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Why flannel instead of cotton batting for a rag quilt?

16 years ago

I'm reading all the posts I can find on rag quilting. What struck me were the number of quilters who chose to use flannel as the batting instead of regular cotton batting (Warm & Natural for instance). I use cotton batting because it never occured to me to try anything else. Now I'm worried that this flannel quilt I'm making is going to be too heavy. Too late for the one I'm finishing up on but I do have another one in the queue to make next.

Does anyone use cotton batting inbetween two layers of flannel besides me? Should I not be using this and switch to something lighter from now on? I didn't even notice if Joanns sells white flannel. Is it with the printed bolts or do you find it in a different section of the store, like where they keep the other batts?

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Comments (11)

vicky4x4
16 years ago
This is a personal preference thing. It works either way, the flannel isn't as thick and heavy. I like warm and natural myself. So you can rest assured your okay either way.

Vicky
wanda_va
16 years ago
I have always used warm and natural batting for rag quilts, and have been pleased with it. I agree that it is purely a matter of personal preference.
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lizzy3_27
16 years ago
I have also used poly batting in rag quilts - just cut it an inch smaller than the square. Of course, the X has to be in it this way.

Liz
fran1523
16 years ago
I actually used a combination of polyester and cotton batting in the rag quilt I made. It is super warm. I think the people who live in warmer climes prefer the flannel batting.
stitchbystich
16 years ago
I have always used flannel for the middle layer in my rag quilts...the quilts were very heavy, warm and the flannel added another dimension (color). I could use up my older flannel sheets or buy gently used ones at the local Goodwill. As with everything else in quilting, whatever works is the right way. :)
HM
grammyp
16 years ago
My excuse is basic laziness. If I use flannel I can cut them all the same size, and it gives another layer to rag. They are still very warm.

beverly
crafteedee
16 years ago
I would agree with Beverly. I'm lazy too. Or maybe I just want to get my quilts done faster. :)

I did a tied rag quilt a few years back with cotton batting inside. I love the quilt & the weight, but thought it was a pain to cut the batting a different size & have to sandwich each square, then sew around the batting & then sew an X or whatever inside each square...all before I assemble the quilt.

The most recent rag quilts I've done with just 2 layers of flannel, I have not sewn X's in the squares (because there wasn't any batting/flannel) & they've turned out fine.
glassquilt
16 years ago
Three layers of flannel will have more 'rag' in the seams.
You don't have to be as careful to remember to cut the batting in the smaller size.
You don't have to quilt/sew a "X" inside each piece
gillian_41
16 years ago
I use 3 layers of flannel now, have made the quilts with batting in the middle until I figured it wasn't needed I do put the X though even with 3 layers of flannel, am just clipping another quilt tonight.
wendyfaye
16 years ago
Glass took all my answers....

Faye
lizzy3_27
16 years ago
I have also used homespun and put flannel for the middle layer. I really liked the look of the plaids.

Liz

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