my number one rule is to always wash first !!

I always prewash and machine dry flannel, more than once.

oh, NOOOOOOO! I didn't pre-wash a flannel quillow I made for my grandson. And I bought the flannel at JoAnn's. Now I am going to worry about it. Sigh!!! :roll:

i do not pre wash cotton, and up to now i had not pre washed flannel either, but after reading this, i may start pre washing flannel....never had a problem, but there is always a first time.....gina

Flannel is hte only fabric left that i prewash anymore. it shrinks way t oo much these days. Even the better ones till shrink some.

Do you wash the flannel in hot water as well, as dry it in a hot dryer?

Yes, prewash flannel....it shrinks a lot.

Do you wash the flannel in hot water as well, as dry it in a hot dryer?

Hi,

Yes I generally use hot water. This is what I do. I start the washer with the hot water, add in a very small amount of detergent, mix that into the water with a paint stir stick. About half full I switch to warm water, then add the flannel fabric making sure that the fabric is pushed down into the tub. After making sure entire fabric is wet then switch back to hot water until at the fullest setting. Always be sure to have plenty of room for the fabric to move. Do not mix different colors just in case there is dye fading. I found this to be true for the darker solids.

Happy Quilting!

Pam M
Dayton, OH

I have made several rag quilts with flannel and I did prewash the flannel, instead of batting I used another layer of flannel. I cut out 3 different colors, layered then, sew an X through the middle of the square, then joined then together. I like working with flannel.