World Wide Quilting Page

Question of the Week

Question for the week of January 26, 2004:

Our question this week comes Gerri J:

What are the most important things to do when piecing with flannel?

Jean :
I found out you should have your machine professionally cleaned and maintained after you sew on flannel. My feed dogs were packed with lint, and my machine guy put all the lint in a baggie so I could see the large amount. Also, I sew every day, and they suggested I bring in my machine every 3 months for cleaning. (it's free)

Marion :
I was told to wash my flannel pieces twice.

I made pinwheels. I ironed some with all the seams opened and some with just the last seam open. It only made a difference in the points in the middle.

I made the mistake of the last border being on the bias -- it was a pieced border -- and the machine quilter asked me to stay stitch the edges.

One book said to bind with regular cotton, but I bound with flannel and it wasn't too bulky.

Have fun!

Diana :
Pre-wash, take a little larger seam, if cheaper flannel sometime I even zigzag the edges. Also, press your seams open, this makes for easier quilting, less lumpy seams. And a pattern that does not require small pieces.

Susan :
Use longer stitches so that you don't pull the fabric in too much.

Bettyidaz :
I would preshrink and take bigger seams. Good Luck

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