I'm careful when I buy it anywhere other than a quilt shop, but I still get burned sometimes because it looks & feels great until you wash it. I'm not giving up though because I love flannel backed quilts.

I think I posted this too soon. They showed bright flannels on the email for their March Madness Sale, but they're not on sale right now. The only ones on sale now are selling for $4.18, which isn't a bad price. Not much choice, tho. Maybe next weeks sale will include the bright flannels.

Sorry if I sent anyone on a wild goose chase!

I just bought some flannel from CT and it is lovely, haven't washed it yet but it feels very nice

It's a bit of a lottery and seems here at least price is not an indicator. My best buys have been remnants and thrift shop finds. I won't give up on it.....any "bad" batches end up in the middle of rag quilts or as dog quilts.

With brand name flannel such as Moda or Maywood- you get what you pay for (IMHO). I made beautiful scarfs fro the DH and DS last year that wash beautifully. and did not shrink.

I have also gotten cheap flannel that was fantastic but that is an oddity. But for the most part, when I have purchased JoAnns flannel or any other cheap flannel, I have had it shrink and fluff off. I am not a prewasher but with flannel I ALWAYS prewash. I recently purchased an unknown name flannel for backing - PERFECT color for a quilt for my son. It shrank 2" in WOF alone!! I now need more fabric as it will not work. But I will deal with it - it was only $4.99 / yd at a fabric clearance center vs $12.95 at the LQS. You do what you have to do.

Thank you for the advice on the quality of flannel, I learned something new today!

At the end of the winter shopping season, go into stores like Sears, Penneys, etc. and buy flannel sheets. These are generally sturdier than what you find in WM, JoAnns, etc., and, when on sale can be an extremely good buy. I've used them in a couple of quilts with good results. The bonus is that you can include a matching pillow case with quilt - no extra work on your part.

Over in England our flannel choice is terrible. Quality and patterns. I have been using brushed cotton which gives a slightly wider choice .

I have a couple of well washed LL Bean flannel sheets that I got at a yard sale that I have put aside for when I make a quilt for my bed. These are nice and soft and heavy.

Flannel sheets are usually pretty good....I try to watch the sales at the end of winter and get the twin size....very economical for charity baby quilts and so far they have worn very well. I'll look for the MODA line....