Washing Flannel
 

I have washed with color catchers, 1 yard and 2 yard pieces of flannel prior to using them as quilt backs. There was a lot threads at the ends, and a lot of lint in the dryer after washing and drying.

This time I had a 4 1/2 yard piece of red flannel I wanted to pre-wash. Somewhere, and it probably was on this board, I read that someone sewed the ends together before washing. So I did. The yardage didn't ravel as much as when I just clipped the corners and threw in the washer. It still shedded a lot in the dryer lint filter but I don't think I lost as much length-wise as I have in the past.

Hmmm! I like the idea of sewing the ends together of the long piece. I don't like to cut my piece in smaller pieces because I like to use the straight of the grain to cut borders whenever I can.

This may be a good place to ask a question about washing flannel. I have never used flannel on quilts. I bought two pieces and washed because I had read about the shrinkage. Well, one piece came out great -- nice and fluffy. The other piece looks almost pilled -- little fuzzies all over it. I'll probably use it as batting. What a bummer! Is it the fiber content or what? Both were labeled 100% cotton.

I always sew the edges of my flannel together before washing. It saves from raveling.

I either serge the ends or turn back a 1/4 inch and sew. I hate the tangled thread mess when I just toss in the washer/dryer.

I've washed lots of flannel and don't stitch off the ends.
Yes a little raveling, but nothing horrendous!

I hot wash and hot dry it at least two times to help deal with the shrinkage.
If there is a colour bleed issue ... then Retayne!



GailG ... I've had hard flannels turn soft as can be with washing/drying ... and soft ones go limpy and miserable. Likewise the pilling seems to be a mystery. I'm guessing it's the quality but I have yet to figure out how to know what. It's certainly not determined by the price. Another good reason to wash first ... at least you know you are not happy with it now, before you put a lot of work into making something.

I pink my ends before washing and I also pin with safety pins in a couple of places on long lengths.

I agree completely with QuiltE's assessment of flannel and pilling. I have purchased two seemingly identical pieces, and one pilled, the other didn't. I used the pilled one as batting.

I've only used flannel once, I prewashed, then learned to my dismay that Joann's flannel leaves something to be desired. It was printed on the fabric crooked and it shrunk crooked and it looked a little faded and tired even though it was 'hot' cheery pastels. I used it anyway, not knowing any better as it was a baby quilt and bound to wear anyway, and I had never heard of an LQS or found this Board! I was in the dark!

Exactly where I am at now ... a kids panel that has gone pilly (word?:D) ... though I think I will still finish it up for practice at least. Though right now, it looks as though it is pre-used fabric! Maybe quilt it and then hide it as a batting! :)

I overcast the raw edges of most of my fabrics before washing them. It takes no longer than clipping off raveled threads AFTER washing them.

Much to my amazement, I washed some flannel and it shrank only about an inch in a four yard length. (I had it soaking in HOT water for hours before I washed and dried it.

And then there is the other stuff that did not behave well.