I found a simple pattern in the new connecting threads catalog but it is made with flannel fabric which is okay but I also seen some green cotton fabric I wanted to use. Would it be okay to use them both in the same quilt? Please help.
Hi jrcgj and welcome to QCA.
I suppose you could combine the two, but the flannel is going to shrink different than the cotton, so I would probably wash them both and then starch the heck out of them before cutting.
Life is like a quilt...bits & pieces, joy & sorrow, stitched with love
Thanks. It is so hard sometimes to find a pattern that would work for boys but this one is perfect. I so glad you told me about starching the flannel , I would not have thought to do that.
I just realized that the flannel is in fat quarters. I can't wash them, Can I?
Someone may come along who has actually tried combining the two with a different opinion. I have used flannel for batting on baby quilts and a lot of people use flannel for backing, so not sure why it would not work.
BTW, I have started starching all my fabric when I iron, it makes it so much easier to work with.
jrcgj: I just realized that the flannel is in fat quarters. I can't wash them, Can I?
You could if you zig zag around the edge to help stop the raveling, but remember when it shrinks you will no longer have a fat 1/4 so if your pattern has directions using fat 1/4 you probably will not get the right amount out of each one
i mix them including minke in quilts. i prewash everything cotton. if you are prewashing the small pieces of flannel, stick them in a pillowcase to wash and dry them. i haven't prewashed the minke and i haven't had a problem. i don't starch anything.
gini in north idaho
jrcgj,
You can absolutely use flannel and regular cotton in the same quilt as long as you wash both to prevent shrinkage once the quilt is put together. Even though flannel is cotton it shrinks differently than regular cotton. Pre-washing is a must and I'm sure starching will help, although I never starched either one.
Spudgrandma: You could if you zig zag around the edge to help stop the raveling, but remember when it shrinks you will no longer have a fat 1/4 so if your pattern has directions using fat 1/4 you probably will not get the right amount out of each one
this is a good point and one of the reasons i buy more than the called for amount. once you prewash a piece of fabric, not only does it shrink, but the straight of grain moves to a more"true" position and you can lose several inches on both ends of a cut, depending on the fabric once you find the straight of grain.
I plan on buying more fabric. The kit is only for a baby size quilt, and my son is 15. So i'm not concerned about the shrinkage. I do appreciate all the info, because I didn't realize it would shrink so much.
I was also going to add that I serge the edges if I'm washing yardage if I feel it's going to fray on the edges. As for your fat quarters....you can zigzag, serge, use pinking shears or the pinking rotary cutter and then place them in a lingerie bag in the dryer.
jrcgj: I found a simple pattern in the new connecting threads catalog but it is made with flannel fabric which is okay but I also seen some green cotton fabric I wanted to use. Would it be okay to use them both in the same quilt? Please help.
Flannel and cotton work fine in the same quilt as long as you shrink the flannel first. I take my flannels and measure them - wash them and measure them - depending on how much they shrink - more then 1/2" I was again - less then 1/2" I just cut and use... If they shrink more then that 1/2" I wash again and measure again - I keep washing and checking until the shrinkage is less then 1/2".
I have made several quilts using them both together - I also have used silks, satins, polyester in quilts - you just have to be aware of the fabrics you are using and what happens with them.
Well I use both in a quilt and I didn't have to pre wash ,I wash all of mine in cold water and line dry, I've not had any problems with shrinkage . guess I'm just lucky so far ..LOL I used the flannel on the back to keep me warm on those cold winter nights .
EAT!! SLEEP !! QUILT!!
Gini, after you wash do you put the fabrics in the dryer or line dry?
Millbury, MA
Marie, I put them in the dryer - you never know if you are giving away a quilt if they will line dry or dryer it - so all mine are ready made for the dryer. I know Barbara line dries - I just don't have the time for them - or like them after they are on the line - I love them nice and soft and fluffy - and for me when I get my clothes off the line they always seem a little stiff... so dryer!!!