How to Quilt with Flannel Fabric
Quilting with flannel fabric is different from cotton even though it is also 100% cotton. Flannel has a loft that is thicker than ordinary quilters’ cotton, which will add an extra level of difficulty if you try to use it the same as quilting cotton.
The Preperation
One issue in using flannel for a quilt top is that while you are sewing flannel the fabric gets smashed and distorted while it is going through the sewing machine, just like your pie dough under your rolling pin.
Pre-washing your flannel can be very helpful because the fabric will shrink. This will help with keeping your flannel from distorting easily under the presser foot.
Putting Your Foot Down
There are two options to help keep your presser foot from distorting the flannel. Using a walking foot in place of your 1/4” pressing foot will allow the fabric to evenly go through the sewing machine without distortion.
Going this route means you will have to create a 1/4” guide on the bed of your sewing machine.
Do this by placing a quilting ruler under your needle.
Then tape down washy tape or even better the Sewing Edge vinyl stop to the edge of your ruler.
The second option requires you to read the manual on your sewing machine. I found out on my Babylock Kathrine (called Brilliant now) sewing machine has the option to change the downward pressure the presser foot puts on your project.
My machine has 3 pressure settings with 1 being the least amount of pressure. When working with flannel I set my pressure to 1.
If your machine has this option I would recommend trying it. This will save you the extra step of needing to make a 1/4” guide on the bed of your sewing machine. Since you will be able to use the 1/4” presser foot that you normally use for piecing.
Pick a Pattern
With these little tricks up your sleeve, you are almost ready to make a flannel quilt. Almost…
The MOST important step is to choose a simple pattern. A simple 4 patch pattern is complicated enough for a flannel quilt. Trust me.
If you choose to do anything more complex my hat is off to you. Half square triangles unless set in a very simple way may give you headaches as you try to assemble the quilt top.
The seams won’t be so bad with just the blocks themselves. Put the quilt top together with those bulky seams and you may regret the fight you started.
When looking for a pattern ask yourself if the pattern is all straight seams. If not this may not be the best option for a flannel quilt.
A simple 4-patch, 9-patch, and rail fence blocks are great for flannel quilts. The simpler the better.
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