NanaCindyLou

I am making a "recliner throw" for my DH. He wanted flannel on the back. I have not prewashed the cotton on the pieced top. Do I need to prewash the flannel before I attach it? There will be straight line quilting (if that makes a difference). Thanks for any advice. (and please keep your fingers crossed - it's the first "quilt" that I've attempted. until now it's been table runners & mug rugs.)

GEMRM

I do pre wash flannel when I use it because it does typically shrink alot.

Joset

i have done both pre wash fannel, it is a lot nicer.

JenniePenny

Yes, I do recommend to pre-wash flannel. It does shrink much more than regular quilting cotton. I even pre-wash it twice before I use it as a backing.

eparys

Absolutely - I never pre-wash my piecing material but I will not put flannel on a back with out pre-washing. I had one shrink 12% on me after pre-washing.

Stitchnripper

I agree - I am not a prewasher except for flannel, which I usually wash and dry twice - cuts down on lint too.

PaperPrincess

Measure, wash, dry, repeat until it stops shrinking! The up side is that the flannel usually gets thicker and softer.

Quiltngolfer

I like to prewash everything. I don't like surprises with quilting. The only items I don't prewash are the precuts like jelly rolls, layer cakes, and charms. I also like to serge the cut edges before I wash. It keeps everything neat.

nhweaver

I do prewash flannel, as the shrinkage is greater than normal cotton. Be sure to clean your dryer filter after drying, I was amazed at how much "fluff" came off about 5 yards of flannel pieces.

dunster

Prewashing may also cause pilling. If the flannel pills, I may use it for batting, but not on the quilt's front or back.