deedum

I do my best to use high quality flannel. I use the fabric shaver and just clean off the pills. Better flannel has a less lots pills and just such a softer feel. After it has been washed once or twice, it washes up nicely and everyone seems to like it. Overall, I don't like flannel, but it has it's place I guess.

deedum

I think flannel quilts are kinda like old favorite shoes, the more they are used the better they are!

Valerie Ann

I agree with what was stated. I made 2 flannel quilts with fabrics from Joanne's and the first pilled so badly no one wanted it. The second one was from Joanne's quilter's fabrics and it also pilled, but not as badly as the first. I am going to try LQS quilting fabric and the Land's end flannel sheets idea. The only reason I am going to try again is because I like to make them and I want to use the scissors that I invested in for the project.

Bicycle Hobo

There was only 1 piece of fabric that I bought several years ago what pilled terribly after the first washing. I discarded that fabric and never even considered using it for even placement in the middle batting. I now make rag quilts for mostly utility purpose-with one fancy quilt being periodically made yearly for monetary sale. I don't have much money to go to Local Quilt Shops in my area and buy unless it is on the clearance shelf. I have found that the fabrics there are made in the same foreign countries-usually China, India, and Pakistan-as Joann's and Hancock's are. So I prewash the fabrics from the chain stores before cutting out and sewing and never had one that pilled too much-or at least was acceptable in how much was pilled. I can tell you for sure that it is far better than most of the ready made products sold most anywhere nowadays. I rotate my quilts so that one is used for a month, washed, then put away for several months. That way my quilts are not harshly used or washed too much for as long as possible.

sweetana3

I made a rag quilt using homespun and a lot of homespun scraps pieced to make more blocks. Everyone in the house wants to sleep on or under that rag quilt. Sure it is not "cute" but there are some bright homespuns out there. I have washed it twice and it is nice and frayed and so soft and comfortable.

I have two more cut out.

grammy of 6

I made 5 rag quilts last year using Joann's flannel. They were washed at the laundromat using regular detergent and dried on high. None of them pilled. I guess I was just lucky, because I got the fabric on Black Friday for less than $2.00 a yard.