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Thread: flannel quilt question

  1. #1
    lapeoples's Avatar lapeoples is online now Senior Member
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    Default flannel quilt question

    Are there tricks to making a flannel quilt? I am halfway through my first (possibly only) flannel quilt and am having trouble with fraying. If I starch does it need to be washed out before it goes to the quilter? Is it better to use a 1\2 inch seam instead of a 1/4 inch? Any trick to keep the pieces from sliding during sewing?
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    Davidsgirl08's Avatar Davidsgirl08 is online now Senior Member
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    Default Re: flannel quilt question

    I have made a few flannel quilts. I use a 1/4" seam. I never prewash before I use flannel, not really sure why it's fraying I have never had fraying. A walking foot might be helpful. Is the flannel good quality? I would use more pins to prevent sliding. Hope that helps a little. No starch doesn't need to be washed out IMHO. If your machine can sew through it so can a longarm.

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    catmama635's Avatar catmama635 is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: flannel quilt question

    I just made two small flannel pet quilts. I didn't prewash the flannel and had no fraying. The label on the fat quarters I used said not to prewash and others on the forum suggested that if I do, to serge the edges because of fraying after washing. I used a walking foot and 1/4" seam. I hate fraying! Sorry you're having so many issues--I'm sure more experienced people here can help more than I can.
    Don't lose hope!
    Ellen
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    oldsewer is online now Senior Member
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    Default Re: flannel quilt question

    Yes my discount fabric frays, the Moda layer cake did not. I always wash mine, except for the layer cake and the backing which was wide flannel backing from another source. Sometimes when it comes out of the dryer I lose 2 inches. I still do it, because if it is going to fall apart, or be really wonky, I want to know before I start and deal with it before I cut. I use 1/2 inch seam, and I backstitch every start and stop (otherwise those ends start to come undone for me). I use my walking foot to reduce the slipping and sliding, and I use a longer stitch (3 ). I've made several kid size ones and one large one in a row this winter, for donations, and I keep the piecing simple and a simple cross hatch for quilting using the walking foot. I use batting and machine stitch the binding or self bind. I want them to be warm and practical(and cute). I'm not using expensive fabric, but when all said and done, they are cute and practical and will keep some kid or adult warm. Have a pink and aqua one 42" x48" ready to sandwich this morning. I'm not the expert these other folks are but this works for me.
    Meant to add I starch and use spray basting and quilt on my domestic machine, then wash. I cannot answer for long armers.
    Last edited by oldsewer; December 28th, 2013 at 09:50 AM. Reason: additional information
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    Auntpiggylpn's Avatar Auntpiggylpn is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: flannel quilt question

    Flannel can be really loosely woven. That's why there is such shrinkage during the initial wash. I always prewash my flannel as it helps tighten up the weave and gets the majority of the shrinkage out of the way. I also starch before I cut as it helps keep those fibers together and makes my cuts nice and sharp.

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    icwilson's Avatar icwilson is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: flannel quilt question

    I purchased Windham Fabrics Essex Flannel for the last quilt I made (only my third, so my experience with it could be skewed because I still consider myself a novice quilter). From what I understand it's a very good quality fabric, but I had a heck of a time with it fraying. I did wash beforehand because that's the way I was taught and also it had quite a few red tones in it that I wanted to make certain the colors wouldn't run. I don't know the answer to what to keep it from fraying. I had to order extra fabric because - and don't laugh too hard at me here - when I figured the yardage for the backing I forgot to include the two borders I put on it. I'd read somewhere that if you safety pinned the selvedges together before washing that would help. I not only safety pinned but I also pinked the cut edges. It still frayed. It turned out really well and my daughter-in-law loves it, but I'm not sure I'll ever make another flannel quilt.

    Bunny

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  8. #7
    QuiltingRN's Avatar QuiltingRN is online now Senior Member
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    Default Re: flannel quilt question

    I always use 1/2 inch seam allowance when sewing flannel as some of it does fray.
    April

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    Vonnie is online now Senior Member
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    Default Re: flannel quilt question

    When I quilt on flannel, I quilt over every seam to help with fraying if it has to be washed.

    My step-mother hand pieced and hand quilted a baby quilt for my oldest. He loved it and because of that it would get quite dirty being dragged all over the place. Every time I washed it, I had to mend it. That taught me to quilt over seams on flannel when it's for kids.
    Vonnie

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    lynnl55's Avatar lynnl55 is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: flannel quilt question

    Quote Originally Posted by QuiltingRN View Post
    I always use 1/2 inch seam allowance when sewing flannel as some of it does fray.

    I do the same
    Lynn

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