Flannel Fabric – Soft, Cozy Cotton Flannel by the Yard | Joann
Our premium brushed cotton flannel delivers the perfect balance of softness and durability for every project. Each yard features a double-brushed finish that creates an irresistibly soft hand feel while maintaining the structure you need for quilting, apparel, and home décor.
We source 100% cotton flannel that holds up to repeated washing without pilling or fading. The medium weight makes it ideal for baby blankets, pajamas, shirts, and seasonal quilts. Whether you’re sewing holiday projects or everyday essentials, this flannel cuts cleanly and sews beautifully on any machine.
What makes our flannel special
Fiber Content & Construction
Our flannel fabric starts with premium 100% cotton yarns that are woven into a tight plain or twill weave, then brushed on both sides to raise the fibers and create that signature soft nap. This double-brushing process is what sets quality flannel apart from looser weaves that pill or thin out over time.
The medium weight construction (typically 5-6 ounces per square yard) gives you enough body for structured projects without the stiffness of heavier quilting fabrics. We pre-shrink every bolt before cutting, so you can start sewing right away with minimal prep. The tight weave and quality cotton content mean colors stay vibrant and the soft hand feel lasts through countless washes.
Sizing & Yardage
Our Joann flannel fabric is cut to order from bolts that measure 43-44 inches wide from selvage to selvage. We cut your exact yardage in-store or ship continuous yardage when you order online – no pieced remnants unless you specifically request them.
For quilting projects, plan on 1/4 to 1/2 yard per block depending on your pattern. A standard baby quilt (36×52 inches) typically requires 3-4 yards of flannel including backing. Adult-sized flannel pajama pants need 2-2.5 yards depending on size, while a simple pillowcase uses just 3/4 yard.
Care & Laundering
Prewash your Joann flannel fabric before cutting and sewing to remove any residual sizing and allow for natural shrinkage (typically 3-5%). Machine wash in warm water with a mild detergent, then tumble dry on low heat. Remove promptly to minimize wrinkles.
Avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets on flannel, as these coat the fibers and reduce absorbency over time. The natural cotton fibers soften beautifully with each wash on their own. For quilts and blankets, we recommend washing in cold water after the initial prewash to preserve colors and extend the life of your project.
More cozy flannel prints and plaids
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Flannel fabric questions answered
Yes, we strongly recommend prewashing flannel before cutting and sewing your project. Even though our flannel is pre-shrunk at the mill, natural cotton fibers will shrink an additional 3-5% in the first home wash.
Machine wash in warm water with mild detergent, then tumble dry on low heat. This initial wash removes any residual sizing and allows the fabric to relax into its final dimensions. If you skip prewashing, your finished quilt or garment may pucker or shrink unevenly after the first laundering.
Flannel fabric is brushed on one or both sides after weaving to raise the fibers and create a soft, fuzzy nap. This brushing process gives flannel its signature warmth and cozy hand feel. Regular quilting cotton has a smooth, crisp surface with no nap.
Flannel is typically heavier (5-6 oz vs 4-5 oz for quilting cotton) and has a slight stretch on the bias due to the brushing. It’s more absorbent and warmer than quilting cotton, which makes it ideal for blankets, baby items, and cold-weather apparel. You can mix flannel and quilting cotton in the same project, but be aware they may behave differently when piecing and pressing.
Our flannel fabric measures 43-44 inches wide from selvage to selvage, which is standard for quilting-weight flannel. We sell flannel by the yard, cut to order from the bolt.
When you order in-store, we cut your exact yardage and you take it home the same day. Online orders ship as continuous yardage (not pieced), so if you order 3 yards you’ll receive one uninterrupted 3-yard cut. Minimum cut is typically 1/4 yard, though some stores may require 1/2 yard minimums on certain prints.
Absolutely. Our flannel works beautifully for apparel including pajamas, lounge pants, nightgowns, shirts, and children’s clothing. The medium weight and soft brushed finish make it comfortable against skin, and the 100% cotton content is breathable for sleepwear.
Many customers also use flannel for baby items like receiving blankets, burp cloths, and bibs because it’s absorbent and gentle. For garments, choose patterns designed for lightweight to medium-weight wovens. Flannel’s slight stretch on the bias means it drapes nicely but won’t cling like a knit fabric would.
Our premium brushed cotton flannel is designed to resist pilling and fading with proper care. The tight weave and quality cotton fibers minimize pilling, and the double-brushed finish stays soft through repeated washing.
To extend the life of your flannel projects, wash in cold or warm water (never hot), tumble dry on low, and skip fabric softeners which can coat fibers and reduce the fabric’s natural softness over time. Most customers report that our flannel actually gets softer with each wash while maintaining its color vibrancy and plush nap.
Use a fresh 80/12 universal needle or an 80/12 ballpoint needle for sewing flannel fabric. The brushed nap can dull needles faster than smooth cottons, so change your needle frequently – we recommend a new needle for every 2-3 projects.
For thread, standard all-purpose polyester or cotton-wrapped polyester thread works well. Match your thread color to your fabric or use a neutral that blends with your overall project. A slightly longer stitch length (2.5-3.0mm) helps prevent puckering when piecing flannel. If your machine tends to pull or shift the top layer, use a walking foot for more even feeding.
For a standard baby quilt measuring approximately 36×52 inches, you’ll need 3-4 yards of flannel total depending on your design. A simple patchwork quilt top typically requires 2-2.5 yards of assorted prints, plus 1.5 yards for flannel backing and 0.5 yard for binding.
If you’re making a flannel-backed quilt with regular quilting cotton on top, plan on 1.5 yards of 44-inch-wide flannel for the backing. For a smaller receiving blanket (30×30 inches), 1 yard of flannel is enough for a simple double-layer design with binding. Always add 10-15% extra yardage to account for cutting, shrinkage, and any mistakes.