need info on flannel
 

I received a gift today and am so happy.One of my customers gave me 5 or 6 quilt kits all flannel . Is there any special sewing skills flannel requires? I have read that my seams need to be more than 1/4. But that is all I can find so far on-line.Thanks for any and all advise.

Flannel is a loosely woven fabric that will shrink quite a bit when washed and dried, and many folks recommend two washing/drying sessions before using them. Some flannels are more likely to bleed when washed, so make sure you only wash like colors at one time. If I'm going to be making blocks with flannel, I buy an iron on stableizer (did I spell that right?) and apply it to the back of the flannel before cutting. Seems to work better for me.

I like to use flannel for backings because they make the quilt feel softer.

Good luck with your gift!

Several threads on here recently regarding flannel. Definitely pre-wash so it shrinks and as a result tightens the weave. You can use a 1/4 in. seam with no problem. Starch heavily, on the wrong side, to make cutting easier. Never heard of using stabilizer with it. Otherwise, treat it as you would any other cotton fabric.

I use a quarter inch seam, but shorten my stitch length a bit to make it more fray-proof.

Your sewing machine may need to be cleaned out a couple of times during the sewing process - it is very linty - and to keep you sewing machine happy - it needs extra attention! A very important issue when sewing with flannel.. I found that out when making oodles of baby items and quilts - lots of lint!

I use a 1/2 inch seam when sewing with flannel. And I agree - clean the lint out of your machine after awhile. Good luck! I'd love to see pictures when you are done.

I worked with flannel once and freying was my issue make sure your seams are right on. and yes the shrinkage.

Ditto ALL of the comments above (I pre-wash my flannel in HOT water).

Can also add that I LOVE using flannel as a batting! It is so soft, so warm, and so SUPPLE! Not much quilting definition but that didn't matter in the baby quilts I was making. For a supple quilt that screams "wrap me around a baby" use flannel inside and out.