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Flannel Fabric JOANN: Cotton Flannel Uses, Quilting & Buying Guide (2026)

Flannel fabric was one of the softest and warmest materials sold in the JOANN fabrics department for quilting, clothing, and nursery sewing projects. This brushed cotton fabric is known for its cozy texture, breathable structure, and beginner-friendly handling. Many shoppers purchased flannel fabric by the yard from joann fabrics to make pajamas, quilts, baby blankets, and flannel shirts. JOANN inventory often included cotton flannel fabric, Super Snuggle flannel fabric JOANN collections, baby flannel fabric JOANN prints, and plaid flannel fabric JOANN designs.

Today, many JOANN locations have closed or reduced inventory, but flannel fabric is still widely available online. Retailers like Amazon, Michaels, and Hobby Lobby now carry cotton flannel fabric similar to joann fabric flannel material once sold in stores. In this guide, you’ll learn what flannel fabric is, what it feels like, how quilting flannel fabric works, how to choose the right flannel fabric, and where to buy flannel fabric online today.

What Is Flannel Fabric

Flannel fabric is a soft woven textile usually made from cotton fibers that are brushed to create a fuzzy surface called a nap. This brushing process traps warm air between fibers, which makes flannel fabric feel soft and warm while still remaining breathable.

Most cotton flannel fabric JOANN inventory used a plain weave structure, which keeps the material stable and easy to sew across the  fabrics department.. Because of this structure, flannel cloth is often recommended for beginner sewing projects.

Compared to muslin fabric, flannel fabric is warmer and thicker. Compared to cotton fabric, flannel has a softer brushed surface. These characteristics make flannel fabric popular for winter clothing and quilting

Close-up texture of cotton flannel fabric showing brushed cotton fibers and soft napped fabric surface
close-up of Flannel Fabric

What Is Flannel Fabric Used For

Flannel fabric is used in sewing, quilting, and clothing projects because it is soft, warm, and easy to work with. Quilting flannel fabric JOANN inventory was especially popular for blanket backing and nursery sewing.

Common uses include:

  • baby blankets
  • quilt backing
  • flannel shirts
  • pajamas
  • nursery fabric projects
  • reusable cloth wipes
  • pillow covers
  • winter clothing
  • fabric sheets
  • craft sewing projects

Many sewing teachers used flannel fabric in beginner classes because it feeds smoothly through a sewing machine.

Sewing workspace with flannel fabric project, scissors, sewing machine, and plaid cotton flannel material
Flannel Fabric Sewing Project

Types of Flannel Fabric

Flannel fabric JOANN inventory included several cotton flannel variations designed for different projects.

Type Thickness Best Use
Cotton flannel fabric Lightweight Quilting
Super Snuggle flannel Medium Blankets
Baby flannel fabric Lightweight Nursery sewing
Plaid flannel fabric Medium Shirts
Robert Kaufman flannel Premium Quilting

Super Snuggle Flannel Fabric JOANN

Super Snuggle flannel fabric JOANN collections were known for extra softness. This flannel was often sold by the yard for blankets, nursery projects, and pajamas.

Baby Flannel Fabric JOANN

Baby flannel fabric JOANN inventory included nursery prints and soft cotton flannel designed for sensitive skin.

Plaid Flannel Fabric JOANN

Plaid flannel fabric JOANN collections were commonly used for shirts, pajamas, and seasonal sewing projects.

Robert Kaufman Flannel Fabric JOANN

Robert Kaufman flannel fabric JOANN inventory included premium quilting flannel with consistent thickness and softness.

What Does Flannel Fabric Feel Like

Flannel fabric feels soft, warm, and slightly fuzzy because of the brushed cotton fibers. Lightweight flannel drapes easily, while thicker flannel feels more structured.

After washing, cotton flannel fabric becomes softer while staying durable. Compared to fleece fabric, flannel is more breathable. Compared to canvas fabric, flannel is softer and easier to sew.

Soft cotton flannel fabric draping naturally over wooden table showing brushed textile texture
Flannel Fabric Drape

How to Choose the Right Flannel Fabric

Choosing flannel fabric depends on the project you want to make. Quilting flannel fabric is best for blankets, while plaid flannel fabric works well for clothing.

Things to consider:

  • fabric thickness
  • project size
  • cotton flannel vs blends
  • fabric yardage
  • durability
  • nursery safety

Matching the flannel fabric type to the project helps ensure better sewing results.

Beginner Tips for Using Flannel Fabric

Flannel fabric is beginner-friendly, but preparation improves results. Washing cotton flannel fabric before sewing helps prevent shrinkage. Ironing flannel fabric makes cutting easier.

Helpful tips:

  • prewash flannel fabric
  • use sharp fabric scissors
  • sew slowly
  • use cotton thread
  • test stitches first

Flannel fabric is forgiving, which makes it ideal for beginner sewing.

Beginner Project Difficulty Table

Project Difficulty Yards Needed Best Flannel Type
Baby blanket Beginner 1–2 yards Baby flannel fabric
Pajamas Beginner 2–3 yards Super Snuggle flannel
Quilt backing Intermediate 4–6 yards Quilting flannel fabric
Flannel shirt Intermediate 2–3 yards Plaid flannel fabric

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is skipping the prewash step. Cotton flannel fabric can shrink after washing. Another mistake is using a dull needle, which can damage the brushed surface.

Other mistakes include:

  • cutting against fabric grain
  • choosing flannel that is too thin
  • not ironing before cutting
  • using the wrong needle size

Avoiding these mistakes improves sewing results.

Price Range and Budget Considerations

Flannel fabric JOANN inventory was considered affordable for quilting and clothing projects.

Store Price per Yard Notes
Amazon $4–$10 Widest selection, fast shipping
Michaels $4–$8 Frequent sales, in-store pickup
Hobby Lobby $3–$6 40–50% off coupons often apply

Flannel fabric clearance sales were common during seasonal promotions. Premium quilting options like Robert Kaufman flannel fabric cost more than standard cotton flannel.

Some retailers also sell flannel fabric by the bolt for classrooms and quilting groups.

Project Ideas Using Flannel Fabric

Flannel fabric works well for cozy sewing projects.

Examples include:

  • quilts
  • baby blankets
  • pajamas
  • flannel shirts
  • nursery decor
  • reusable wipes
  • pillow covers

These projects highlight the warmth and comfort of cotton flannel fabric.

Flannel Fabric vs Other Fabrics

Fabric Warmth Breathability Best Use
Flannel fabric High High Blankets
Cotton fabric Medium High Sewing
Muslin fabric Low High Pattern testing
Fleece fabric High Low Winter wear
Felt fabric Medium Low Crafts

Flannel fabric provides warmth while remaining breathable, which makes it different from synthetic fleece.

Flannel Fabric at JOANN

Flannel fabric JOANN inventory was sold by the bolt in the fabric department. Many customers visited joann fabrics stores to buy cotton flannel fabric by the yard for quilts, baby blankets, and clothing projects.

Although many stores have closed, shoppers still search using the joann fabrics near me page. Flannel fabric remains widely available online through modern craft retailers.

Where to Buy Flannel Fabric Now

Flannel fabric can still be purchased online. Amazon offers cotton flannel fabric by the yard, including plaid flannel fabric, nursery flannel fabric, and Super Snuggle flannel options. Michaels fabric collections and Hobby Lobby stores also carry flannel fabric similar to JOANN inventory.

Shop Flannel Fabric on Amazon

How to Sew Flannel Fabric

Flannel fabric is easy to sew using a universal needle and cotton thread. Cutting along the fabric grain improves accuracy. Pay attention to the nap direction (brushed side) when laying out pattern pieces — all pieces should face the same way for consistent texture. Use a 2.5–3.0mm stitch length for regular seams; shorter stitches (2.0mm) for topstitching. Standard seam allowance is 1/2 inch for clothing and 1/4 inch for quilting.

Helpful tools include:

  • sewing machine
  • rotary cutter
  • fabric scissors
  • measuring tape
  • cotton thread

Practicing on scrap flannel fabric helps beginners improve stitching control.

Care and Maintenance

Flannel fabric should be washed in cold water to reduce shrinkage. Air drying helps preserve cotton fibers. Ironing flannel fabric on medium heat removes wrinkles.

Most flannel fabric is 42–44 inches wide when sold by the yard. Proper storage keeps flannel fabric ready for future sewing projects.

Folded flannel fabric pieces stacked on shelf in sewing room showing cotton flannel material storage
Folded Flannel Fabric Storage

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, flannel fabric was one of the most popular cozy materials sold by the yard in JOANN stores. Cotton flannel fabric JOANN inventory included Super Snuggle flannel, baby flannel, plaid flannel, and quilting flannel.

Flannel fabric is a soft woven cotton textile that is brushed on one or both sides to create a fuzzy, warm surface.

No, standard cotton flannel fabric does not stretch because it is woven, not knitted. Some flannel blends may have slight give, but pure cotton flannel stays stable for accurate sewing.

Flannel fabric costs $4 to $10 per yard in 2026. Amazon often has budget cotton flannel starting at $4–$6 per yard, while premium Robert Kaufman flannel runs $8–$10.

Buy flannel fabric on Amazon, Michaels, or Hobby Lobby. Amazon has the widest selection with fast Prime shipping. Michaels frequently runs sales on quilting and baby flannel.

Super Snuggle flannel is a premium soft cotton flannel known for its extra brushed, cozy texture. It was popular at JOANN for blankets and loungewear. It feels warmer and plusher than standard flannel.

Yes, quilting flannel fabric is excellent for quilt backing because the brushed side feels soft against the skin. It adds warmth without bulk.

Yes, flannel fabric shrinks 3–7% on the first wash unless pre-shrunk. Always pre-wash in cold water before cutting to avoid fit issues.

No, wash flannel in cold or warm water only. Hot water increases shrinkage and can damage the brushed nap.

Yes, flannel fabric is beginner-friendly because it feeds smoothly through the machine and hides small mistakes due to its fuzzy texture.

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