October 01, 2003

     Flannel Technique, Course #108, taught by Terry, All levels from Beginner to Expert.   Discussion thread available.

Introduction

     Flannel is a very useful fabric... and quite warm and fuzzy and appropriate for everyone.  Who does not like to snuggle in a flannel quilt?  

     This class is simple, easy, and very versatile.  Not to mention quite popular right now!  So, what is it?  Keep reading!

     One of the greatest attributes of flannel is that it can be sewn with the raw edges showing.  Yes, you read that correctly.  RAW EDGES.  This class teaches you the technique of sewing raw-edge flannel and provides you with a variety of patterns to choose from.  Another great attribute is that this technique will also work with many, many patterns, so the possibilities are endless! 

     It is important to note that this Flannel Technique does not give fabric requirements or instructions to make an entire quilt, but will make a medallion that measures 16" x 16", with no borders.

Fabric Requirements

Fabric A 4 - 8.5" x 8.5" squares

Fabric B 1/4 yard or scraps

Fabric C 1/4 yard or scraps

Fabric D (Optional) 1/4 yard or scraps No sample available.

Cutting Fabrics

  1. The four 8.5" squares cut from Fabric A are for the background.  If you have not already cut these, then do so.

  2. There are several patterns to choose from.  Choose one (or more) from the list below and print the patterns, then cut each pattern out, as shown:

    Notice that each pattern includes two patterns, with the exception of the rose, which has more!

    1. Ellipses

    2. Hearts

    3. Hexagons

    4. Octagons

    5. Roses (More difficult, but well worth it!)

    6. Stars 1

    7. Stars 2

    8. Triangles

  3. Choose your fabrics for each pattern that you chose.  Do not use the same fabric for the pattern pieces that go on the same block.  Random is good!

  4. Trace the patterns onto the back side of the fabrics.  If you want to focus on a specific motif in the fabric, then "fussy cut" it so that the picture is where you want it to be.  Keep in mind, though, that there is going to be a layering of pieces on the block and the only fabric that will show in its entirety is the top layer.  Another bonus about this technique is that if you don't trace or cut accurately, it does not matter!

  5. Cut each of the patterns out of the fabric for each of the four blocks, as shown:

    Notice that the heart on the left is "fussy cut" with a puppy in the center, while the smaller one on the right is not fussy cut.  Also notice that the smaller heart will cover the puppy when layered.

Sewing!

  1. Position the largest pattern piece on top of the background block, as shown:

  2. Adjust your stitch length to a small stitch, then sew 1/4" from the edge of the heart, all the way around.

  3. Turn the block over and, very carefully, pinch the back layer apart from the top layer.  Make a snip in the background fabric only, as shown:

  4. Carefully, insert scissors into the snipped area and trim the inside of the sewn area, approximately 1/4" away from the seam, as shown:

  5. Turn the block back over and position the second pattern on top of the first.

  6. Sew the second pattern, just as you did before... approximately 1/4" from the edge, using a small stitch.

  7. Turn the block over and again pinch the back layer apart from the top layer.  Make a snip in the fabric on the back side only, being careful to not cut all the way through.

  8. Insert scissors into the snipped area and trim the inside of the sewn area, approximately 1/4" away from the seam, as shown:

  9. Press the block flat.

  10. Repeat this process for each of the four blocks, using the pattern of your choice.  Notice that in these examples, I have used both the hearts and the star 2s?  You can use any shape you want!  Even create your own.

  11. Sew the blocks together in any layout that you want.  I have sewn five together to make a medallion for the RRCD Project, as shown below:

    Also note that when you sew the rows together, you can sew with the seams on the outside edge and make the quilt even more "ragged".  I chose not to on this row, however, simply because it is going into a youth quilt and I do not want too much "fuzz".

     You should be able to see the unlimited possibilities with this technique by now.  Any size, any shape, anyway you want it!

     Good luck!

For more information, please contact quilting@quiltingpassion.com

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