BellaBoo

I backed a quilt with satin for my DD. I used wool batting and the top was pieced cotton. That quilt was the easiest to FMQ on my machine, no drag at all.

Prism99

It's true that flannel can be fine without pre-washing as long as there is moderate quilting in the quilt. Quilting ties the layers together so that the batting controls the amount of shrinkage in a quilt. Most people do not realize that fabric can shrink differently when washed on its own versus washing in a well-quilted quilt. Distortion from different shrinkage rates of fabric can be a huge problem, however, if the quilting is far apart or if the quilt is tied.

QuiltE

With satin against your tabletop, there sure shouldn't have been any drag!!
You must have been .......... slip slidin' awaaaaaaaaay!!

COYOTEMAGIC

Just a hint for washing a "mixed" fabric quilt. Put it in a mesh laundry bag (so if something comes loose, it doesn't get loose in the washer itself) Use a large washer at the laundermat that doesn't have a center adgitator. The rolling action of the industrial machines is easier on fabric than a machine with the thingie in the middle

MaryKatherine

I think it's only really important to use material with similar qualities in a quilt top. As long as they're all going to behave the same way, you can use anything. I made a queen size from slinky synthetics and backed it with fun fur. It turned out fine.
MaryKatherine

Johanna Fritz

Most flannel I have seen is 100% cotton. Make SURE you pre wash - If any red is in the design, wash it separately. Flannel fabric is more dense and will hold more dye. As a hand dyer, I understand how flannel can shrink significantly as well as commercial flannels that will bleed. They are soft and I do love them.

About "use 100% cotton" - I would say that is preferable. Your Aunt was most likely referring to a larger design - say 5" squares...if some are cotton and some are a poly blend, as the quilt is used, washed etc. there will be shrinkage issues. However, as an Art Quilter, I have used small pieces from sheers to upholstery fabric, but with interfacing etc.

Good to note that when piecing cotton fabrics, you DO want cotton thread...not embroidery thread (too thin and will stretch with the weight of the quilt) and not poly or poly content ...too "tough" compared to cotton and it will shred the cotton fabric over time.

Good luck with the quilt

Also,

Pat75

There is no problem with using flannel for the back as long as you wash it first. Some flannels shrink more than others.the thing to beware of is not mixing synthetics with cotton on the top or backing.The synthetic will as time goes on cut the cotton it is sewn next to.They showed this many years ago on a documentary.and I had it happen on an old quilt a neighbor made for me.

feline fanatic

Flannel is wonderful to use in quilting. It can be a bit challenging to handquilt but there is no reason not to use it. I have backed many a quilt in flannel and I am currently working on a quilt that is almost all flannel, top and back.

I prefer to use 100% cotton fabric (of which most flannels are anyway) because it is nice to work with and it holds a crease from pressing and can withstand high heat from the iron. Blends and polys do not take a crease as nicely and I have had some get a "glaze" on them from the high heat of the iron. You can use whatever you like in your quilt. Experience will tell you what you will like or dislike working with as far as fiber content.

For me, I prefer 100% cotton.

quiltmom04

I have used flannel on several quilts and have had no problems. Like others said, just per-shrink .

cheryl222

Confession time....i am one of the quilting sinners who uses whatever fabric strikes my fancy. I combine cottons with polyester blends and have had zero problems with weird shrinking or whatever. I have also found out that after a few washings the polyester/cotton stuff softens just like cotton. I am a recycler and use my husbands old shirts, my blouses, skirts, or whatever I have.