Quilt in a Day Forums

I am trying to make a flannel baby quilt for my niece. It was one I had already started for a charity quilt. The other day I thought I would throw it into the washing machine before quilting. What a huge mess came out of the washer! There were strings everywhere and even some of the seams had completely pulled apart. I do not usually sew on flannel, so this was a new experience for me. It would be a real disaster to give this quilt for a baby, cause it is probably going to be washed a lot. Can someone tell me what I need to do to secure the seams? I do not have a serger so that is not an option.

I'm no expert but I do know that you need to use 1/2 inch seams with flannel instead of 1/4 inch seams like on regular fabric. I know what you mean about all the strings and mess after washing. It is important to wash that flannel good before you make your quilt and dry it just like anyone would after the quilt is made. I have heard it helps to use pinking shears on the edges of the fabric before throwing it in the washer. Me... I just end up with a wad and strings and sit and cut them off! LOL
Susie

When you go to quilt it, maybe try a zigzag stitch rather than stitch-in-the-ditch? That way, you will anchor down both sides of the seams. The last quilt I made, I used a stitch that looked like a two-sided blanket stitch. It anchored both sides of the seams. Or, if you use 1/2 inch seams, try an outline quilting stitch 1/4" from the seam.

My step-mother made a cute little flannel baby quilt for my oldest son. I had to wash it several times and also had to do some minor repairs each time. All the repair work was on the seams. It was hand quilted, but diagonal so none of the seams were anchored. We still have it, saving it for his first child(someday).

Just a suggestion. Always make a new one for each grandchild. My oldest refused to give his baby quilt to his little brother. He did talk my MIL into helping him make one for his little brother so he would leave his alone!

Hello there Florida gal! No wonder flannel is not something you work with often, you live in Florida! LOL ) It''''s not too wintery here but I have made a couple of flannel quilts just for fun. I used 1/2" seam allowances and a little longer stitch length. Flaneel likes to ravel so I do not ever prewash it- just piece, quilt, bind and let it go! It''''s also fun to use regular quilter''''s cotton in the same blocks or quilt as the flannel, it''''s a little easier to work with too. HTHs Amie )

I've used flannel alot for baby quilts. I always use a 1/2" seam and wash & dry the flannel before I start. Normally I will use cotten on the top w/ flannel for backing & it works out ok.

I bought flannel (for the first time) to back a quilt with. I pinked the cut edges then washed and dryed it twice. No ravelling problem. I was told you should always prewash flannel because it shrinks so badly so that's what I did. I think it will feel so nice on the back of the quilt.

I used a 1/2" seam and the serger. So far, so good!

I have made a few flannel quilts for babies and always used 1/4" seams ... no one has said anything ... so either they weren't washed/used a lot or the folks are just too kind .... now I know to use 1/2" seams. I never heard that before .... my oh my, the things you learn on this wonderful forum

SueSwan

Hi,
When I work with flannel, I backstitch every start/stop - which I know is a pain in the backside, but it appears to help prevent the fraying to a certain extent. I also use 1/2" seams.
Deanne

I make Rag Time quiilts with flannel. They fray and ravel and are so soft. I have made them for family and friends going thru cancer and chemo. I make them in bright colors that just make you smile when you see them. they take with them for their chemo treatments. They are a family favorite. Make sure you wash in a commerical washer because they string so bad. They are so easy, forgiving of mistakes that anyone can make one. I always spring tension scissors when clipping. I know this does not answer your question for the quilt you have now.