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To Wash, or Not -- Flannel?

I'm attempting my first flannel quilt. I always wash regular fabric. I'm assuming that flannel is no different, but you know what happens when you assume something.

Do you press it, the same as cotton? Steam, hot iron is okay?

I thought about using the new bamboo blend for batting, the real thin one. I have a leftover piece big enough. Any thoughts on best batting for a flannel quilt?

Thank you all so much (again). Connecting Threads had a clearance baby quilt kit for around $13. I figured it was a good way to try a flannel quilt. It arrived today. The fabric looks/feels pretty nice.

I have learned that I adore making baby quilts. I like the bright, happy fabrics, and I like working with less bulk. I don't want to drown the forthcoming grandchild in baby quilts, so I think I want to hook up with an organization like Polly works with. I'll just have to figure out how. Don't know any org's here in this small town.

Sherry

Reply to
Sherry
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Wash flannel for sure. It shrinks way more then cotton. I zigzag the edges then wash & dry as normal.

I press it the same as cotton. Hot iron and if I'm going to be using it right away I'll spray starch it a little.

Batting I have nothing to say really. I've used a lot of different things including just another layer of flannel that no one liked as batting.

Even > I'm attempting my first flannel quilt. I always wash regular fabric. > I'm

Reply to
Joanna

If this is a kit and the flannel shrinks much, be prepared to possibly run short of the fabric. Not that it will, but I have heard of kits where the fabric was just exactly enough and none to spare. I've never bought or used a kit, so this is one of those "They Say" things.

Good luck and have fun... and Newborns In Need is a worthy organization. They have a website where you can learn about them.

Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

Reply to
Leslie& The Furbabies in MO.

I wash everything and would definitely wash flannel and dry in a HOT dryer because flannel often shrinks more than regular quilting cotton. HOWEVER -- you mentioned that this is a quilt. Before you wash, make sure you have enough fabric to allow for shrinkage. If not, it might be better not to prewash and take your chances with the fabric shrinking unevenly. I have never made a quilt from a kit, so I've never faced the wash/no wash dilemma for a kit.

Julia > I'm attempting my first flannel quilt. I always wash regular fabric. > I'm

Reply to
Julia in MN

Amptjer .... isn't that an interesting word? That's what you get when you put your right hand down just one key off. Moving on, there's another reason to wash flannel. Sometimes it is so @#$! pill-fuzzy that it is truly unfit for anything except mopping up new puppy accidents. Price doesn't particularly matter either. I've bought, washed and stomped some that was $18 per yard. You need to know before you put any time into it. Polly

"Julia in MN" I wash everything and would definitely wash flannel and dry in a HOT

Reply to
Polly Esther

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