With flannel sheets, chances are you either love them for your beds or hate them. For many people, these sheets mean warmth and comfort on cold nights. While for others, they are associated with a sweltering and overheated atmosphere. As flannel sheets are meant to provide warmth to the wearers, they are mostly used in fairly cold climates. However, tropical countries also experience cold climates and rainy seasons, so there are people in the tropics who use these sheets as well.
Flannel is a fabric that is typically made from wool, cotton, a cotton-wool blend, or a combination of wool and some synthetic fibers. If there is one characteristic that will define flannel, it will be warmth. However, these types of sheets are not just for winter nights, as they can be made in different thicknesses to accommodate people who do not live in very cold regions.
Flannel sheets can be light, heavy, or in between. Some families keep these sheets on the bed year-round to protect them from the cold during times of heavy rain, snow, and strong winds. They are also used by workers such as farmers and loggers who need to camp outdoors.
When looking for the highest quality flannel sheets, choose those that are made from 100% strong-weave cotton. Others base the quality of flannel sheets on thread count, while others base it on the weight of the fabric. Whatever the quality of the sheets, take good care of them and they will last you many good years.
Caring for flannel sheets is not that difficult as it is of durable quality. And with each wash, the softer your flannel sheets will become. Generally, you can wash your flannels in lukewarm or cold water and not in hot water. Use a mild detergent so that the color of the fabric does not fade. If the flannels get stained, don’t rub the stained part because the stain will only spread and the flannel sheets will be ugly and worn. You can use a spray stain remover on the stained area.
Flannels are not only used as sheets, but can also be used to make baby and adult clothing, dresses, washcloths, and towels. If you have unused flannel sheets or want to replace the old ones, you can make pajamas and crib sheets from the old, unused ones. With the many uses for flannel sheets and the benefits they provide, maybe it’s time to start loving them.