it seems there is a lot of concern about how to pre-wash flannel, but, when the quilt is given as a gift, i would imagine they are just going to wash it like the rest of their wash. So that is why I'd like to know the brand names of high quality flannel, because i don't think the receiver will wash it specially, AND YES I REMEMBER GOOD FLANNEL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;) Wendy B in Oregon

Cabbage patch kid, I do remember when flannel was thicker than it is now. I used to buy it all the time to make pajama pants, now the flannel they sell is much thinner and falls apart faster but the price goes up! I just wash mine in warm water and dry as usual.

I remember when flannel felt like flannel, not used rags. I don't work often with flannel but I am making these "Pretty Pockets" which hold the surgical drain bulbs making life easier for patients after surgery. I need to pre-wash the flannel. Thanks for the post!

The nicest flannels I have purchased are:

Moda
AE Nathan Comfy flannel
Wilmington
Bernatex
Maywood Studio
Marcus Brothers

I am sure there are others out there. www.thousandsofbolts.com has tons of really nice flannels at rock bottom prices. They don't usually have Moda but they have other brands and I have always been happy with my purchases from them. Others here seem to really like the flannels offered at www.connectingthreads.com

I prewash in hot wash, cold rinse and tumble dry. I want all preshrinking out of the way. First wash produces a LOT of lint no matter how good the brand. I usually clean the lint trap in the dryer twice for washing 4 yards or more at a time. No pilling at all.

thank you feline fanatic :) I copied your post and will check out their flannel :) Wendy B

Flannel comes in different qualities - also some are blends - there are also wool flannels.

Several years ago, I bought some great flannels at walmart.

I have bought very few fabrics - from anywhere- for about ten years now - so I am not current on who has the good stuff available now.

I bought a stack of 6- inch flannel squares at a yard sale - washed them up - wow! What a differnce in qualities!