? for the Flannel Experts
03-09-2010, 08:30 AM
#1
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: small town in Oregon
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Yesterday I purchased fabric for an ALL flannel baby quilt - for my FIRST grandchild :-D Have previously only made a flannel rag quilt, or used flannel for backing. Now, a book I have on flannel quilts says to use a 1/2" seam allowance due to fraying.
I prewashed the fabric, and it did fray quite a bit -- but it wasn't cheap fabric ($8.00+/yd) If I use a 1/2" seam, wouldn't I have to cut my pieces 1/2" larger to make the pattern work? (pattern is NOT from the flannel quilt book) It seems to me that once it was quilted, fraying wouldn't be an issue. What are your experiences? Thanking you in advance for your expertise :thumbup:
I prewashed the fabric, and it did fray quite a bit -- but it wasn't cheap fabric ($8.00+/yd) If I use a 1/2" seam, wouldn't I have to cut my pieces 1/2" larger to make the pattern work? (pattern is NOT from the flannel quilt book) It seems to me that once it was quilted, fraying wouldn't be an issue. What are your experiences? Thanking you in advance for your expertise :thumbup:
03-09-2010, 09:46 AM
#2
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Currently Mosquito (which is outside of Placerville) California
Posts: 752
It may or may not be an issue once it is quilted. It really depends on how you quilt it. A couple of options are to serge it, or to do topstitching around each square.
03-09-2010, 11:05 AM
#3
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: South central Nebraska, US
Posts: 5,367
I usually use a larger pattern with fewer pieces when quilting with flannel. I also cut my pieces with a rotary cutter with a pinking blade. I also use a larger seam allowance and longer stitch length. Just my preference. :-D
Oh, and prewash, prewash well! I pink my cut edges before washing yardage and threads are kept at a minimum. Also pewashing does not necessarily mean you have to aggetate the heck out of the fabric, I prewash fabric on the delicate cycle using the same temperature water I would wash normally.
Oh, and prewash, prewash well! I pink my cut edges before washing yardage and threads are kept at a minimum. Also pewashing does not necessarily mean you have to aggetate the heck out of the fabric, I prewash fabric on the delicate cycle using the same temperature water I would wash normally.
03-10-2010, 09:33 AM
#5
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Homer, Alaska
Posts: 72
I have used flannel alot and have alway used a 1/4 inch seam and I have never washed it first - matter of fact I am doing one now (lodge cabin) - I have never had any problem with them - after I quilt them and wash them they are so soft and everyone loves them.... I use fannel here in alaska cost 10.50 a yard or more... I work for fabric... but I have noticed that my ufo that sit for a long period of time have started to ravel --- but never had any really ravel except one a red and black check brought from joanne's fabric... good luck --
03-10-2010, 09:42 AM
#6
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Location: Hannibal, Missouri
Posts: 1,258
I use flannel a lot and use a generous 1/4 inch seam (nearly 3/8) instead of a scant 1/4 inch. I tie my flannel quilts, but if you were doing machine quilting, that would help hold them even better. I ALWAYS prewash flannel. It shrinks so much I'd be scared to not prewash.
03-10-2010, 02:03 PM
#9
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: small town in Oregon
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THANK you all so much for your input. You have given me confidence to use the 1/4" seam! I was so leary about trying to enlarge the pattern, and then forgetting to use a 1/2" seam when I sat down at the machine.....you know what they say about old dogs and new tricks! LOL
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