Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: Whimsy
Date: 05-15-2004, 10:39 PM (1 of 7)
|
I enjoy working with flannel to make pajamas & doll clothes & receiving blankets, BUT if I pre-wash the flannel, it pills up. Is there a special way to wash it to pre-shrink it without this happening? Or, if you are giving the item as a gift, do you skip the pre-washing. Do most flannels act this way? I think these were some that I purchased at Joannes. THANKS! Whimsy |
User: Whimsy
Member since: 05-15-2004 Total posts: 2 
|
From: allie-oops
Date: 05-16-2004, 02:39 AM (2 of 7)
|
Hi Whimsy, I've noticed that the flannels I purchase at Joann's do this, and it drives me nuts. The more expensive ones at the quilt shops don't do this. If you're going to make these for gifts or for sale, go with the more expensive....it's worth it. I usually use the cheap stuff for jammies for me. HTH, Allie "onward through the fog"
|
User: allie-oops
Member since: 10-25-2002 Total posts: 282 
|
From: sewserious
Date: 05-16-2004, 07:49 AM (3 of 7)
| What is the fiber content of the flannel? I suspect it is not 100% cotton and has a large polyester content since it is pilling. There are less expensive flannels avaiable at Walmart, JoAnns', and Hancocks (look for Springs Industries Brand of Snuggle Flannel) that do not pill. They are 100% cotton and are pretty thick and heavy without any pilling from washing. |
User: sewserious
Member since: 08-24-2003 Total posts: 112 
|
From: malibucat
Date: 05-16-2004, 11:05 AM (4 of 7)
|
There are two lines of flannels at Joann's...the snuggle flannel is the one that does the pilling. In the fall/winter, the heavier flannels are in stock and those are really nice. Not to say that I don't use the snuggle anyway...I like it for rag quilts. I just read a hint this morning to rub flannel lightly with a pumice stone to remove those annoying little lumps. =^..^= Kim
|
User: malibucat
Member since: 10-12-2000 Total posts: 908 
|
From: sewserious
Date: 05-16-2004, 11:54 AM (5 of 7)
|
I haven't had any problems with the Springs Brand Snuggle flannel (not all flannel marked snuggle is this brand by the way) and it is not an inexpensive flannel either as it generally runs over $4.00 a yard, but it is much cheaper than the "designer quilt shop stuff". I haven't looked for it in the summer time as I don't use it then. I have a pair of pajama pants in front of me made with this BRAND of flannel and there are no pills. I made them for DD for Christmas and they have been washed at least once a week every week since then and there is no pilling i.e. no lumps. They just get softer with each washing! I have never had anything made from 100% cotton pill as that is usually a characteristic of polyester and a few other synthetics. |
User: sewserious
Member since: 08-24-2003 Total posts: 112
|
From: plrlegal
Date: 05-16-2004, 02:49 PM (6 of 7)
|
I most usually buy the flannel at Joann's to make receiving blankets for baby gifts. However, when I prewash it, I do not use liquid fabic softener in the washer. In fact, I have almost completely stopped using liquid fabric softeners as it causes pilling on t-shirts, dh's underclotes, etc. As a matter of fact, when I'm prewashing any fabric for a baby gift, I don't use liquid softener or dryer sheets as you never know what a newborn might be allergic to. Patsy Patsy
|
User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: malibucat
Date: 05-17-2004, 09:09 AM (7 of 7)
|
I reduced the amount of fabric softener that I use by half...and use that mostly in the white loads to counteract the bleach. And I don't buy the "ultra" stuff anymore either. It really messes up a good towel...really messes up water absorption. I'm also careful with dryer sheet brands. I noticed that one of the top expensive brands left greasy spots on clothing. It washes out, but who wants to wear spots? And no, not all the Snuggle flannels are bad, just like anything else where you shop, you have to check it closely first. Some of them have a very loose weave to them. Most of the flannels for my rag quilts came from that section. =^..^= Kim
|
User: malibucat
Member since: 10-12-2000 Total posts: 908
|
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-12851.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft