Fabric question

[AprilsWhim]

If I found fabric I purchased from Jo Anns Fabrics a couple years ago can I still use it now for my baby blankets and label of course? It looks like flannel but not exactly sure.

Thanks,
April

[Former_Member]

You can test its composition by cutting off a narrow piece and burning it. The smell and ash will help you know the fibre.

[Former_Member]

I am sure it would be safe to use if it is flame retardant it may have it printed on the very edge

[WatermelonWishes]

O my, I was just thinking about making us a table cloth from a pretty oilcloth fabric; but after reading this I have changed my mind. Thanks for posting!

[WatermelonWishes]

Whoops! Posted in the wrong thread. So sorry!

[RoseysDollClothes]

Most flannel fabric from JoAnn's is not flame retardant. I have shopped JoAnn's for many many years.

[Former_Member]

Excellent question. I would check back with where you purchased it.

[knitwit4ever]

Non-metallic fabric is exempt from CPSIA lead-testing requirements so that's not a problem. CPSIA labels are still required, of course. Most fabric items also do need the FTC Care and Content labelling, no matter who they are made for. See the FTC site info for what to do about unknown fiber content in your labels and what info is required. http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/business/textile/bus21.shtm#covered

[SewFunDollClothes]

I'm not sure what the FTC rules are for using flame retardant fabric for baby blankets, but I've purchased flame retardant fabric at JoAnn's and the fabric has FLAME RETARDANT distinctly printed on the selvage edge. So if the FTC site says you have to use that for your blankets, check the fabric to see if it's marked as such.

[Former_Member]

yes, i agree that if it is flame retardant, it will say so on the selvage.

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

I'm not sure how this went from "is it flannel" to flame retardant.

Cotton flannel is napped on both sizes. Slightly fuzzy feeling and looking. If in doubt, take a swatch of it to the fabric store and compare it to their labeled flannels.

A burn test can be used to help identify the fabric content if it is in question. Cotton will burn and leave ash. Synthetics will melt and leave a hardened edge from the heat. Wool will burn but there is a smell, very strong, like burning hair, which of course it is. Fabrics have different rates of burning also.

Flame retardant fabrics have been treated so that they don't burst into flame. They melt.