A different foot might make a difference. If you are using your regular foot, try swapping it out for the quilting foot. And this might sound strange, but you could put lightweight interfacing under the piece and stitch it in the seam, then cut it close to the seam when you're done. That might keep it from stretching.

I'll try that. Thanks.

Try starching your fabric and press it well.

I'm with grammyp. I've not done any flannel quilts, but that's the solution I've seen most often on forums.

Susan, walking foot is what I was trying to say, but the name escaped me and all I could come up with was quilting foot. Thanks.

I have often seen flannel printed crookedly, so if you try to match the print the fabric will be cut slightly off-grain, which will make it stretchier.

Donna

Are these strips on the quilt top or the back? For the back, either buy extra wide backing, or just join regular widths. I wouldn’t even worry about matching.

What is probably causing the scallops is one piece is longer than the piece to which you are joining it. Measure each piece on the flat before you sew, cut them to length and pin them.

When I want to match patterns, I use a narrow fabric basting glue stick. Most quilt shops and online places sell them. Press a 1/4” seam on the top piece and lay it on the other piece. The glue will hold them perfectly, then wash out when the quilt is finished.

I agree that flannel is difficult to work with. You might be better off using flannel instead of batting and regular quilt fabric on the back.

Thank you for all the comments and suggestions. I am a total novice, so I really appreciate all this advice!

I made some progress today and already I know it is going to be a warm, cuddly quilt (even if it's not perfect in other ways). I'm so glad I posted this question because you all have been so helpful.

Foot: I have a Pfaff machine which has an attachment that subs for a walking foot, so I tried that. It worked okay, but then I tried putting my free-motion quilting foot on but leaving the feed dogs up. That is working a little better, I think because the multiple layers of flannel are so thick that the foot is never really "free." The open toe helps me to smooth out any fabric from bunching up, and I am using my seam ripper as a poker/smoother to smooth things out as I go along. The result is good, but it is just taking longer. That's okay with me bc I want the final result to be good.

Starch: I did starch the fabric, but maybe not enough! I read later that instead of ironing, I should press (lifting up and down). That was probably a mistake and caused extra stretching. I still have more fabric to iron and cut, so I will take your starching advice.

Cutting: I couldn't cut the fabric on the length because the pattern was going crosswise and I wanted to match up the moose and bears as they were marching along.

Batting: Every layer of the sandwich is flannel. No batting.

Thanks! If I'm not too embarrassed I'll post pictures when I finish. With work and kids, it could be a while before finished.

Understand your set-up a bit better. The Pfaff IDF is a great feature, but it works differently than a walking foot. What you are doing now probably more closely mimics the latter: realeasing the pressure on the top as the needle bar rises.

Because flannel is a nap fabric, the layers are pushing each other around. (Or why I swore off making my nieces velvet dresses every time I made one!).

Try substituting a thin cotton batting (is it Dream Request?) for the middle layer of flannel. You might also use basting spray to create your sandwich.

I always used a seam ripper, too, but you are safer with a bamboo pointy stick.

Most of us are glad to offer any help - those 50 plus years of sewing have to count for something!

I volunteer at school teaching youngsters to quilt. They were not using flannel.

The first year, we tried having them hand baste their squares together. The second year, we used Elmer's glue sticks and it worked really well, except they used too much of it. Fifth graders have no concept of "just a little on the edge".

They are on sale now for back to school, so might be worth a try to keep your pattern lined up. It might speed up the process.

bkay

Finished this in November, but was too busy to post. Thanks for the help. This is the "Blue Moose." My sister took it up to the mountain house last week when they went there for skiing. My Dad likes it. I ragged it. I made an oblong ragged pillow also. Again, thanks for helping me.

Next is the "Marching Bears" quilt. I'm doing quilt-as-you-go, and have about half the squares made. I'm not ragging that one.

After the new year, I'll continue to work on it. I'm sure I'll be posting here for help.

Then for the master bedroom I'm going to do a totally old fashioned quilt that will be very romantic with soft colors. I haven't even started planning that one yet, but when I start, I'll probably need some help. Thanks again.

It came out very nice! I like the colors a lot.

Donna

I forgot to say, I secretly put a 5-legged moose in by ladder-stitching it just so. Something for the kids to hunt for.

I'm glad you were able to figure it out and finish. They look like they would be very warm and cuddly. Well done.