Cotton flannel is a woven fabric characterized by a brushed surface on one or both sides, which gives it a soft feel. It is a stable fabric and can be sewn with relative ease. It is generally of a medium or heavy weight. You’ll find it in a wide range of solids and prints, as well as plaids.

Sew comfortable pajamas, pull-on pants, and shirts with flannel. It can also be used for receiving blankets and appealing daywear for children. Note that flannel intended for children’s sleepwear is difficult to find for the home sewer. Federal regulations in a number of countries require textiles for that purpose to be treated with flame retardant, but these fabrics are not often available outside the clothing industry.

Additional uses include as a batting substitute in quilting, or as a fine interlining in jackets and coats for warmth or to give the fabric more dimension.

Sandra Betzina is the author of All New Fabric Savvy (The Taunton Press, 2017), from which this article is adapted.