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Flannel as batting questions Is pilling a major issue?
christik Member since 12/14/06 Posts: 72	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/26/13 1:24 PM I am working on a rail fence quilt for DD. It is similar to this rail fence with bright spring colors (no black). I am taking Craftsy's 'Machine Quilting Negative Space' course and this will be my first major jump into the world of FMQ that is not stippling. Anyways, DD wants a light weight quilt for spring/summer and I thought maybe I could use flannel as batting instead of traditional batting. I was looking at some flannel reviews and am now wondering how much flannel will pill when used as batting and if you can feel it or see it. Do any of you have experience with this? Also, I expect the flannel will need to be pieced. Since it is significantly thicker than quilting cotton, I am wondering if the seamed area will be really noticeable. I expect to use probably a 3/8 inch SA and press the seam allowances away from each other. Lastly, are there any other drawbacks to using flannel? I am okay with the shrinkage factor - that is a plus for me. :winkgrin: Thanks in advance! Kristi
lgrande   Advanced Beginner MT USA Member since 1/18/12 Posts: 1041	Login to reply to this post In reply to christik << Like this post Date: 2/26/13 1:34 PM You can easily find 108" wide flannel for backing. As to the pilling, I'd search for the double-napped type, I belive it'd be better quality and less pill-prone. You can also buy high quality flannel sheets from LL Bean and Lands End for very good prices. Wouldn't need piecing. ------ Linda Bernina 830LE Bernina B530 Janome 6600P Pfaff 1209 Babylock Evolution Janome 644D
Sharon1952   Advanced MA USA Member since 7/1/08 Posts: 2648 Board Moderator	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/26/13 2:26 PM Lots of people use cotton flannel sheets for backs. LLBean's are particularly nice. They don't pill- or at least mine haven't yet. ------ Sewing: A creative mess is better than tidy idleness. ~Author Unknown
DonnaH Intermediate TX Member since 10/1/03 Posts: 466	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/26/13 2:30 PM Are you using it as batting or backing? Batting would be on the inside, and since pilling is caused by rubbing, wouldn't be prone to pilling.
quiltingwolf Advanced MD USA Member since 12/15/02 Posts: 5013	Login to reply to this post In reply to christik << Like this post Date: 2/26/13 2:54 PM Are you using quilting flannel? I've made many flannel quilts and the 1/4" seam allowance isn't a problem. Just make sure you wash your flannel first especially if you aren't using quilting flannel. Yes there is a difference, quilting flannel has a tighter weave then apparel flannel. On the flannel quilts I've made with quilting flannel I've seen very little piling and they are the ones we actually use, so they are washed. ------ quiltingwolf.blogspot.com
christik Member since 12/14/06 Posts: 72	Login to reply to this post In reply to DonnaH << Like this post Date: 2/26/13 4:53 PM I'm thinking of using it a batting.
christik Member since 12/14/06 Posts: 72	Login to reply to this post In reply to quiltingwolf << Like this post Date: 2/26/13 5:04 PM I didn't realize there was a difference. Thanks for bringing it up. I was initially thinking of picking up some 45" flannel from Joann's, but then reconsidered when I saw the reviews. There were a lot of complaints about pilling. Where do you get your quilting flannel?
christik Member since 12/14/06 Posts: 72	Login to reply to this post In reply to Sharon1952 << Like this post Date: 2/26/13 5:09 PM Thanks for the suggestion. I looked and LLBean's got really good reviews for not pilling. This looks like it may be a good contender. I don't want to put a lot of time with the FMQ and then wash the finished quilt and end up with lots of little bumps under the quilt top (that you can't do anything about)!
CM_Sews Intermediate CA USA Member since 9/18/04 Posts: 1476	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 2/26/13 5:37 PM 108" wide quilter's flannel at Dharma Trading. Just FYI. CMC
quiltingwolf Advanced MD USA Member since 12/15/02 Posts: 5013	Login to reply to this post In reply to christik << Like this post Date: 2/26/13 7:14 PM Joanns when they have it. They keep moving it around right now at my store it's in the quilting section but not nearly as much as they use to stock. Most online shops have it and also connecting threads just started some that is really nice. ------ quiltingwolf.blogspot.com

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