Wow!! "Thank you" from myself and the thousands of sewers who will also learn this valuable info. I forget how to sew with flannel from one year to the next. Now I have you to reference!
I am a beginner at sewing, I really wanted to try with flannel. I have discovered that I am a champion at messing up and have buckling, shifting, weird warping and difficulties with crisp straight stitched lines.
I have sewn with flannel my whole life. I am 62, and have been sewing since age 5, and not just doll clothes. I made nightgowns when I was 5 or 6, out of flannel. I used cotton thread dyed flannel, not printed, and used lots of pins to keep my plaid matching. I used gathered sleeves, instead of the set in type, because they were easier. i have never had a problem with my flannel moving, except once, and it was an extremely poor quality. I have always used flat fell seams, or French seams to prevent the seams from raveling out. on my husband's yearly plaid shirts, I only do flat fell now, but I have a foot to help me. I love sewing with flannel, and this will be the 44th Christmas that I sew my whole family nightgowns, sleep shirts, lounge pants, and robes. Depending on age and gender what you get. I started out with 4 family members, to now a mother in law, 2 sons and their families, (2 and 5 members respectively), 2 great granddaughters, and my husband and I. I buy one or two bolts, and I have everyone's cut out now. One of my son's only wears flannel boxers, so he gets 10 pair a year. I love sewing for my family more than myself. Since I am now wheelchair bound, I am redesigning patterns to accommodate sitting all the time. Bigger seat, that is for sure! Happy Holidays everyone
I had no idea that flannel could be challenging before watching your video. I cannot thank you enough!!! If I make it through a successful project for my granddaughters' pajamas, I'll be sure to post on FB. Thank you again!
I just found you for this exact subject. I subscribed you I believe are the best on this subject but now to get to the machine . I did not know all this and have my fabric cut. I did pre-wash by hand and press so I'll have to see if the other tips help with that flubby. THANK YOU i I will be willing to try flannel again starting out the right way in the future..
Thank you so much. I was so worried about washing this type of fabric. The fabric is not holding up too well though, very pilly. I will use a french seam for the pillow cases since I do not have a serger. Thank you so much again. Subscribing to your channel.
Thank you for this! I was starting to think there was something wrong with me because no one ever complains about having trouble with flannel! I think I'm going to watch it again before I start cutting out the doll pajamas (thank goodness the fabric isn't plaid at least). I did have a question, though. I was wondering if pinking the edges helps stop the fraying or if flannel is just going to fray anyway.
Older video but I hope you see this. I just attempted pajama pants for my son from flannel and messed up and the animals on the print were side ways. I did prewash the fabric. Well his pants were cut from a pair that fit him( I did add 2 inches per seam for allowance) and ended up too tight(barely). I added 5 inch panels on both sides going from waist to foot. Somehow ended up even tighter after adding them. I am wondering. Is the fact that I accidentally cut the fabric the wrong way (for the print) the reason they ended up having the sizing issues?
I am making Christmas stocking out of plaid cotton flannel. Flannel is 100% cotton and printed on one side. Can I cut this plaid cotton flannel diagonally diagonally diagonally
Question -- for pajama pants, which are not worth the effort of french seams or flat felled seams... what finishing do you recommend? (Plus, with pants, there are always going to be a couple of seams that are not accessible by machine, and most of us will not flat fell seams by hand.) Thanks. Good video -- very informative.
I’m my opinion, sleeping in flannel pj pants creates a lot of friction, hence, ragged seams. I always use a flat felled seams and haven’t had issues since. Prior I finished my seams with a zig zag, which over time the seams frayed, and the zig zag was rendered useless.
Sleepwear gets far more wear and tear then we expect, it’s worth it to take the time to do the extra finishing. I sometimes use tape on my seams as a little extra stabilizer.
Good morning.I'm a beginner sewer and have purchased some large fabric scraps in a big mixed bag and found some fabric that I don't know if it's flannel or fleece it's an off white not plaid like you have.how do I tell if it's flannel or fleese? Want to make a rag quilt and not sure how to tell the difference...can you do a video on the difference between the two and how to tell them apart.
Flannel is a woven that is brushed on one or both sides to get the thicker, cosy, "soft, fuzzy" feel and you can normally see the weave through it easily. Fleece is often a knit fabric but you can normally only see that if it isn't fleecy on the back or you can part the pile. Either way, it has more of a "pile" that is part of the structure rather than the structure being just the weave and the "brushing" being a treatment that just changes the surface qualities like you have with a flannel.
thank you! you answered so many of my questions about seeing with flannel. do pinking shears help enough to stop fraying or, should I use stitches recommended in your video? thank you, again!❤🌼🏵🐝
A serger is a specialty machine that trims and finishes (covers) your seam allowance as you sew. Look at the inside of one of your t-shirts where the sleeve attaches to the body. You'll notice that all the edges of the seams are covered by thread. That was done with a serger. They take your projects from home made to professional. As for your 2nd question, I don't believe we do, but I'll add it to our list of ideas for videos to make!
I should note that you don't NEED a serger to accomplish this finish. Look up "overcasting stitch". It's a serger-like stitch that you can do with most sewing machines + an overlocking presser foot!
Thank you so much for your response. Myself, I have been a hand sewing person all my life and just very recently I learnt how to use a sewing machine 😊 And though I hand sew the edge of a fabric, I thought that standard machines do this kind of seam. I'm glad I learnt something new today. 😊 Thank you very much.
I’ve never had an issue sewing flannel, I never learned anything about sewing flannel before I did. I’ve made so many pairs of flannel pjs without an issue.
I don't do a lot of hand-sewing, so, unfortunately, I don't have any recommended stitches; however, I would highly suggest heavy pinning to avoid shifting. Also, since flannel frays a lot and you won't be finishing the edges on a machine, you may want to consider a product like Fray Check to make sure that the edges stay neat and fray free. :)
I am making a patchwork baby quilt with flannel would you still recommend pre-washing the fabric? When I have pre washed flannel before it has some many strings and frayed edges and a general twisted mess, any tips to avoid this? What starch do you recommend? Thanks for the hints.
Marianne Culver Hi! Yes, definitely pre-wash, but you can zigzag stitch the raw edges first, then wash the fabric. That way you avoid a mess. I swear by Best Press. We sell the fragrance-free on our site, in addition to all their amazing scents. Good luck and be sure to share a picture of your quilt on our Facebook page!
Hi! Wash your fabric however you plan to wash it once the project is finished. For instance, if you are making flannel sheets and always wash your sheets in hot water, then prewash with hot water.
Tara Brakefield Hi! Sergers usually have a removable side attachment so to more easily sew pant hems. You can serger the raw edge, then turn it under and topstitch on your sewing machine. Or, you can create a blind hem or your serger using the flatlock settings.
And what is the name of that type of flannel that has the print on both sides, anyone? I want to buy some online but afraid that I will buy the ones with just the print on one side instead of both. :(
The term is 'off grain'. I was trying to figure out how to explain it; Google explained it perfectly. :) "Off-grain: A fabric, in which the crosswise yarns are not running exactly at right angles to warp or lengthwise yarns, is referred to as off-grain. Garment pieces cut off-grain will not fit correctly and will hang poorly when worn." I hope this helps.
Your ability to get to the point in a non patronizing way encouraged me to subscribe after just this one video. 👍🏻
Completely agree! Really impressed with the content!
Wow!! "Thank you" from myself and the thousands of sewers who will also learn this valuable info. I forget how to sew with flannel from one year to the next. Now I have you to reference!
You are so welcome!
I work at a fabric store and I cut a lot of fabric. This information is good to know so that I can inform the customer. Thank you.
Thank you no one gave me one hint knowing I am new at sewing. Please do ask customers if they have ever sewn with flannel I for one thank you.
I wish I was one of your customers... it is very useful that the people working at the store actually KNOW what they are selling. Good for you!
I am a beginner at sewing, I really wanted to try with flannel. I have discovered that I am a champion at messing up and have buckling, shifting, weird warping and difficulties with crisp straight stitched lines.
I have sewn with flannel my whole life. I am 62, and have been sewing since age 5, and not just doll clothes. I made nightgowns when I was 5 or 6, out of flannel. I used cotton thread dyed flannel, not printed, and used lots of pins to keep my plaid matching. I used gathered sleeves, instead of the set in type, because they were easier. i have never had a problem with my flannel moving, except once, and it was an extremely poor quality. I have always used flat fell seams, or French seams to prevent the seams from raveling out. on my husband's yearly plaid shirts, I only do flat fell now, but I have a foot to help me. I love sewing with flannel, and this will be the 44th Christmas that I sew my whole family nightgowns, sleep shirts, lounge pants, and robes. Depending on age and gender what you get. I started out with 4 family members, to now a mother in law, 2 sons and their families, (2 and 5 members respectively), 2 great granddaughters, and my husband and I. I buy one or two bolts, and I have everyone's cut out now. One of my son's only wears flannel boxers, so he gets 10 pair a year. I love sewing for my family more than myself. Since I am now wheelchair bound, I am redesigning patterns to accommodate sitting all the time. Bigger seat, that is for sure! Happy Holidays everyone
Ok Boomer
Can you adopt me please?
@@accelerator1666 awe, someone needs a hug.
@@SparkyOne549 oh nah it was a charming story i just had to do it cuz it was perfect placement
What's the best way to start learning to sew
This is the best video I've seen on flannel! You hit all the important tips I needed, before I start my quilt. Thank you! 👍🏻
I’m glad I watched this video first.
You are so easy to listen to and always have the BEST tutorials!! Thanks so much for 'saving' me!!
Thank you so much for your kind words! Glad to help!
I had no idea that flannel could be challenging before watching your video. I cannot thank you enough!!! If I make it through a successful project for my granddaughters' pajamas, I'll be sure to post on FB. Thank you again!
Fantastic! Good luck with your project!
I need to know how to do a rolled hem on flannel
Thank you so much! You have probably just saved me soooo many headaches. Really appreciate your time and knowledge.
Our pleasure! We love helping!
Thanks a million! I appreciate your tutorial a lot! 😎🌸
Thank you for watching!
Thank you!!! I have to use flannel for a cosplay i’m working on, so this was really helpful😄
I just found you for this exact subject. I subscribed you I believe are the best on this subject but now to get to the machine . I did not know all this and have my fabric cut. I did pre-wash by hand and press so I'll have to see if the other tips help with that flubby. THANK YOU i I will be willing to try flannel again starting out the right way in the future..
This was extremely helpful! Thank you.
Thank you so much. I was so worried about washing this type of fabric. The fabric is not holding up too well though, very pilly. I will use a french seam for the pillow cases since I do not have a serger. Thank you so much again. Subscribing to your channel.
Thanks for the tips on needles and such to use for specigic fabric
Thank you for your tutorial, it was very helpful!
Thank you for this! I was starting to think there was something wrong with me because no one ever complains about having trouble with flannel! I think I'm going to watch it again before I start cutting out the doll pajamas (thank goodness the fabric isn't plaid at least). I did have a question, though. I was wondering if pinking the edges helps stop the fraying or if flannel is just going to fray anyway.
Pinking does not stop fraying -- it only reduces the damage when it does frey, because the threads will be shorter.
Beautiful just beautiful I'm a new fan now
Thank you! We are glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you for all this help
Excellent tips! Thanks.
Thank you, great info. I am making a baby quilt, should I use a wider seam than the usual 1/4 " seam we use for quilts?
Thanks! Just what I needed 😘
Haha, flannel that thinks it's a knit. Best description!
Great advice! Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Older video but I hope you see this. I just attempted pajama pants for my son from flannel and messed up and the animals on the print were side ways. I did prewash the fabric. Well his pants were cut from a pair that fit him( I did add 2 inches per seam for allowance) and ended up too tight(barely). I added 5 inch panels on both sides going from waist to foot. Somehow ended up even tighter after adding them. I am wondering. Is the fact that I accidentally cut the fabric the wrong way (for the print) the reason they ended up having the sizing issues?
I am making Christmas stocking out of plaid cotton flannel. Flannel is 100% cotton and printed on one side.
Can I cut this plaid cotton flannel diagonally diagonally diagonally
Great tips!
Very helpful
Question -- for pajama pants, which are not worth the effort of french seams or flat felled seams... what finishing do you recommend? (Plus, with pants, there are always going to be a couple of seams that are not accessible by machine, and most of us will not flat fell seams by hand.) Thanks. Good video -- very informative.
I’m my opinion, sleeping in flannel pj pants creates a lot of friction, hence, ragged seams. I always use a flat felled seams and haven’t had issues since. Prior I finished my seams with a zig zag, which over time the seams frayed, and the zig zag was rendered useless.
Sleepwear gets far more wear and tear then we expect, it’s worth it to take the time to do the extra finishing. I sometimes use tape on my seams as a little extra stabilizer.
Good morning.I'm a beginner sewer and have purchased some large fabric scraps in a big mixed bag and found some fabric that I don't know if it's flannel or fleece it's an off white not plaid like you have.how do I tell if it's flannel or fleese? Want to make a rag quilt and not sure how to tell the difference...can you do a video on the difference between the two and how to tell them apart.
Flannel is a woven that is brushed on one or both sides to get the thicker, cosy, "soft, fuzzy" feel and you can normally see the weave through it easily. Fleece is often a knit fabric but you can normally only see that if it isn't fleecy on the back or you can part the pile. Either way, it has more of a "pile" that is part of the structure rather than the structure being just the weave and the "brushing" being a treatment that just changes the surface qualities like you have with a flannel.
Very informative, thank you.
Would it be possible to do a video on Lamé fabric?
That sounds like a GREAT idea! I will add it to the schedule. Stay tuned!
Thank you so much. That would be awesome.
Can you use flannel as ribbing instead of knit ribbing?
Great tips! Subscribed.
Thank you so much!
Hi , I would like to know if we use steam when pressing with Best Press. Thanks! 😎🌸
I would recommend using a dry iron when using Best Press.
@@SewingPartsOnlinethanks!🌺🌸
thank you! you answered so many of my questions about seeing with flannel.
do pinking shears help enough to stop fraying or, should I use stitches recommended in your video? thank you, again!❤🌼🏵🐝
Hi, Donna! Pinking shears only help if you don't plan to wash the fabric often. Otherwise, I like to finish my edges.
How does flannel sew when making a table cover out of cotton? I want to make a quilted table cover with a flannel backing. Is it going to shift a lot.
It will likely shift. A walking foot will be a great tool to use! :)
What's a serger? Do you have another video showing the different seams for a flannel? Thank you..
A serger is a specialty machine that trims and finishes (covers) your seam allowance as you sew. Look at the inside of one of your t-shirts where the sleeve attaches to the body. You'll notice that all the edges of the seams are covered by thread. That was done with a serger. They take your projects from home made to professional.
As for your 2nd question, I don't believe we do, but I'll add it to our list of ideas for videos to make!
I should note that you don't NEED a serger to accomplish this finish. Look up "overcasting stitch". It's a serger-like stitch that you can do with most sewing machines + an overlocking presser foot!
Thank you so much for your response.
Myself, I have been a hand sewing person all my life and just very recently I learnt how to use a sewing machine 😊
And though I hand sew the edge of a fabric, I thought that standard machines do this kind of seam.
I'm glad I learnt something new today. 😊 Thank you very much.
I’ve never had an issue sewing flannel, I never learned anything about sewing flannel before I did. I’ve made so many pairs of flannel pjs without an issue.
Thanks
Where does one purchase flannel that is printed on both sides? On-line preferably, but name brands will do too. Thank you, great tutorial!
Hi! Mood.com has a great selection of flannel last I looked.
Thank you
It's not actually printed on both sides, but rather, woven with dyed thread -- not printed at all.
Joann fabrics has a collection that is called plaiditudes
Are there any trick in hand sewing flannel? I am making small doll cloths and plan on hand sewing.
I don't do a lot of hand-sewing, so, unfortunately, I don't have any recommended stitches; however, I would highly suggest heavy pinning to avoid shifting. Also, since flannel frays a lot and you won't be finishing the edges on a machine, you may want to consider a product like Fray Check to make sure that the edges stay neat and fray free. :)
Thanks!
Happy New Year. See you Later.
I am making a patchwork baby quilt with flannel would you still recommend pre-washing the fabric? When I have pre washed flannel before it has some many strings and frayed edges and a general twisted mess, any tips to avoid this? What starch do you recommend? Thanks for the hints.
Marianne Culver Hi! Yes, definitely pre-wash, but you can zigzag stitch the raw edges first, then wash the fabric. That way you avoid a mess. I swear by Best Press. We sell the fragrance-free on our site, in addition to all their amazing scents. Good luck and be sure to share a picture of your quilt on our Facebook page!
Zig zag right in the edge.
How do you wash flannel when you get it home from the fabric store? I have read on line to wash in cold and warm? Thoughts?
Hi! Wash your fabric however you plan to wash it once the project is finished. For instance, if you are making flannel sheets and always wash your sheets in hot water, then prewash with hot water.
How do you use a serge to finish seams on a pair of flannel pants
Tara Brakefield Hi! Sergers usually have a removable side attachment so to more easily sew pant hems. You can serger the raw edge, then turn it under and topstitch on your sewing machine. Or, you can create a blind hem or your serger using the flatlock settings.
And what is the name of that type of flannel that has the print on both sides, anyone? I want to buy some online but afraid that I will buy the ones with just the print on one side instead of both. :(
Hi. I'd like to machine quilt a flannel baby quilt top I just finished. Can you recommend the tread I should use? Thanks.
You can use polyester or cotton thread. Most people prefer 100% cotton.
Can you use pinking sheers to finish the edges instead of a zig zag?
It will fray still.
Hi I never use flannel but I will try it.. what model sewing machine you use??
In this video we are using the BabyLock Jane (BL500A)
what does off grade mean?
The term is 'off grain'. I was trying to figure out how to explain it; Google explained it perfectly. :) "Off-grain: A fabric, in which the crosswise yarns are not running exactly at right angles to warp or lengthwise yarns, is referred to as off-grain. Garment pieces cut off-grain will not fit correctly and will hang poorly when worn." I hope this helps.
Sarah yo!
What do you call to a fabric use for swimwear?
We recommend polyester or polyester blended with Lycra for swimwear.
Excellent video. Thank you.