I've never used flannel, and now I'm thinking I don't ever want to! :-/

No reason to fear it ... just do what needs to be done ... then ENJOY it!

I steer clear of flannel too because it not only shrinks, but also some of it will pill too and I can't tell before washing it which will pill. I could work around the shrinking more than the pilling.

I was told by a quilt store owner that she doesn't wash her flannels first, gulp. I just make sure I buy the flannels from LQS and generally avoid flannels from non-quilting stores. I do wash my flannels first before cutting. Since I use cotton batting for my quilts, there is a bit more shrinkage after the completed project is washed. It creates a lovely look!

Unfortunately, I have had LQS flannel shrink as much or more than JoAnns flannel. Recently, I had a Maywood flannel shrink 5" wof and a yellow checked JoAnns shrink only 3" wof. I do have to say that I am picky about my flannel and if it is cheesy feeling or thread count is low it does not get purchased no matter where it is. I use a lot of flannel for backings.

It is what it is and I figure that the first washing and drying will do most of the shrinking. I use Warm and Natural for most of my batting. It too will shrink a bit, so I always hope that they both will shrink about the same amount -lol.

Thanks for posting. I always prewash but didn't realize it should be washed and dried several times! I always learn new things on this board!:thumbup:

I have begun work on my very first quilt (I have done an applique wall hanging or two but not anything like a quilt)... and I want to thank you so much for this thread ! I just bought some flannel yesterday because I wanted it to have a soft warm back (lap quilt) and I would never have thought to wash it had I not read this info today. So I have just washed it - and the 2 yards of flannel shrank almost half a yard!!! Thank you for the info !!! Rene

I have never had 100% cotton flannel pill - whether expensive or cheap. What I have had pill is flannel that isn't 100% cotton. Poly /Cotton anything will pill but, flannel is the worst. The cotton lint gets caught in the poly fibers and it is just a mess. If you buy 100% you'll be OK.

I usually wash flannel at least twice. I've found that it not only shrinks, but fades, as well.