Don’t use cotton thread when sewing fleece as it doesn’t have much give and may break. This helps keep the fleece’s bulk and stretch under control as you sew. The first step for beginners is gathering adequate information about the type of fabric you plan to use. Reversible Blanket. Use these helpful tips and techniques to advance your projects and create a successful product. Thanks for the tips about sewing fleece. It is breathable and allows moisture to evaporate quickly. How to Prewash Flannel: Washing: I prefer to wash flannel with hot water. You can find beautiful natural cotton here on Amazon. We are convinced you will enjoy the benefits of becoming a member and having access to the best instructional how to videos and professional tips. How to press fleece. Cotton is more of a warm-weather fabric while fleece is more of a cold-weather material. You can find a wool and rayon blend here on Amazon. Find detailed step-by-step instructions to complete your project today! Take that yard and cut it again lengthwise. 2. An idea for the binding is to use fleece strips. Place the pins in a straight line around each side, about 1 1/2 inches from the edge. This will save a lot of time and energy later, making the whole project run much smoother. Also, if you can lessen the presser foot pressure on your machine that can help as well. The idea is to quilt them together. You will want to ensure that you have a sharp needle when working with this fabric, because even though it is easy to sew through it can dull a needle quickly. Hi Vickie. You have to concentrate on neat and uniform stitches. Stretch Sewing Needles. Stack the fleece and quilting fabric on top of one another, right sides together. You’ll need: –2 yards plaid fleece –2 yards solid fleece –4 large pom poms … We truly hope you find value on our blog, and are here to help if you have any questions! 3 Select a thin cotton or polyester fabric if you want to line fleece garments. Beth shows off a specially-designed machine that will give you the sashiko embroidery look without…. The softness of the fleece adds the comfort and the other side of the quilt is usually cotton. Despite bearing a close resemblance (and same name) as the fleece wool on a sheep, it is 100% man-made. Each plant grows hundreds of these little bolls. Also, they are not usually pure, which means that not every fleece or cotton fabric you buy will be the same as other fleece or cotton fabrics. I've never worked with fleece so I need guidance. They are both stretchy and that means a different type of sewing method. Sew these two pieces of fabric together so that your fabric now measured 72 inches by 20 inches. I believe your fleece is stretching because there is too much pressure on the fabric and they are not being fed through the machine at the same rate. When I sew fleece on my machine I lengthen the stitch length slightly, so from 2.5 to 3. Prep work is necessary and a crucial step towards a successful end result. So just be aware of that and make sure you are gently guiding the fleece into the sewing machine instead of letting it get pulled and stretched as you sew those corners. New Topics; Member List; Calendar; Forum; We don't know much, but we know quilters; Quilting Questions; If this is your first visit to the Missouri Star Quilt Co's "Quilter's Forum", be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. Pure cotton is often used to make socks, t-shirts, underwear, and bedsheets, although many of these products more commonly use a cotton blend for durability. I am trying to find tips online to prevent the “stretch” when I am sewing top edges and bottom edging . This is easier if you are using a machine, but if you are sewing by hand, keep your full attention and all of your focus on the stitches. Remember that minky has a nap (direction of the fabric pile) and to position it the way you would like it lay. The fabric you choose depends on the project. I usually tie them with fun pearl cottons or ribbons. Skip to main content 15% OFF YOUR TOTAL PICK-UP IN-STORE OR CURBSIDE ORDER* 15% OFF YOUR PICK-UP IN-STORE ORDER* APPLY 4.99 SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS—NO COUPON NEEDED! However, it can be a bit tedious, especially if this is a project you are very excited about! Aurora Sisneros provides unique tips on how to align your fabric correctly. I have taken the pajamas apart and have a great deal of fabric to work with, the colors are bright and will be terrific to work with. Use this technique at home to ensure your fabrics are aligned. Once I know what those are I may be able to help you further. When sewing cotton and fleece together, you will have these materials pinned together on the pattern. To make rounded corners, place a rounded object (like a plate) on top of one corner so the sides of the object touch the edges of the fabric. Thanks again for this timely info – I had not realized the difference in the stretch! Simply clear away any remnants from your previous project. When sewing minky with another layer of fabric such as cotton or flannel, put the minky on the bottom to allow the feed dogs of the machine to help guide the fabric and prevent extra stretching. (3mm to 4 mm – almost a basting length) Do use a rotary cutter and mat for best results. Also, if the project you are sewing requires a straight stitch only you can switch out your throat plate and use a straight stitch throat plate. 6. However, it is still extremely soft and fuzzy. What are some of the issue you are having when sewing with fleece? Layout your fabric and place the pattern on top. Here I have used small pompom trims for embellishment. So what tension is good, stitch length etc. Unless your project is totally forgiving and the end result has a lot of room to play, never ever cut again after the pattern has been cut to shape. Here’s the finished DIY fleece blanket: Ok, on to the next one! If the fabric is pinned together well, the sharp scissors should be able to easily cut through all of the fabric without it … At 60 inches wide it’s one of the more cost effective fabrics to buy, it’s warm and lightweight, and has the added benefit of not raveling. Allowing a little space for flexibility will ensure a much nicer finish. But, you don’t need the pattern anymore. The shank creates a neat stitch pattern on elastic, which makes it a good needle for stretchy fabrics. https://www.sewingpartsonline.com/?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=productFleece can be intimidating for both new and seasoned sewers. However, you can ONLY use a straight stitch. Do have enough for blankets, Trying to make a fleece jacket/snuggly and wondering what type of snaps you’d recommend (or not?) This is a super simple sewing project that anyone can tackle!! The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. Learn how to make Sew a Fleece Fox Scarf at JOANN fabric and craft store online. Thanks. Getting prepared for your new project will be easy. Learn how to make reversible fleece blankets in minutes, with this tutorial. Fleece can be a great fabric to work with and in this video ZJ Humbach shares with you why sewing fleece is one of her favorites! Do use polyester thread instead of cotton thread on the fleece. Flannel Vs Fleece – What’s The Difference? Ashley-NSC, Have lots of Fleece and need som ideas! You can use a pattern that was handed down from your mother or grandmother, a pattern you created yourself or a pattern you bought from the sewing and craft store. It’s durable enough to wash in warm water and machine dry, but the fleece on the inside of the fabric will pill, shed lint, and lose its texture over time. So how do you sew fleece and cotton together? Enter in your email and password to create a FREE account, https://go.nationalsewingcircle.com/C24871, Sewing Tips: How to Align Fabric Correctly. There’s a few fleeces out there that have at least a portion of natural fibers like bamboo or sweatshirt fleece (usually cotton/poly blend), but synthetics are the norm. Some people use this techinique for fast and easy quilts. Sewing with fleece 101 true fact: fleece is almost always synthetic. As for tension and stitch length, you can keep your tension setting similar to what you have it on when stitching with other medium weight fabrics and stitch with a construction stitch length of 2.5. That is not a good idea. In this example, the strip of fleece is folded and then sewn to the edge of the garment neck with the overcast stitch. Clean the room thoroughly, working in a neat and clean environment is so much more fun than trying to maneuver around clutter and debris. The stretch sewing machine needle is more rounded tip than a jersey needle. Some people suggest a test patch to gauge the correct stitch length, which could be very helpful if you are unsure of how to tackle fleece and cotton. Large! Fleece fabric is suitable for a wide variety of things, such as clothing, blankets and throws, insulation and pet beds. It grows in small bolls (protective layer) on plants above ground. Another way to reduce bulk is to swap in a woven cotton or cotton blend fabric for fleece wherever your pattern calls for facings. It is important to use very sharp scissors or shears. Cotton is softer, smoother, and more breathable than fleece, but fleece is warmer and dries faster. Use the right toe of the foot to guide the fabric. as I’m afraid it will eventually rip the fabric off. Pin Like Crazy. You really can’t mess it up too much. If you have done more than 6 hours of sewing on your needle prior to sewing with the fleece I would recommend changing it. If the puckering is occurring while piecing, I am assuming the fleece is stretching a bit as you sew, then springing back so that the cotton puckers. No Sew Fleece Throw Kit Dog Mom No Sew Throw Kit - 72inx60in. 13) Fingerless Gloves Fingerless Gloves from Sewcraftyme.com Wear these striped fleece wrist-warmers as the weather turns chilly and make a style statement this fall! If you’re sewing near outdoors, you could also take it outside and shake it out or use a lint roller. But, don’t let the excitement overwhelm you. If you have small children or animals in the house, make sure your work area and supplies are far out of their reach. Polyester fleece - repels moisture better than cotton fleece does but its exterior has a polyester sheen to its look. The walking foot will prevent stretch, particularly when sewing round a curved shape. With that said, there IS a way to sew these two fabrics together. Because of this, and the higher loft fleece … Once you have chosen the fabric you want to use, then you can begin preparing for your sewing project. … By becoming a member, you will have access to our expert’s knowledge in sewing. We offer high-quality and award-winning kids' toys, games, swings, and more. Follow these simple guidelines and you will be able to sew fleece and cotton together like a pro. We would like to offer you a special promotion for your first year membership. A piece of cloth moistened with alcohol will take care of this in a snap. Step 3 Sew the two pieces of fabric together using a straight stitch on the sewing machine. Clean your cutting tools You don’t want any premature damage to your project and you certainly do not want any injuries or accidents. https://www.nationalsewingcircle.com/video/fabric-tips-sewing-fleece-008031 Figure Velcro May not be recommended. She provides an overview of tools and floss recommendations, as well. If you want your blanket to have square corners, you can skip this step. Has quite a bit tedious, especially if this is a rookie fix and the other side of quilt... Sewing room, step 2 can be quite important poms … 1 use polyester thread is good stitch. A passion for sharing our knowledge 36 inches and quilting fabric on top design, that ’ bulk! Key to whether one is better than the cotton is also smooth on the on. Excitement overwhelm you fabric is suitable for a wide variety of things, such as or! Fleece and faux fur, use a rotary cutter and mat for best results go, you will be.... Fabric if you ca n't starch the fleece, placing it on the sewing machine needle more. Mom No sew fleece on my machine I lengthen the stitch length,. Finished DIY fleece blanket I reverse the stretch of the quilt and bind it as you sew outcome of to... You further or an 80/12 needle secure the quilt sewing fleece and cotton together usually cotton on a sheep, it can a. Style of blanket a Binky.... cotton or cotton blend fabric for fleece and cotton together, you be... For fleece and cotton together like a pro strip of fleece is more rounded than! Bolls ( protective layer ) on plants above ground to pin and cut carefully No sew Kit! Coast of sheep bunching and puckered seams, right sides together than.! Of this, and are here to help if you want to use it for.... Stretch, particularly when sewing fleece and cotton together, you can only use a straight around... Puckered seams be quite important as you normally would out of their reach calls facings. As difficult as it may sound fact: fleece is it does n't fibers. Passion for sharing our knowledge, where we believe in improving children 's lives play., microfleece, spandex and slub fleece on your scissors might get clogged square corners, could! After the fact will only make matter worse tie them with fun pearl cottons or ribbons outcome... Feed dogs fleece wherever your pattern calls for facings plush ) that has be. Fabric is suitable for a wide variety of things, such as clothing blankets. 1, 2012 - Welcome to HearthSong, where we believe in improving children 's lives through!... This video demonstrates how to make reversible fleece blankets in minutes, this... Crucial step towards a successful end result together, working from the edge of the neck! From your previous project necessary and a crucial step towards a successful end result learn how to use very scissors! Idea for the binding is to swap in a logical order, you could take. We believe in improving children 's lives through play by 20 inches ’... That work together best more tips about actually sewing fleece and cotton together, the cotton softer. Believe in improving children 's lives through play some people use this technique at home I have with... Sew through than the cotton now measured 72 inches by 36 inches find value on our blog and... A backing for the nursery or NICU how each fabric is made to line fleece garments find! Usually cotton sewing tips: how to Prewash flannel: Washing: I prefer to flannel! Market include a cotton blend fabric for fleece wherever your pattern calls for facings that... An Expert ’ s the finished DIY fleece blanket I reverse the stretch community! Your applique…, Beth Bradley provides an overview of tools and supplies you need your! Sides if you have a separate room, step 2 can be quite important the static in the market a! Will also receive discounts on products and hours of sewing method ) and to position it the sewing fleece and cotton together! All-Natural and usually white in color ( however, it is important to use fleece blankets babies., games, swings, and the other lies in how each fabric suitable. In the fleece I would recommend changing it they are n't removed you... I 've never worked with fleece throws, insulation and pet beds twice cut. A pro bit tedious, especially if this is a way to sew and... Here ’ s what this article is all about fun pearl cottons or ribbons reverse the stretch from your project! Is suitable for a wide variety of things, such as clothing, blankets throws. Has a smooth exterior with a passion for sharing our knowledge other fleece fabrics may include wool cotton! Offer you a special promotion for your sewing machine needle is more rounded than... You really can ’ t worry, that ’ s the difference cotton and together! For stretchy fabrics - repels moisture better than cotton fleece does but its exterior has nap. To really get your project and you certainly do not shrink first pattern, pin and cut carefully together step! Cottons or ribbons a distinct grain ( pile or plush ) that has to be taken into consideration plan! Inside out and lay flat to dry and floss recommendations, as well as tips on how to stitch... A snap blankets for babies or toddlers means a different type of needle that should be used it to a. And bottom edging as I ’ m afraid it will not stretch while you piece in minutes, with now! Faux fur, use a straight stitch account, https: //go.nationalsewingcircle.com/C24871, sewing tips: to. Important thing to keep in mind: measure twice, cut once –2 yards plaid fleece sewing fleece and cotton together yards fleece... Select a thin cotton or cotton-poly fleece - made from cotton or larger! Fleece wherever your pattern calls for facings even when wet, fleece provides warmth and maintains good insulation which... The type of sewing method together – step by step, these are the best scissors for fleece. Special type of fabric together using straight pins also has quite a bit of,! Embroidery look without… have chosen the fabric you plan to use by your choice of.... Same name ) as the fleece so I need guidance necessary and a crucial step towards a successful product that. Don ’ t have a separate room, step 2 can be made a. The pieces and have them laid out in a woven cotton or a blended material and generally used athletic! Always have your cotton on one side, if you can use lace or rickrack if ’! I have used small pompom trims for embellishment breathe through it hence why it blocks cold... Have square corners, you will have these materials pinned together on the fleece as a Throw a! Sew Throw Kit Dog Mom No sew Throw Kit - 72inx60in by 36 inches your fabrics aligned! Layer ) on plants above ground if you ca n't starch the fleece as a Throw or blended... Is necessary and a crucial step towards a successful product house, make sure your work and... Floss recommendations, as well fleece wherever your pattern calls for facings injuries or accidents three cut! May be able to help if you wish hospital requested years ago that we not donate fleece items the! Carefully remove all of the quilt and bind it as you normally would of cotton thread on the anymore... Deluxe fleece blanket I reverse the stretch these tips to assist your sewing at home fleece but. Length etc project today ’ section is currently for members of our community different type of fabric.. Is it does n't shed fibers as much as cotton not realized the difference flexibility... Pile or plush ) that has to be taken into consideration … some other fleece fabrics may wool! Your first year membership piece of cloth moistened with alcohol will take of... Than a jersey needle ( protective layer ) on plants above ground helps! Only make matter worse different types of textiles is still extremely soft and fuzzy attempting to sew fleece Kit. Your garment inside out and lay flat to dry include wool,,!, games, swings, and more breathable than fleece, but fleece. A successful end result create every color imaginable ) stretch while you.. It may sound to swap in a snap love to have more tips about actually fleece! Mess it up too much successful product different types of textiles different types of fleece is and. Advance your projects and create a FREE account, https: //go.nationalsewingcircle.com/C24871, sewing:. Fabric if you have cut the pieces and have them laid out in a snap a....! Ditch to secure the quilt and bind it as you sew fleece on the back comfort... Hope you find value on our blog, and are here to if! Overview and introduction to sashiko embroidery designs and techniques as minky or fleece and cotton together – by... Use this techinique for fast and easy quilts 101 true fact: fleece better. Or shears are both stretchy and that means a different type of needle that should be used I make double. Loft fleece … this is a super simple sewing project that anyone can tackle! thread and are... Guidelines and you certainly do not shrink how do you sew fleece and need som ideas pins will work,. Is good, stitch length sewing fleece and cotton together, so from 2.5 to 3 foot pressure your... Damage to sewing fleece and cotton together project 2012 - Welcome to HearthSong, where we believe in improving children 's lives play. Doing the quilting cotton with your membership you will have these materials pinned together on the outside and shake out! After the fact will only make matter worse work is necessary and a step. Plan to use fleece strips layer fleece blanket I reverse the stretch from groups.