janjanq

I have made about 40 raggy quilts using 3 layers of flannel instead of 2 layers of flAnnel plus one layer of batting. I think I'm burned out on making raggy quilts. However I have lots of flannel fabric, mostly white but also prints and dark solids. I've been thinking about using some of the flannel in place of batting for some a quilt tops already made. Are there any special tips for using flannel as batting?
1. I'm assuming pre-shrinking the flannel is important even if the cotton fabrics in the top have not been pre-shrunk?
2. Is it ok to use only one layer of flannel or are two recommended?
3. I'll probably use the white as batting, but may use some of the prints or dark fabrics if the top is also dark with no light colored areas. (Bleeding problems?) Any problems with this!?
4. If I use flannel as batting is it okay to also use flannel as backing?
5. Any special tips when quilting a quilt with flannel "batting".

I have not done much quilting, mostly just piecing, and consider myself a rookie when it comes to machine quilting. So any suggestions, warnings, tips, pictures, would be appreciated.!

QuiltnNan

i have used one layer of flannel as batting. both the flannel and the fabric have been prewashed. the quilting definition will not show as much.

Jingle

Someone that has used flannel instead of batting will be along to answer you. I always use batting in my quilts.

QuiltE

Some Amish ladies hand-quilted one for me several years ago with a layer of flannelette as the batting.
You asked about quilting tips, the ladies said it was quite easy for them to hand-quilt.
If you are machine quilting, there would be no difference in how-to's.
Just the normal, test first re what threads, tensions, etc. would be best.

Mine only has one layer, but I see no reason why you could not have two of flannelette.
Likewise, no reason why you could not have flannelette as both your backing and batting.

Mine was regular quilting cottons for the pieced top and backing.
I have liked it for the drape and "feel" of it when I use it.
It certainly has not created any problems over the years.

For sure, I would recommend a hot water wash and hot dry, to deal with the shrink factor.
Like any fabrics, bleeding could be a problem with flannelettes.
As you guessed, deal with that as you normally would.

One thing to keep in mind ... if you are wanting loft, you will not get it with flannelette.
Although, I guess you could, if you used more layers than the single that I have.