Backing Basics: Using Flannel as a Quilt Backing
FLANNEL. Just saying the word gives me all the snuggly-by-the-fire feels. Hot toddy in hand, loving spouse and quiet but sweet children all relaxing nearby…. total paradise. It’s pretty epic that we can achieve these soft, cozy, and warm feels by using flannel on the back of a quilt. Let’s chat a bit about how to do that successfully!
Flannel, like any other fabric, has variety to it. While it’s fun to look for the right color and print, be sure to prioritize quality. A higher quality flannel will have a tighter weave, be less likely to pill or fray over time, will shrink less after the initial washing, and will have less of a tendency to bleed.
I don’t usually have an opinion on whether or not fabrics should be prewashed, but the prevailing wisdom with flannel is to always pre-wash it with color catchers. Flannel shrinks a much higher percentage than quilting cotton and has a tendency to bleed. It’s best to get all of that out of the way before it is permanently attached to and can distort or discolor a beautiful quilt top.
Because of the way flannel is manufactured, it doesn’t have a selvedge. This is great news as it means you do not have to trim the edges when piecing it together for a backing. This is EXTRA good news because flannel can fray like crazy and having that manufacturer's edge intact is a helpful thing. With that being said, I do still recommend a nice, wide, seam allowance - at least an inch - and pressing any seams within your backing open. This does two things for us - first it gives the fabric lots of room in case it does start to fray. And second, it helps distribute the bulk of the seam over a couple of inches rather than having a visible hard line running through the backing. If for any reason you cannot expand the seam allowance, use a tighter stitch length to provide stability in the case of fraying.
Keep the last two points about shrinkage and larger seam allowances in mind when purchasing your flannel. It’s smart to purchase a bit more than called for to allow for these variables.
Flannel has more stretch to it than quilting cotton. Not as much as minky or fleece, but still a decent amount. A backing that has stretch to one side but not the other can be problematic. When piecing the backing together, watch for this. Pinning and/or using a walking foot or dual feed system can help minimize any distortions caused by one side of the backing moving through the machine faster than the other.
While I love my microfleece backings, and minky is soooo delightful to the touch, flannel can provide that warmth and coziness without the synthetic materials. There are lots of 100% cotton flannels to pick from and some of my favorites, like the Mammoth Flannels from Robert Kaufman, are even organic.
Once the quilt is back home, keep an eye out for further shrinkage or color bleeding for the first couple of washings. After that, the crinkle, cozy, and warmth factor should be off the charts and I imagine this quilt will be a family favorite!
-Lilo
