Quilting panels are usually made of polished cotton or cotton blend fabric. For a smoother, warmer quilted blanket or for a different look on a quilted article of clothing, you might want to try a flannel quilting fabric. Flannel carries color just as well as other types of fabric although the texture of the fabric may cause difficulty with its handling.
Flannel Panels
True flannel is made of loosely woven wool thread or yarn. Today's flannel probably has some cotton in it, although this light-weight flannel fabric should be called "flannelette." The looser weave can make it more difficult to cut on the square. Heavy flannel can cause problems when sewing the panels together and pressing the seams. Flannel can also become distorted because of its loose weave, losing its square. If you are truly determined to make a quilt out of the comforting, comfortable fabric, take some care to avoid the problems.
Choose a flannel that is not too heavy as well as one that is as tightly woven as possible. To avoid problems in cutting, consider purchasing pre-cut flannel quilting fabric panels. You can find them at sewing centers, craft stores and online. The pre-cut panels will match in weight and weave, come in assorted colors and be accurately cut into squares. If you are experienced and have fallen in love with a flannel fabric at the sewing center, go ahead and take a chance on cutting it yourself.
Choose a simple pattern for your quilt. A few long strips or large panels mean fewer seams to stretch out of shape. You have chosen flannel for its texture and feel, not because of its versatility. Design a quilt that will make the most of the flannel quilting fabric and don't try to make it do what it wasn't meant to do.
When you sew your panels together, take care in keeping them together. You can pin them, removing the pins before they reach the presser foot, you can spray with starch to help them stick together and give them more body and you can sew a bit more slowly to gain more control. Measure at least the first few sewn panels to make sure they are coming out as they should.
Once the quilt is assembled, there is no limit to the embellishments and embroidery that you can add. Just make sure that you know what kind of laundering is right for the flannel quilting fabric and ensure that any thread and other additions conform to the laundering needs. A quilt made of flannel quilting fabric will be a grownup security blanket for many years to come.
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