I believed I have enough flannels to make the quilt I have in mind so I went ahead and pre-washed them. To my amazement the higher end fabrics that I bought at the LQS frayed horribly to the point that I had to cut through the fraying to just open the fabrics before putting them in the dryer. On the other hand the fabrics that I bought at TSWLTH and Hancock Fabrics did not fray at all or mimaminly. I was shocked! Especially as the difference in price that I paid from one place to the others. I had a double hand full of fraying from the LQS fabrics. I called the shop owners and reported the problem as well as a couple cuts were not straight on the grain. Not to bad but enough to make a difference, so I also let them know that. It will not stop me from shopping there however since I very much like the shop. I let the owner know that too. I am curious if anyone else has experiences any thing similar? juliasb
flannel problem
Aug 12, 2003
10 Replies
Julia, Not to bash the LQS (I live in the Detroit area too).... but what is their name? I am always on the lookout for a new and good quilt store. As for the next week, it sounds like you have a great attitude about the whole matter. Enjoy the time! The weather has been wonderful around these parts. Maybe you could set up outside in a comfy chair, in the shade and stitch away!! Just know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless, Lynne from MI
I only did 2 of the 4 things you mentioned. Washed in gentle cycle short... should have used a lingerie bag, but didn't think if that till after the fact. For the first time in years I only bought 1/2 yard of each fabric. And frustrated and having to put up with the fraying is the only option left for these fabrics... I will remember these next time around... I've worked with flannel before but never experienced this degree of fraying. live and learn something new every day. juliasb
Laurence Kriv wrote:
Have you tried using a serrated rotary cutter? I found that using the serrated cutter around all the edges cuts down on fraying considerably.
kaila
I think I will serge the edges of my flannels before washing, and pop them in a net bad too!
If I ever make a wholly flannel quilt, I will probably forget everything and serge the seams just to be certain!
Why wait? I got one in my LQS ages ago. I use it for cutting Vilene out when dressmaking!
A woman from Joann's told me to keep things from fraying so much, I should prewash then in a pillowcase. I haven't tried it yet, but plan to for my next project.
Denise in NH (who just found out I live about 4 miles from LN)
cutter????? Really??? Oh gosh. That goes on my "Things I want to Buy at Houston" List.
I've been quilting for just a little over a year, and that serrated cutter was one of my first purchases. I used pinking shears before that, and it just about killed my hand!
kaila
Woo Hoo! What's that song? "A shopping we will go....A shopping we will go.."
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