With winter coming and heating bills giving us cold sweats, many of you have been looking for fabrics that keep you nice and warm! 

That’s why I invite you to discover one of the best-known winter fabrics... yes, we’re talking flannel! Let’s go!

Definition of flannel

Historically, flannel comes from England, more precisely from Wales... Ah, Wales: its moors, castles, ghosts, and of course its sheep! So, the "original" flannel is wool... Since the 18th century, its composition has evolved, and nowadays you can find blended flannels made of wool and cashmere, as well as 100% cotton flannels and even wool/cotton blends! 
So we should really talk about flannels, which are always made from natural fibers (wool, cotton, cashmere...). Their common feature is that the fabric is felted, creating a comfortable, soft, and also warm material!

Types of flannel 

As you can see, there are several types of flannel whose properties remain similar: softness and a warm feeling... 

1.Wool flannel

To get wool flannel, the wool is spun and woven, then the wool fabric is brushed. It’s this final brushing step that gives it its distinctive felted appearance.

2. Cotton flannel

Cotton flannel is often called pilou... and yes, this material we appreciate for sheets and pajamas is flannel! Originally, the term pilou was created to distinguish between wool and cotton flannel. 

It's this lovely material that I decided to bring into the shop so you can create warm clothing and bedding for this winter!

Properties of flannel

Flannel is the ultimate winter fabric! It has many qualities, let's explore them together! 

Flannel is: 

• soft thanks to its felted effect
• warm
• breathable
• thin and light, making it very comfortable
• wrinkle-resistant
• very easy to dye 
• very durable 
• easy to care for cotton flannel (wool flannel should go to the dry cleaner).

Why use flannel?

Sewing projects are endless with such a lovely fabric:

•  Baby sewing projects made from cotton flannel will dress the little ones during winter (pilou blankets and bedding, comforters, cardigans, pajamas, ...)
• Adult and children's pajamas and robes to keep warm at night in pilou
• Pilou bedding
• Men's suits in wool flannel
• Men's shirts known as "lumberjack" shirts
• but also skirts, capes, ...

For a bit of history, did you know that French soldiers in World War I were equipped with flannel shirts?

Did you know that flannel symbolizes 43 years of marriage... which shows how it was once a mark of quality and durability!

How to care for your flannel sewing projects?

To properly care for your cotton flannel, select a "delicate wash" program or a cycle that doesn't exceed 40°C.

If you like, you can add a bit of fabric softener—it's actually a good habit to protect its texture! Cotton flannel doesn't like the dryer... don't put it in there or your sheets might shrink! For ironing, keep the temperature low. 

Be careful with wool flannel; it needs to be taken to a dry cleaner because it can't go through the washing machine!  

So, how about trying sewing with flannel... just running my hand over this beautiful fabric fills me with ideas! 

Too bad the days are only 24 hours long! 

Let's go... grab your needles!