HELP FLANNEL SEAMS

[Evie]

When I use flannel for backing or in place of batting, I use a 1/2" seam allowance and press open. This last time, on my sons minkee quilt, I used the basting spray (505) and lightly sprayed the seam so it would stay flat while I quilted it. Worked like a charm! I also used a 1/2" seam on the minkee backing and sprayed the seam to keep it open and flat.

[sunsup]

Thanks Quilterbee. Now I understand. I use her technique on 4 patch and pinwheels.

[Tiggersmom]

Cindyg I think flannel ravels more than regular cotton. That is the reason for the 1/2 instead of 1/4. I piece mine at 1/2 inch and even iron it really hard so it is flat then sew from the top a decorative stitch next to the seam line so it won't come out.

Years ago I made some flannel night gowns and they frayed out at the seams so I guess I'm a little paranoid.

I would especially do the above if its a quilt that will be used and washed a lot. IMHO

[LK]

Wow! Great question and tips. I am working on a flannel quilt now an this was very helpful.

[STITCHSISTER]

THANKS EVERYONE FOR YOUR IMPUT.

[WeSignificant]

Gee, I had no idea you were supposed to use 1/2" seams either.

[Leetec]

I've made lots of flannel quilts and I've never used a 1/2 inch seam, just the regular 1/4 and pressed to one side, just like regular cotton. I've never had a problem and many of the quilts went to kids or have just been well loved.

[cindyg]

Using a 1/2" seam means that you have to add another 1/2" to strips and pieces when you are cutting, right? I'm terrible at resizing. I can add more blocks to make a quilt bigger but I have a hard time with enlarging or decreasing the size of the blocks. I was always awful in math and it hasn't gotten any better with age.

[Hummingbird]

Wow - I'm glad you asked about this. I've been cutting blocks to do a flannel rag quilt 'someday' lol, and I need to know this stuff.

Thanks a bunch!

[Pilot2b]

I never use 1/4" seam with flannel, or with any of my quilt projects.