World Wide Quilting Page
Question of the Week
Question for the week of December 22, 1997:
Our question this week comes from Safia S.
I would like to make a baby quilt using flanellette, but I've never used
this type of fabric before. Any tips, suggestions, warnings? :-)
Cherie Redelings :
You probably know this already: be sure to wash and iron the flannelette before cutting or sewing. Also, because of its loose weave it tends to stretch diagonally more than a tighter woven cotton.
Jan Masenthin :
Stay away from really thin flannels. Quilt shops usually carry the best flannels for quiltling, even though some of the pretty ones can be found in chain stores -- they've often been treated with fire retardant chemicals. Also, avoid really sharp points, such as in feathered star. Lightweight batting is usually best for a baby quilt of any kind, and I find that polyester is best because baby quilts get washed frequently and not always carefully.
Sandra :
Warning: Be sure to wash it and dry it in the dryer before cutting. Some of this fabric has bad shrinkage, wrinkling, and puckering problems; some doesn't. Does it feel soft to the touch? If it doesn't feel soft now, it probably won't be any better after laundering. However, if your fabric is soft and passes the laundry test, it will make a great quilt ! It doesn't ravel, but does tend to stretch when being sewn. Press it just before sewing and this will help it keep its shape. Good Luck.
Billie Parish :
Be especially careful about stretching in general and especially along bias edges (ie. triangles)
Susan Fluharty :
Safia, I've made several flannel quilts and they are wonderful. However, since most flannel tends to shrink more than regular cotton fabric, buy a little extra. It's absolutely necessary to PREWASH and dry in a hot dryer to preshrink. Buying a good quality flannel is also helpful. I've found that cheaper flannels stretch, become misshapen rather easily, and ravel considerably.
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