Tips on sewing polar fleece? And what to use for backing?
10-28-2011, 07:24 AM
#1
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: IL
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I've never sewn polar fleece before. I'm terrified :shock: . What needle should I use? Is it bad for my machine? I could use a less precious one... What can I use for backing other than more polar fleece? Should I prewash it? I have some Cubs fleece and I want to make a blanket for my bro-a huge Cubs fan. I don't want to rag or fringe it. HELP...
10-28-2011, 08:38 AM
#2
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Location: Nashua, NH
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Stop worrying, fleece is easy to work with! It doesn't ravel; in fact, you can cut and use it for a, say, blanket and not have to finish the edges. Fleece is a bit harder on needles but an 80/12 or similar will work just fine if you do want to finish the edges or work with it.
It also will not shrink so no pre-washing is needed except, where it jwill keep it's size, and you want to use it as a quilt backing, you might want to pre-wash any fabric that isn't fleece.
Fleece, although light weight, is very warm. We don't use top sheets anymore, just a single fleece blanket, all year round.
For more information about fleece, and to find bargains, check out this store that is an outlet for Polar Fleece from Malden Mills: http://www.milldirecttextiles.com/
It also will not shrink so no pre-washing is needed except, where it jwill keep it's size, and you want to use it as a quilt backing, you might want to pre-wash any fabric that isn't fleece.
Fleece, although light weight, is very warm. We don't use top sheets anymore, just a single fleece blanket, all year round.
For more information about fleece, and to find bargains, check out this store that is an outlet for Polar Fleece from Malden Mills: http://www.milldirecttextiles.com/
10-28-2011, 09:16 AM
#3
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Lexington,Kentucky
Posts: 6,163
I used fleese for a quilt backing, and I was really happy with how it sewed and looked when finished. The amount of quilting I did was just a fancy stitch in the ditch using a colored thread and it really made the white fleese backing look great. My question about the fleese is the type and quality that is really best. I'd like to use it on baby quilts, but not sure wh9ich is best. Any feedback would be nice.
10-28-2011, 12:20 PM
#6
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
there is certainly nothing to be afraid of---it's simply fabric.
you can make a top with regular cottons- and back with fleece-
or you can make top and bottom fleece- you can do what ever you want with it-
it stitches nice- if using fleece top and bottom you might want to use a ball-point stretch/knit needle instead of a sharp needle- other than that---
it does stretch (more in one direction than the other- so be sure to only smooth it- don't stretch it when you are quilting it-
you can use batting in it if you want- or just the two sides- your choice- you can quilt it- or you can tie it....fleece is not hard to work with - and just another fabric- no reason for any fear factor.
you can make a top with regular cottons- and back with fleece-
or you can make top and bottom fleece- you can do what ever you want with it-
it stitches nice- if using fleece top and bottom you might want to use a ball-point stretch/knit needle instead of a sharp needle- other than that---
it does stretch (more in one direction than the other- so be sure to only smooth it- don't stretch it when you are quilting it-
you can use batting in it if you want- or just the two sides- your choice- you can quilt it- or you can tie it....fleece is not hard to work with - and just another fabric- no reason for any fear factor.
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