Formation Quilt: Tula Pink Holiday Homies
This blog post may contain affiliate links. I may receive a small kickback from the seller for recommending products here, but this comes at no extra cost to you.
I’ve been hanging onto this adorable quilt for too long! A couple of years back, I snagged these cozy flannels from Mashe Modern to make a flannel quilt, and I finally turned them into something special. I love how this one turned out — it’s made entirely from flannel, which makes it perfect for those cold Minnesota winters!
➡️ Grab the Formation Quilt Pattern Here
Sewing with Flannel (and Tips That Help With Linens Too!)
I’ve learned a few key tips when working with flannel — and they also apply if you're using linens!
1. Prewash your fabric.
Flannel is notorious for shrinking. The last thing you want is for your seams to pull apart after washing your quilt. To be safe, I usually order an extra ¼ yard of fabric to account for shrinkage. (If you're working with 5+ yards, bump that up to ⅓ or even ½ yard just to be safe.)
2. Shorten your stitch length.
I usually sew with a 2.0 stitch length, but with flannel, I go down to 1.6–1.8 to ensure my seams hold strong.
3. Use denser quilting.
When quilting the layers together, I opt for a denser quilt design. It helps lock everything in place — which matters when your quilt is going to be well-loved by a family of four and a few pets! These steps help make sure my quilts last for years.
➡️ Grab the Formation Quilt Pattern Here
Tula Pink’s Holiday Homies Fabric Line
Although Tula Pink’s Holiday Homies line is no longer in print, you can still find it on Etsy or with a quick google search. It’s one of my favorite lines she’s ever done. The geese, the golden retrievers, the deer, the woodgrain, and snowflakes — it all feels so Minnesota. It’s a perfect nod to the winter season without being strictly for the holidays.
➡️ Grab the Formation Quilt Pattern Here
Backing a Twin-Size Quilt — Vertical Seam Woes
Backing a twin-size quilt can be tricky! I know I always preach that longarm quilters prefer horizontal seams in the quilt back — and it’s true — but I also understand that fabric isn’t getting any cheaper. So, when I’m working on a twin-size quilt, I often piece the back with a single vertical seam to use fabric more efficiently.
Pro Tip:
Make sure your fabric panels are cut to the same length. If one piece is even slightly longer, trim it down with a ruler. Your longarm quilter will thank you — we can load and start quilting right away without needing to do extra prep!
You might be wondering: Why do longarm quilters prefer horizontal seams?
Here’s the deal: vertical seams can cause uneven tension across the quilt back. This can lead to puckering or fullness between the selvages and the seam, which we then have to smooth out or adjust before loading and while the quilt is on the frame. It’s totally doable — and I always make it work — but horizontal seams just make for a smoother longarm quilting process.
➡️ Grab the Formation Quilt Pattern Here
Stay in the Loop with Modern Textiles
Love the Formation Quilt? I send out a weekly email filled with project inspiration (including free and premium Quilt Patterns), behind-the-scenes looks at recent client quilts, and tips for modern quilters. I also share what I’ve been reading or listening to lately — because quilting and audiobooks go hand in hand!
✨ When you subscribe, you’ll get a free charm pack quilt pattern sent straight to your inbox.
➡️ Subscribe to the Modern Textiles Newsletter
➡️ Grab the Formation Quilt Pattern Here
Longarm Quilting Services for Hire
Did you know I offer professional longarm quilting services for hire? Whether you're local to Central Minnesota or across the country, I’d love to help you finish your quilt!
I provide both local drop-off/pick-up and mail in longarm quilting services — so you can work with me from anywhere.
Plus, I now offer binding services — just email me for more info or click the link below!
➡️ Learn More About My Longarm Quilting Services
➡️ Sign up for Quilting Services
