first time with flannel

[pamstone]

i bought a gorgeous flannel layer cake......autum colors...i thought it would be perfect for a winter quilt.

question: i have not worked with flannel before.....is it ok to use a pattern that uses rectangles cut in half and then pieced together? i am wondering if flannel stretches too much?

thanks in advance....

[quiltingtrish]

Re: first time with flannel

I made a flannel quilt for my Dad using rectangles and squares and did not have any problem with it. I don't think you will have any problem since it's probably a good quality flannel. I have also made many other flannel quilts and had no problem with those either.
Good luck!
Hugs,

[Susan M]

Re: first time with flannel

I have made quite a few flannel quilts for the grandkids. The good quality flannel is always the best and it sounds as though this is what you have. My only suggestion is to clean your machine a few times during the project as the flannel produces a lot of lint and can gum up your machine. Can't wait to see the end result.

[pamstone]

Re: first time with flannel

should i prewash?
....i was thinking of putting the squares in a pillowcase to protect my machine.....

[K. McEuen]

Re: first time with flannel

I always prewash flannel, but with precuts I think I'd pass. Unless you want to serge off all sides, even in a pillowcase, I think you'd end up with a tangled mess.

[mrswindy4]

Re: first time with flannel

I dont recommend you wash precuts before using them! You'll run the risk the edges fraying, and you wont have the exact size of the square. "Only pre-wash what you can cut afterwards" is my rule of thumb.

[pamstone]

Re: first time with flannel

thanks for the info

[bakermom]

Re: first time with flannel

i've made a couple twin-sized flannel quilts. One was a rail fence and the other a simple bargello. The flannel was easy to work with, no stretching or fraying. They have both held up well to use/washing.

[Whoawie]

Re: first time with flannel

I have made several flannel quilts and I don't ever pre-wash, unless it is a deep red, the fabric before I make the quilt. When the quilt is completed, then I wash it and I LOVE how it shrinks up and becomes "old" and snuggly. As stated above, I would not pre-wash the pre-cuts because of the fraying.

[Susan M]

Re: first time with flannel

I normally don't prewash the flannel, but I do wash the finished product before giving it away. That's that great thing with flannel, it gets softer each time you wash. I also dry on low heat.

[sassyg]

Re: first time with flannel

I'm thinking about making a baby blanket; I appreciate the info given. You guys R O C K

[bakermom]

Re: first time with flannel

Flannel baby blankets are my favorite. I use flannel for the backing on others cause it's so soft against baby's skin.

[JVO]

Re: first time with flannel

I would not pre wash the pre cuts. In fact if the whole quilt is made out of the same brand of flannel I do not pre wash. I figure it will all shrink about the same amount. Right or wrong I am not sure, but it works for me.