Select higher quality flannels because they
are more tightly woven and heavier than lesser
quality flannels so will keep their shape better
and are easier to sew. The hand is bulkier and
more substantial.
Purchase more flannel than the pattern calls for
(an additional^1 ⁄^8 –^1 ⁄^4 yard) and prewash and dry
it prior to cutting because flannel is known to
shrink.
Handle flannel with a bit more care than cotton,
especially where there are bias edges, because
flannel has a looser weave and a brushed finish.
Additionally, you may want to pin more than you
normally would.
Since flannel is a medium-weight fabric, use a
larger needle, such as a 90/14, and a slightly
longer stitch length. Do not tug or twist when
sewing together pieces.
Switch to a walking foot if your feed dogs are
not handling the flannel well.
Unpick stitches carefully when using a seam
ripper to unsew a seam.5
Referring to Diagram 3, sew
together two assorted print
1 1 ⁄ 2 × 2 1 ⁄ 2 " rectangles and one gold print
2 1 ⁄ 2 " square in a row. Add two assorted
print 1^1 ⁄ 2 × 4 1 ⁄ 2 " rectangles to make a
subunit. The subunit should be 4^1 ⁄ 2 "
square including seam allowances.
Repeat to make a second subunit.6
Referring to Diagram 4, sew
together subunits and assorted
print 2^1 ⁄ 2 × 4 1 ⁄ 2 " rectangle to make
a Door Unit. The unit should be
10 1 ⁄ 2 × 4 1 ⁄ 2 " including seam allowances.7
Referring to Diagram 5, lay out
roof, window, and door units
and cream print 1^1 ⁄ 2 × 9 1 ⁄ 2 " rectangles.
Join window and door units. Add
cream print rectangles and Roof Unit
to make a House Block. The block
should be 12^1 ⁄ 2 " square including seam
allowances.TIPS FOR
lannel(^2) ×^1 / 2
41 / 2 "
Door Unit
Diagram 4
11 / 2 × 41 / 2 "
(^1) ×^1 / 2
21 / 2 "
(^2) sq.^1 / 2 "
Diagram 3
44 APQ ¥ February 2020