annesthreads

My Mum has given me a pair of large, good-quality flannel sheets, and I'm wondering if they're thick enough to use as batting? I don't want to use them as backing, but could they be used in the middle of a quilt? I suppose another way of putting this question would be - what's the minimum thickness suitable for batting?

Mrs B

Yes you can use flannel as batting especially in table runners and wall hangings. It could be used in a quilt too but wouldn't be as warm as batting. hope this helps and I'm sure you'll get some other opinions too.

AshleyR

Just a few weeks ago, I was looking everywhere for good flannel to use as backing on a quilt. I was going to skip the batting and just use the flannel backing and quilt top for a light summer quilt. I couldn't find what I wanted so I ended up getting off-white cotton for the backing.

Make sure you shrink it before you use it

raedar63

I shop thrift stores for flannel to use as both batting and backing,it is great for lightweight summertime quilts.I also like it for newborn quilts.

ckcowl

flannel makes great batts---the loft of a batt is not a (right or wrong) some people like very flat thin quilts- some like them lofty---almost like comforters...it is a personal choice-
i've actually used a layer of muslin before for the center of my 'sandwich'= the project it was used for turned out great-
flannel is one of my favorites! adds good warmth without alot of bulk.
you can use anything you want- it's your project.

quiltinggirl

Like Raedar63, I use flannel for newborn quilts that I make in the spring/summer. I also use flannel instead of batting in placemats. Works perfectly!!

117becca

i'm currently finishing a quilt for a friend of my Mom's that has an older flannel sheet as the batting. It also has a sheet on the backing...Someone else started it. The flannel is easy to quilt thru and the sheet is ok too. It's an older sheet - maybe from the 80 based on the color, so the thread count isn't as high as what you find today. I think it's going to make a great lighter weight quilt!

auntpiggylpn

I used flannel as my batting in a rag quilt I made. The quilt had 100% cotton on the front and 2 layers of flannel. It is the perfect weight for watching tv!

sewcountry

I just bought 3 flannels yesterday to start a rag quilt. Have any of you had bad experiences when you didn't wash the flannel before making the quilt? I have read so many conflicting opinions....and the flannel is so pretty before is it washed. However, it is too costly to make mistake.

CoyoteQuilts

sewcountry, I have made rag quilts with unwashed flannel many times. You just have to remember they shrink and if you have any colors that may bleed you need to test a small piece before sewing together. I always wash afterwards to fluff up the rag cuts, but remember when you do this there is going to be lots and lots of 'fluff' in your washer and dryer so check dryer often.