mimom

I have several moda flannel fat quarters and would like to make a quilt. I have been told that when making a quilt out of flannel you have to wash it several times prior to piecing. Has anyone used moda flannel without prewashing and if so did you have a problem with massive shrinkage to the point where your seems pulled out?

cherylynne

I don't always prewash my flannel. If it's from LQS I often sew it up with quarter inch seams. When washed it has the look of a crinkled quilt. I don't wash the quilt regularly, only when looking dirty. That's just what I do for the look I like.

dakotamaid

I never use flannels of any brand or quality without washing first in hot water and drying in a hot dryer. If you like the crinkled "antique" look it will still shrink up a little but that first wash in hot water should take care of most of the shrinkage. If you want it to lay smooth than wash it 2 or 3 times. If they are fat quarters either snip a tiny triangle off the corners OR run a rotary blade with a pinking blade in it over the cut edges. Than wash in a pillow case or mesh bag.

lovestosew

I never was my fabric. I made 2 quilts last year with Moda
Flannel for the backing. Neither shrunk any more than their
Regular cotton.

dakotamaid

Some of that is due to the stability of the front. Don't know the mechanics of it just know that it happens.

janell2009

I am going to watch this thread.. thanks for the question

NJ Quilter

I used Moda flannel for a backing on a quilt last year. I did prewash and always overbuy a bit even with regular cotton. Did not notice excessive shrinkage. Not sure if I would wash the FQ's just because of the loss due to ravelling and not having lots of fabric to being with (i.e., the FQ). Guess for me it would depend on how much of the FQ I would need.

ImMiksMom

I am finishing up a quilt right now with Moda Bliss flannel and did wash and dry prior to starting - there was not much shrinkage compared to say the flannel I had bought at Joanne's for PJ pants. I do wash and dry everything before I start.