Question about fabric from a newbie
 

Hello

I'm fairly new to quilting and don't know anything about different fabric types. I usually use a flannelette as my backing but was interested in using minky as I found some adorable prints. Can I use minky as a backing? I guess my question is will it wash well, or shrink differently from the top?

Side note: I am so bored with the flannelette patterns at Fabricland (the only fabric store near where I am). Does anyone know of any online stores with interesting flannelette prints?

TIA

Just want to Welcome you to this quilt board.

Minky makes a very nice backing. Some people also use fleece. Both of these stretch so quilting them is trickier that flannel. They don't shrink. Flannel does so I alway prewash flannel. I do run a zigzag stitch along any raw edge because flannel also frays. I bought some very nice flannel at Connectingthreads.com.
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Hi and welcome from North Carolina!

I can't help with your Minky questions because I've never used it, but I can tell you about flannel. Tesspug is right on. It shrinks and frays and some is off grain. I make receiving blankets for infants out of it, but I really don't like it for backing quilts. Fleece is even worse from my experience. From what I've heard here on QB, Minky may work better for you.

I have used Minky a number of times for the backing and it works beautifully. Little stretchy so be sure your sandwich it well (I use June Tailor Spray). The quilts have laundered well too. I've tried the printed Minky, dimensional and plain. Good luck, the finished quilt will be wonderful

Do different qualities of Minky matter?

Minky makes wonderful backs on quilts! It does not shrink
it quilts beautifully- just remember to smooth it- don’t stretch it.
It has been a family favorite of ours for many years

Welcome to the board! I haven't used Minky but others have.

I have purchased from LocalQuiltShop and from Walmart. Have not had trouble with either. I do recommend having a lint roller handy. Every cut will produce lint. Just roll it before handling. It does not unravel. Only the cut fibers fly around. It really is nice on quilts. And very forgiving in the quilting!:) Welcome to the board and to quilting!

I haven’t used it but welcome to the board. There is a wealth of information here.��