A question about working with Flannel
 

This quilt top is made out of flannel. The back is also flannel. It isn't quilted yet and recently I have read the flannel should always be washed before sewing because of shrinkage. Is this really true? Do I have useless quilt top? Will quilting be a problem? I had planned to send this one out for quilting because my FMQ skills are very limited and I think this quilt top has a lot of design opportunities. It's 65" x 77". I rarely wash my fabric before I sew so it never crossed my mind that I should wash it first! The fabric is good quilt shop quality.

I appreciate all comments!!
Norma

i have been really lucky with lqs flannel. i don't usually prewash either. my two christmas quilts came out fine. they were just flannel on the back. good luck.

i have made literally hundreds of flannel quilts- some with pre-washed fabrics - some without-
i can honestly say i've never had a flannel quilt come out ruined- or even damaged in any way- either way-
it will be fine to send it out to be quilted- that part has nothing to do with pre-washing or not-
and when you get it back == bind it then wash it- gently with cool water- it will come out of the dryer fluffy, soft & cozy---and you will love it!
this pic of the flannels quilt i made my sister was made with flannels that were not pre-washed- and the pic is after i washed/dried it- before i gave it to her...

Thank-you! Thank-you! I had a few panic moments there! Your quilt looks wonderful. I've never sent a quilt out for quilting so I was a bit concerned about that too.

I can't afford flannel from my local quilt shop, so buy flannels mainly from Joann's & Hobby Lobby. I don't pre-wash and have never had a problem with the flannels bleeding or shrinking horribly. Of course, I like the "vintage" look that washing after quilting causes. You might want to use Color Wash (is that the name?). Good luck!

I like when it gets alittle shrinkage , don't worry at all, it will be fine. Promise!

I would think the quilting would prevent it from shrinking. . . hummmmm.

Your quilt top is beautiful. I love your color choices. Nice job!!

The only time I made a point to pre wash flannel was when I used it as a backing for a quilt where the top was 100% cotton. I was afraid it would shrink more than the top. It came out fine. Other than that, if you use flannel on both top and bottom, it should shrink evenly so you will have the vintage look, which is nice!

Very nice quilt. You'll be fine.

I never prewash my flannels before making quilts - I love the way they come out of the dryer, looking like they are the most comfortable quilts in the world. I made one for our church bazaar a little over a year ago and the woman who bought it absolutely LOVES it, when she was going through some health issues this past summer, she would curl up with it and said it made her feel like everything would turn out all right (which it did, thankfully!).

As long as both sides have not been washed, they will most likely 'adjust' equally, and you will have a lovely, comfy quilt for a very long time. And if you don't like the way it looks when all is said and done, I would be happy to give it a new home. :D