Flannel

[Judith A.]

I appliqued with flannel. I prewashed the flannel in hot water and dried it in a hot dryer. I used Light Seam-a-Seam to fuse it down, and machine blanket-stitched it down. I reduced the length of the blanket stitch and used a heavier thread. The quilt and appliques have held up very well.
Flannel shrinks and frays. Some brands with looser weaves shrink and fray a lot. Washing and drying it twice is a very good idea.
You might like to try windowing the fusible, so the applique is more flexible in the center.

Judy Austin

[Sue J.]

I bought some lovely Moda Flannel a while ago. I have never used it before, so am not sure about using it for applique. I plan to use it on a wall quilt, so it won't be washed very often. I was wondering if it would be OK to use it for raw edge applique finished with a blanket or buttonhole stitch? Do I need to back it with fusible first? Would appreciate some advice. xx

[Catherine S.]

I have not used flannel in an appliqued quilt, but to be safe, I would use a fusible backing. Are you going to applique by hand or machine? That may make a difference too. Good luck with it, and please show us a picture when it is finished.

[Sue J.]

Many thanks, Cathy! I am making the center of a medallion quilt and have hand appliqued a rather primitive version (in cotton fabric) of my house to the center block. I am playing around with small motifs in cotton, flannel and wool. I have turned the edges of the house appliques, but was thinking that if I turned the flannel motifs, they might look quite bulky. I am hoping to make a really personal quilt, which incorporates motifs that are personal to me and my life. It is early days and I've got a long way to go. I have no design 'vision'. It will be pure serendipity. xx

[Sue J.]

Flannel shrinks a lot, so I would wash and dry on warm or hot settings first. Since it is a wall hanging though, if you don't pre-wash, then you should hand wash the quilt in cold water and air dry.

Kathy

[Marion D.]

I always wash and dry flannel twice.

Also, it is a looser weave, so I would sew it to the fabric and avoid sharp points.