laurilli

Thanks everyone. I am making Xmas quilts for my whole family kids, grands, sisters & in-laws 25 total.I have 20 tops done so far.I got the flannel at Joann's clearance for $1.62 a yard with discount this week. I am trying to use up all my Xmas fabric but didn't have enough for all those backs, even though I plan on making some pieced backs. So I really couldn't pass this up.I plan on pulling numbers out of a hat for the quilts, so I won't know who is getting what til they open it. I do want to be sure no bleeding or shrinking happens. Thanks again.

quiltingcandy

I use flannel backing a lot. It goes into the washer on warm when I bring it home. And I dry it on Medium - no one I know washes on hot unless it is whites. Some dry on high because they think it drys faster. But everyone I have given a quilt ask me how to wash it. Some flannels get washed twice and both times with color catchers. I also give people a couple of color catchers when I give them their quilt. A lot of people have never heard of them before and so start using them.

teacherbailey

I made my only flannel quilt about 20 years ago by request from my daughter. It was a pieced top and plain back, not too heavily quilted. When I washed it before giving it to her, every fabric shrunk at a different percent and even the directions on each piece (whether I cut it parallel to selvages or cut sides) seemed to shrink differently. It was a mess I thought but she still loves and uses it. Moral of this story: even if you never prewash and tumble dry fabric, like me, do it at least twice to flannel!!!!

laurilli

Thanks I did wash my flannel twice in hot water and dried on high.

Rff1010

I *love* flannel for backing. Adds that warm cuddly touch. Always prewash tho! I measured last time and had 2 inches of shrink! Crazy!