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How to wash flannel?

14 years ago

I sure could use your advice on this question. I just received my huge flannel shipment (Fabric Depot had a great flannel sale) for my winter quilts and backings. And I want to wash it right away before putting it away.

Not knowing how to wash flannel can any of you tell me how you do yours? Do you use any kind of soap or should it be just water/hot or cold/dryer directions....or anything else I should know? Should I iron it before folding?

Also is there anything special I should be cautious of when using using flannel on one side (or both sides) of a quilt?

Thank you all so much,

Susan

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Comments (3)

fran1523
14 years ago
I don't pre-wash my fabrics, but I have made a couple of flannel quilts including rag quilts and regular pieced quilts. Everything gets washed after it's finished using a small amount of regular detergent. As far as I can tell it behaves pretty much like regular cotton. I would not attempt a really fussy pattern using flannel however. Keep it simple and you will be okay.
itsmesuzq
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks Fran for your advice. I had always thought that flannel shrunk and it would have to be pre-washed before making anything with it. BUT...after I posted this question I searched our forum because I do recall this question being asked at some point. DUH!! I found a great thread from back in April and lots of quilters don't wash first. Some do but many don't, plus I learned the different ways to incorporate flannel in your quilt; some people don't use batting which makes sense to me since I live in So. Cal where it's not freezing in the wintertime.

Anyway thanks for your help. I had forgotten what a great resource the "search for topic" can be. ~LOL~

Susan
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lots2do
14 years ago
I do wash and dry my flannel. I've seen a lot of different rates of shrinking depending on the brand and the weight. (And tons of lint in the dryer after too). But I am a regular washer anyway.
By the way, I did see a quilt in person that was made with flannel on both sides and a batting and boy, was that thing heavy. Reminded me of that xray blanket they used to put on my chest at the dentist. I'm going to try a throw without batting and see how that works.
lots2do

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