CoriAmD

I have a lot of flannel fabric and want to make a quilt with it. But I am wondering, should I use a 1/2" seam on this or keep to the 1/4" seam? I know when making a rag quilt, it's the 1/2" seam, but I am not talking about making a rag quilt. I just want to sew squares together as in a regular quilt.
Thanks in advance for your advice.

dakotamaid

I'd use a 1/2 seam or 3/8, something bigger than a 1/4. Really depends on how close the weave is.

Also, wash those flannels in hot water and dry on hot dryer to shrink up as much as possible. Ask me how I know to do this!! I like the wrinkled old fashioned look but not as much as can happen is you don't rewash flannel. Just my thoughts.:)

sidmona

I made a flannel quilt and used 1/4" seams. It seems to be holding up. I book I got the pattern for specifically said not to prewash the flannel. You'll get many opinions about that.

LivelyLady

I agree with Dakotamaid. I never prewash my fabric with the exception of flannel.......flannel REALLY shrinks up.

eaglebeak1960

when sewing make sure you set your stitch length to 3.0 or longer

CoriAmD

Thanks all for the advice. I have prewashed the flannel so now I can get started - just as soon as I finish quilting a couple more I have ready to go... :) One only needs the label and the binding finished and the other is ready to quilt as soon as I figure out what design I want to use. You all know how that is... :)
Thanks again!

Dustee In Iowa

Hi, I love flannel quilts. I use a generous 1/4" seam, it seems to work out for me. I also pre-wash on regular cycle and dry in a hot dryer a couple of times before cutting. Flannel does shrink a lot! I hope this is helpful. Dustee

Prism99

I heavily starch flannel after it is washed. This makes cutting and piecing much more accurate because the flannel doesn't stretch or distort. My method is to "paint" a 1:1 solution of Sta-Flo liquid laundry starch and water on the yardage, toss in the dryer, then iron with steam. Comes out with the stiffness of light cardstock.

It can be a good idea to use 1/2" seams with flannel because it ravels more easily.

sewwhat85

with pre wash i dont think 1/2 is needed unless flannel is really loosely woven