It is so much fun to embroider bankets and clothing. These tips will help them last!
Flannel is a comfortable and versatile fabric which makes it perfect for kids of all ages.
Quality Counts
There is a measurable difference in flannel quality across the market. A better cut will wear well, be softer, and last longer.
Pre-shrink & Iron
Always machine wash and dry your flannel before stitching. It will shrink quite a bit. I like to iron it to remove all wrinkles using Best Press.
Pick a Panel
There are some adorable flannel panels on the market. That takes the real work out of constructing a blanket.
Cut Batting/Wadding and Backing Larger
Use a cotton, low-loft batting/wadding. Always cut your batting/wadding and backing larger than your panel so that you can quilt to the edge. Make a self-binding for the edge or cut everything to size after you are done stitching the panel.
Spray Baste & Pin
Using a temporary spray adhesive in addition to curved safety pins to keep layers in place and avoid wrinkles and puckering.
Use Decorative Stitches & Thread
Most embroidery machines have built-in stitches that you can easily use to quilt a panel to batting/wadding and backing. Test them out on a sample to get your needle position perfected before stitching the real thing.
Polyester thread will shine and wear well with laundering while cottons will have more of a matte finish.