Mixing different fabrics in a quilt can be a fun way to add texture and variety, but if you’re like me, you might be wondering if it’s okay to combine cotton and flannel in the same quilt top.
The short answer? Absolutely!
You can definitely mix these two fabrics, and they can work beautifully together.
But before you dive in, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure everything comes together smoothly.
First off, let’s talk about why you’d want to mix cotton and flannel.
Cotton is lightweight and easy to work with, while flannel has that extra coziness—perfect for those chilly evenings.
Combining the two gives you the best of both worlds: the structure of cotton with the softness and warmth of flannel.
Sounds great, right? But because flannel is a bit thicker and tends to stretch more than cotton, there are a couple of tricks that will help make your sewing experience easier.
If you’re new to quilting, don’t worry!
Mixing fabrics isn’t as tricky as it sounds, but knowing a few tips will make sure your quilt turns out just how you want it.
Let’s hit the behind the scenes of both of these fabrics before we talk about using them together.
Cotton and Flannel Fabric
- Cotton Fabric:
- Lightweight and breathable.
- Smooth texture.
- Easy to sew and press.
- Minimal stretch.
- Flannel Fabric:
- Heavier and thicker.
- Soft, brushed texture.
- Can stretch, especially if cut on the bias.
- Holds warmth, making it perfect for cozy quilts.
Benefits of Mixing Fabrics
- Adds texture and dimension to your quilt.
- Cotton’s structure pairs well with flannel’s softness for a unique combination.
- Ideal for quilts intended for colder weather or for a heavier, more comforting feel.
Stretching and Shrinkage:
Flannel is known for stretching a bit while you sew, and it also tends to shrink more than cotton when you wash it. That’s why pre-washing both fabrics is key! It’ll help prevent any surprises later when you wash your finished quilt. A little prep upfront can save you from a lot of frustration later.
Thickness Differences:
One thing you’ll notice is that flannel is thicker than cotton, which can make seams bulkier. Don’t worry, though—you can work around this by adjusting your seam allowances or playing around with how you press your seams. It might take a bit of trial and error, but you’ll get the hang of it.
Quilting and Finishing:
Flannel tends to create more lint than cotton, and it can build up in your sewing machine fast. Make sure you’re cleaning your machine regularly while you sew to keep everything running smoothly. Trust me, a little extra cleaning time can make a big difference in how smoothly things go!
Prepping Your Fabrics
Before you even think about sewing, let’s talk about prepping your fabrics—this is super important when mixing cotton and flannel! The key here is pre-washing. Trust me, it’s worth the extra step.
Pre-washing:
Flannel is notorious for shrinking more than cotton, so you’ll want to wash it ahead of time to avoid any surprises once your quilt is finished.
Nobody wants to spend hours on a beautiful quilt, only to have it pucker and warp after the first wash! I always toss my flannel in for a wash and dry cycle before I cut anything.
And while cotton doesn’t shrink as much, it’s still a good idea to pre-wash it too, especially if you’re using fabrics of different qualities or if they’ve been sitting in your stash for a while. Washing both fabrics will help even out any shrinkage and get rid of any sizing or chemicals from the manufacturing process. Plus, you’ll get a feel for how the fabrics will behave together once they’re quilted.
Once everything’s washed and dried, give your fabrics a good press to smooth out any wrinkles. That way, they’ll be ready to go when you start cutting and sewing. Prepping might take a little extra time, but it sets you up for success down the line!
Pros and Cons of Mixing Cotton and Flannel
- Pros:
- Adds texture and visual interest to the quilt.
- Ideal for cozy quilts with added warmth.
- Great for experimenting with different fabric feels.
- Cons:
- Can be tricky to work with due to thickness and stretching.
- Requires extra care with washing and sewing.
- May be heavier or bulkier than expected.
What about Seer Sucker Fabric? Can that be used in a quilt?
If you’ve ever come across seersucker fabric and thought, “Can I use this in a quilt?”—the answer is yes! Seersucker has that lovely puckered texture that adds so much visual interest, but it does come with a few things to keep in mind.
First off, because of that puckered effect, seersucker can be a little tricky to work with when cutting and sewing. I recommend giving it a good press to smooth it out before you start, though you won’t be able to iron out all the texture (and you shouldn’t—it’s part of the charm!).
When you’re sewing seersucker into a quilt, be gentle with it. It’s usually lightweight and can shift around more than your typical cotton fabrics. A walking foot will be your best friend here to help everything feed through your machine evenly. And don’t forget to pre-wash!
Seersucker, like flannel, can shrink a bit, so it’s best to wash and dry it first to avoid any surprises later. Seersucker works great for summery, lightweight quilts because it’s breathable and has that breezy feel.
Just keep in mind that the texture may add some bulk in your seams, so pressing carefully will help things lay a little flatter. All in all, seersucker can bring a fresh, playful look to your quilts—definitely worth a try if you’re up for experimenting!
FAQs
- Do I need to pre-wash flannel before mixing it with cotton?
Yes, flannel tends to shrink more than cotton, so pre-washing both fabrics is important to avoid puckering or mismatched sizes after washing. - Can I use the same seam allowance for cotton and flannel?
Yes, but be mindful of bulkier seams with flannel. Press seams open or to one side based on what works best for your project. - Will flannel make my quilt too heavy?
Flannel does add weight, but it also makes the quilt warmer. It’s perfect for quilts intended for colder climates or for adding extra coziness.
More Quilting Resources
- Spinning Ribbons quilt pattern (free) – this pattern uses seer sucker fabric
- Quilting with a regular sewing machine
- Using Pre-cuts in your quilts
- Sizes for making your quilts, a printable chart
- Going on a quilt retreat (it’s the best thing ever!)
Becky Jorgensen is the creative quilter behind Patchwork Posse, the Patchwork Planner and her online quilt group Patchworkers Plus. You can find her patterns in books, magazines, and her quilt membership. Gather your quilting supplies, organize your sewing space, explore the process of disappearing quilt blocks, or finish a free quilt pattern. I'll help you use what you have, finish what you start and make your quilting journey fun!
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