love flannel sheets..and you are not imagining it...the quality across the board has sunk to a new low...I used to buy the QVC Northern nights sheets..this year the set we got was so thin it was more like a brushed cotton than a flannel...and it pilled the first wash...we NEVER had those sheets pill....so...no more QVC sheets..I sent them back!

I bought some real thick and nice ones on line at Walmart. They do not carry them in the store.

barbir - I was thinking the same thing. I love LLBean's flannel sheets. They stay on the bed into summer before I switch to regular sheets. Summer calls for fresh, line dried cotton sheets!

Shelbie,
Agreed, flannel sheets make wonderful backings for quilts. Gives them that extra softness many of us like. I have had wonderful luck shopping for flannel sheets at many Goodwill stores, or other thrift shops. Hubby and I hit them all when we are out on the road. Have found some very nice thick, soft, and pretty flannels. Keep on looking. You may be as lucky as I have been.

Here are a couple of sites that have loads of flannel!! I've just purchased fabric from FlannelWorld for my grandson's rag quilt but haven't received it yet. Their prices are also great!! http://flannelqueen.com/index.htm and http://www.flannelworld.com/index.php FlannelWorld's prices are a lot more reasonable but check out both. :)

I just bought my first set of Cosco flannel sheets at a Warehouse outlet in Niagara Falls. They seem thick and have washed and dried well. I think that I will be a repeat customer. Thanks for all of your good suggestions.

Just recently we purchased flannel sheets from Target. Not something I thought I would like, but my husband thought the price was right. I have been pleasantly surprised at the quality. I think it would work as a quilt backing, but I know my DH will not give them up!:D

When I married and moved into my husband's "home place" I found an old comforter in the closet. It was a very dark stripped, flannel over an older quilt and tied with cotton cord. It had been used hard and showed wear and tear but that heavy cotton flannel was sturdy and still had plenty of nap. It appeared to have once been a garment, maybe a flannel petticoat, and had been pieced to make the cover. (The comforter disappeared soon after I found it--my MIL had a mania for new and couldn't wait to dispose of her MIL's Hosier, canning jars, crocks, etc.) I loved that flannel--a survivor--so unlike the flannels I knew.

flannel
 

Hi, We have a set of flannel sheets that I purchased 10 or 15 yrs. ago, and they are still nice and thick. I got an ad with today's message, and it has German flannel advertised at Cuddledown. I have never bought any. Just saw it advertised. They pick up on what is in the titles of our msgs. and send advertising based on that.

Kathy

I am in my LQS at least once a week. I have noticed fabric quality has deteriorated for most fabrics. Manufacturers are cutting costs any way they can.

If using a Long Arm I caution all to reconsider using sheets for backs of quilts. The high thread count is wonderful to sleep on but the needle cannot slide through the thread count. Instead the needle "breaks" the threads. Over time this may create holes in your back.

Happy Quilting!

Yep, LLBean has the best by far, not cheap but the best. I never mind paying a premium for theirs and sometime they do go on sale.

I have my pink LL Bean flanel on my bed right now - they are about the only thing I look forward to about winter....:( We've been so lucky we've had a mild one!

There is more than one quality of flannel and some shops sell a lower grade, as I found out last year making a
t-shirt quilt. I purchased 2 pieces from lqs one faded and shurnk and the other stayed the same as purchased, both
were the same price but the one shop sold the lower grade. Live and learn

I have gotten great quality flannel sheet sets from Costco. No pilling and shrinking.

I found Moda premium muslin at Joanns. $74 with 50% coupon for a 15yd bolt. Very nice to quilt with . Using it in my DJ quilt Just heavy enough with lovely feel to it.

I also like the Moda muslins, especially a line called Primitive Muslins.

Nikkilu - have you thought about washing your red flannel sheets in "Retyne" (Retain), that will probably stop the bleeding, you can purchase from your local quilt shop.

I have used fleece sheets on the back of my quilts - then the common comment that I receive is "that is the best blanket ever", I use fleece sheets on all the beds in our home, and also in the RV - year round, it is simply amazing how well we sleep now, since changing to fleece - even in the hot of the summer - they breath!!!

I have also used Egyptian cotton (better quality muslin), very close weave and very soft, you might want to look into that for your quilts.
I purchased it at our LQS.

I used some flannel that was mid-priced from the LQS for a quilt for my 10 year old Grandson.....it washed pretty nice before I sewed it, but after about three more washings it looks terrible.....he doesn't complain and I didn't mention it to him, so I guess it's alright, but don't know how to pick good quality from bad without washing it. Guess buying LLBean is a good answer, but plenty expensive.