washed flannel and dried it now.....

[grandmaof12]

ok girls you helped me out and told me to wash and dry my flannel now I am ready to do my pattern and the question isit says cut 4 6 x72 paralled to the selvedge and 48 6 in squares. Do I fold the fabric and cut or do it single and what does parallel to the selvedge mean. The pattern isFlannel bow ties. I am new to this and want to learn. Thanks for helping Jan

[Tiggersmom]

parallel to the selvadge is running the same direction as the selvedge....it looks like from your measurements that you need a quanity of 4 strips that are 6 inches wide by 72 inches long....fabric is only 42 or so inches wide from selv. to selv.

After you cut your 72 inch long strips you can then cut your 48 6in. squares.

You can cut the fabric either folded or in one long length if you have an area to cut a 72 inch long piece.

When I work with flannel besides prewashing and drying on a hot dryer to get all the shrink out.......I also spray starch it when I iron so it is stiffer and son't get wonky.

[crazyheart]

I have a question. is it ok to back a regular cotton top with a flannel backing? How do I prepare the flannel fabric or do I just leave it as is without washing it first? Should I use sizing when cutting and sewing if it is washed first? This will be a lap quilt for my 13 year old Grandson.
I saw a Fons and Porter show where they used a flannel backing with a cotton and chenille top, but they never explained the prep work involved.
Thanks
Cheryl
Tunkhannock, Pa.

[sunsup]

I don't see why you couldn't use flannel for the backing, but I'd definately wash and dry the flannel first. Otherwise, when the quilt is washed the backing will shrink more than the top. Have fun.

[MAWmum]

I use flannel on the back of my cotton tops all the time.
Wash it. If you quilt it yourself just make sure to pin the heck out of it.

[morgans4]

Sometimes you get a little "V" when you fold the fabric before cutting it. I prefer to tear my 100% cotton fabrics to insure that they are absolutely on grain, but you can't always do that with flannel. Unfortunately, I learned that the hard way. Since you are cutting on the lengthwise grain, rather than the crossways grain, you shouldn't have the "v" problem as much, as long as you can keep your selvedge edges absolutely together when cutting. You know that wonderful crisp pressed fold that comes with fabric? Well, the "v" comes from the fabric not being folded and pressed exactly straight. In order to prevent this, you have to wash, dry, and refold it yourself so it is perfectly straight. If it's cotton, tear both ends to straighten, then you can put the 2 sides together making sure the 42" ends are perfectly together (making your fabric 21" wide). Again, with flannel, you cannot tear them, so I use a T square or L square, to get the ends straightened. Also, be sure you don't get the selvedges included in your 6" measurement, as that will shrink up real bad.
I think I'd fold the fabric in half like I said and then fold it in half the other way(keeping the newly pressed fold together), so you have a 21x36" piece, then do the cutting. If you do get a "v", cut the strips in half, before you cut the squares, so they are 36" long, and you'll never notice.
Sorry this does sound kind of confusing, I'm not great at exlaining, I guess. Hope you can figure out what I'm meaning.