Sewing with Flannel: Tips & Techniques

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DISCUSSION
Flannel is a popular fabric choice when it comes to making many different garments, like flannel pajamas or jackets, as well as home decor projects like pillow. ZJ Humbach shares several tips for sewing with flannel that can make preparing and working with the fabric much easier.
Flannel Sewing
ZJ first shows several examples of flannel fabric available on the market today and explains how you can find many more colors and prints as you could in the past. ZJ then explains some of the main attributes of flannel, which is a cotton fabric, and talks about some of the methods needed for sewing with flannel, as well as for sewing with different fabrics.
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ZJ explains that one of the biggest differences between flannel and other cotton fabric is that flannel has a nap, which means that it needs to be treated similar to a directional fabric in some instances. ZJ explains why this is overly important when making a garment, such as a shirt, when cutting out the pieces. While flannel is a woven fabric, and working with knit vs. woven fabrics has many differences in terms of preparing and sewing with the fabric, flannel fabric still has a small amount of stretch. ZJ explains how to utilize this and/or work around it when sewing with flannel fabric.
Washing Flannel Fabric
The topic of whether or not to pre wash fabric for garment making is constantly debated, however ZJ recommends pre washing and pre shrinking flannel prior to using it, especially if you are intending to make a garment in a specific size. Pre shrinking flannel helps ensure that your garments will stay the size you want, even after multiple washings. Removing some of the lint when washing it can also help eliminate some of the lint that may otherwise end up in your machine. ZJ gives tips on how to help reduce the amount of raveling that can occur when washing the fabric by stay stitching the edges.
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[@marilynaicardi1860]

I’m about to make a flannel quilt for my new great-granddaughter. Thank you so much for the helpful tips. I was especially concerned about pre-washing, your tip about sewing the edges first was an eye opener. Thank you so much! 🙂

[@pamhs368]

Wow, never knew flannel was directional! Thank you!

[@TheJudeJane]

Great tips for that flannel! Every sewer who is interested in sewing a garment in flannel needs to see this video! 😊

[@sheriliebhart1033]

Awesome tips! THANK YOU!

[@tamkingshorts]

Thank you for the tips! I just got my first cuts of flannel fabric out of the drier, and holy moly I never seen so much lint and fluff! 😂

[@ShaynaKrause]

Thank you for the tips!

[@judisewnsew6514]

Good info, ty,

[@SparkyOne549]

I do flat felled seams for my flannel pjs.

[@chrissereque8716]

Thanks for your video! I am sewing a shirt using Robert Kaufman plaid flannel, and had some problems sewing the front buttonhole placket: the top layer stretched and distorted, even though it was interfaced..maybe the sizing tip would help. I did order a roller presser foot. I ripped it out 5 times, after basting it, adjusting the presser foot pressure, the stitch tension, etc. The only thing that worked was sewing from the inside: I am still puzzled why this would work. The pattern calls for the fabric to be folded twice, resulting in 3 layers plus the folded over interfacing.

[@shivakami9293]

Hello and thanks so much for the info!!! I love flannel so much 😊 Can you tell me what you suggested to put on the fabric while ironing? It sounds like you said “sizing” but I’m not sure! Thanks again!!

[@avalonmystic]

I'm about to make a rag quilt and cut my fabric. I have flannel for my back squares. Do I sew the flannel along the stretch or along the less stretchy grain? One direction is more stretchy than the other. Thanks for your assistance!

[@zazoomatt]

A newbee I ave no idea what your jargon means EXAMPLES PLEASE !

[@janetmckinney2487]

if you wash it first .it looks old after when it comes out .how about for making a baby" s blanket

[@darleneappleman3911]

I just bought flannell fat quarters

[@seasons0123]

What is a touch of sizing?? Is this like startch??

[@SparkyOne549]

I have found from experience, that a prewashed zigzag stitch along the edge works a lot better. I’m surprised this woman doesn’t say that.