Just have found your channel.I have never used anything else but fleece. Most of the time only as backing, but also as batting, when I want a two-sided quilt with two different quilttops or to use up scraps and orphanblocks for the backside. greetings from austria
I recently made a baby quilt with a fleece backing. Having 2 layers instead of three for the "sandwich" certainly makes things easier to feed through the machine. The quilt is soft, with a nice drape. I am making another larger, slightly bigger than throw-sized quilt using fleece. To avoid piecing, I will be using a fleece blanket for the backing. I think using fleece is a great alternative.
I'm a longarmer and it works just fine. I use fleece or minky on half my quilts. People ❤ them. Made some quilts for a family. The adult quilt had cotton backing, the kids were all fleece. The man said to me, why isn't his warm and snuggly too?! (jokingly) So i made him a lap quilt with fleece too! He loves it for working at his desk. I just bought fleece for $4.50/yd yesterday @Joann! (Sale + coupon)
Great info and advice. My local Project Linus just emailed out that they would like us to do exactly what you said - no batting, back with fleece. They said they are getting less donations and hearing that quilting is getting too expensive.
Hello, thank you for the video on Quilting with fleece fabric. I love fleece. That’s why I thought of using it as a backing for my quilt. And before I purchased my fleece, I wanted to check out the TH-cam videos. And you had some great ideas. I wanted to put batting in between my top and bottom, just so I didn’t feel all the seams from my top quilt. my top quilt is made of many blocks of the Lemoine star. If you know that block, it has a lot of points and seems that come together. Anyways, thanks again for your video.
Just found your channel. Just starting out. Fleece. My husband has a fleece blanket he doubles over for warmth. Think I'll make a scrappy top and use a fleece blanket for the back. Hope I can find a fleece blanket cheaper than yardage too. Thank you. ❤
What you are saying is making absolute sense to me. ❤I have been studying using flannel to back my quilt and eliminate the cost of batting! I am new to your channel and look forward tyo learning! God bless you always!
That is awesome! Those DIY no-sew fleece blankets that Joann sells are great too. Especially since you get two pieces of fleece, 60x72. So economical and faster than basting three layers.
Great info! I just had the thought last night about using fleece and watched your video - I'm a convert. Heading to Joann's tomorrow for fleece! Thanks so much.
Nervous but want to try😅 i thrift fabrics and have picked up quilt blankets for exactly this. Undecided to use wadding or not, will just have to experiment. Thank you so much for your advice. Great to hear other people’s experiences. Hello from ireland
Ireland! Wow. I generally don't use batting when I use fleece or minky on the backs of my quilts. But I also live in a temperate climate. So, if you live someplace that is very cold batting would be a good addition. It will just be very heavy when you quilt it.
Thank you for this. I bought fleece to back the quilts I am making for my grandbabies and everyone, including the workers at the fabric store, acted like I was an idiot and no way will it work. My grandbabies are on the spectrum and also have SPD. They are very sensitive to textures. I appreciate you so much. Happy to know I'm not the only one who thought of this. Lol P.S. New sub!
One of the first quilts I ever made, I backed with fleece. Back then there was no internet so there were no quilt police to tell me no. I'm glad this worked for you. It's super soft and way cheaper than minky. I love it.
Yes I have and probably won't again, LOL. I made a quilt for my daughter and backed it with minky. It came out gorgeous but quilting it was a CHORE! It was so dang heavy.
Oh, THANK YOU! Do you know how many videos I had to go thru to get the answer to the question I was asking! Now to go find out how the heck to attach it so it looks like a quilt! Subscribing!
This was very informative. I will be using cotton for the quilt top and fleece for the backing. Do I have to prewash either fabric? I want to make sure if I give the quilt to someone they won’t run into any front shrinkage different than back shrinkage. I detest the thought of prewashing but will if needed.
I NEVER pre-wash. Cotton shrinks but fleece doesn't. That being said, when I do this, my top crinkles up a bit, which I like. I can send you a pic if you like.
How do you bind a quilt with a fleece backing? Do you sew in pretty side together, then turn and sew around again to seal the opening? Do you have a video to show this?
I spray basted it and used the fleece back to bind (I just put up a video talking about it). On a different quilt, I trimmed the quilt as normal and used a kona cotton for binding. On a third, I put them wrong sides together, leaving a hole, turned it then closed the hole and hand tied it. I have never tried to make fleece binding in the traditional way.
I spray basted it and used the fleece back to bind (I just put up a video talking about it). On a different quilt, I trimmed the quilt as normal and used a kona cotton for binding. On a third, I put them wrong sides together, leaving a hole, turned it then closed the hole and hand tied it. I have never tried to make fleece binding in the traditional way.
@@UndertheNeedle282 Thank you so much! I watched about half of your new video, and it helped seeing the quilt, it's so cozy! I'm probably going to do the wraparound fleece thing, or use traditional quilting cotton and just bind as usual. I love the cost effectiveness of this too, along with the whole crawling around on the floor basting three layers together - it's a pain!:) But just basting it to the fleece sounds easy. Thank you so much, I'm out of town right now, and can't wait to get home and try it.:)♥️
So many great ideas!! I’m curious what machine you use to quilt. I use a Juki 2010q and appreciate the larger throat space. Do you find the quilt crinkles up the same way as with a cotton backing? I love that look and imagine it would be similar but am not sure since there is no batting. Thanks for sharing your insight, Quilt Artisan ❤
I primarily use a Janome 8200 QCP but I also use a Juke 2000Qi. Both have large throat areas. To me the crinkle is the same. I just did a video showing it.
Can you still use batting? I'm making one like this and I used batting and I am having a nightmare with the tension level on the back. I have done a ton if test strips and they are perfect...until I try it on my blanket. Then its is a knotted mess on the under side. Any help is appreciated!!
You definitely can use batting. I haven't used batting with fleece but I have used it with minky which is even heavier. Are you using a walking foot when you try to quilt? I would try making a 12" square test patch using the same materials as your quilt and layer a cotton fabric top, batting, and fleece. Then try quilting it and play with your machines settings until the tension is correct. Once it is, quilt your actual project. I also recommend using a walking foot and sticking to straight line quilting.
@@UndertheNeedle282 yes I have done all of that and it works like a dream on the test...but the second I put the real blanket on it goes to hell. I just don't understand it. I'm newish at sewing but usually can figure it out with a few videos but I am absolutely stumped. I'm planning on taking everything to MO sewing co tomorrow and begging for help. I wonder if fresh cookies will be a sufficient offering.🤞
If the tension is fine on your test patch then I'm wondering if it's weight. I wonder if when you're sewing your actual quilt, if there is weight or drag on the machine. Having your quilt top, batting, and a layer of fleece is extremely heavy. You really have to make sure that you balance it and don't allow it to hang.
@@UndertheNeedle282 @UndertheNeedle282 it is a king but I am using a Flynn Multi-Frame with the rolling tubes so there is very little drag. It moves through like a dream. No pushing it or pulling it. I wish I could post photos here. Or knew anyone IRL who quilts. I am a self taught mad scientist. The quilt brigade is going to lock me up and take away my machine for this episode I just know it. It's either crack jokes or find a match at this point.
@@UndertheNeedle282 OK. Right now I don't plan on quilting the quilt/blanket. I might tie it. I will try the spray method as well as I haven't done that before. Thanks so much!
One of the first quilts I ever made, I layered the fleece and the quilt top right sides together. Then I sewed around the perimeter using a half inch seam allowance and left about a 6-in opening. Then I used that opening to turn the quilt inside out then I sewed up the 6-in space that I left open. And then I used embroidery floss to tie the quilt. If that makes sense. No quilting and no binding.
Not to me. But if you think it's too much you can always do a small seam allowance. I would definitely trim the cornerd at a diagonal though. You can search "turning a quilt' for a full tutorial.
Just have found your channel.I have never used anything else but fleece. Most of the time only as backing, but also as batting, when I want a two-sided quilt with two different quilttops or to use up scraps and orphanblocks for the backside. greetings from austria
I like the idea of a two sided quilt. I'll have to try that one day!
I recently made a baby quilt with a fleece backing. Having 2 layers instead of three for the "sandwich" certainly makes things easier to feed through the machine. The quilt is soft, with a nice drape. I am making another larger, slightly bigger than throw-sized quilt using fleece. To avoid piecing, I will be using a fleece blanket for the backing. I think using fleece is a great alternative.
I love using it. It's more affordable, wash and dry friendly, drapes well, and is easier to quilt.
I'm a longarmer and it works just fine. I use fleece or minky on half my quilts. People ❤ them.
Made some quilts for a family. The adult quilt had cotton backing, the kids were all fleece. The man said to me, why isn't his warm and snuggly too?! (jokingly) So i made him a lap quilt with fleece too! He loves it for working at his desk.
I just bought fleece for $4.50/yd yesterday @Joann! (Sale + coupon)
I get all my fleece at Joann. They have the best prices when they have sales.
I am so happy that you shared your experience!
This is my first quilt that is no batting.
You give me the confidence to go ahead.
You can do it! It's actually easier in my opinion.
Thank you so much! You convinced me. I am trying fleece to back my next quilt!!
You can do it! It's so much easier because you don't have to worry about batting.
Great info and advice. My local Project Linus just emailed out that they would like us to do exactly what you said - no batting, back with fleece. They said they are getting less donations and hearing that quilting is getting too expensive.
Using fleece is definitely more economical.
Fleece is warmer, too. And more cuddly!
Yes! And lighter and more economical than minky.
What about using fleece for a quilt-as-you-go project?
Just found & subscribed to your channel! Best explanations on using fleece with quilting!!❤
I haven't tried that but I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work.
Exactly the information I was looking for. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Hello, thank you for the video on Quilting with fleece fabric. I love fleece. That’s why I thought of using it as a backing for my quilt. And before I purchased my fleece, I wanted to check out the TH-cam videos. And you had some great ideas. I wanted to put batting in between my top and bottom, just so I didn’t feel all the seams from my top quilt. my top quilt is made of many blocks of the Lemoine star. If you know that block, it has a lot of points and seems that come together. Anyways, thanks again for your video.
I'm glad you found value in my video. That really means a lot. ❤️❤️
Just found your channel. Just starting out. Fleece. My husband has a fleece blanket he doubles over for warmth. Think I'll make a scrappy top and use a fleece blanket for the back. Hope I can find a fleece blanket cheaper than yardage too. Thank you. ❤
You definitely can!
What you are saying is making absolute sense to me. ❤I have been studying using flannel to back my quilt and eliminate the cost of batting! I am new to your channel and look forward tyo learning! God bless you always!
That is awesome! Those DIY no-sew fleece blankets that Joann sells are great too. Especially since you get two pieces of fleece, 60x72. So economical and faster than basting three layers.
Great info! I just had the thought last night about using fleece and watched your video - I'm a convert. Heading to Joann's tomorrow for fleece! Thanks so much.
I'm so glad it was helpful! It's so much cheaper and easier than batting and backing
Never used fleece! Lot of great points. Before I built up my fabric collection I only used muslin on the backs 🙊
I never used muslin for the same reason I never used Kona... it's solid. I can't get past it, lol.
This was a big help! Thanks!
Glad it helped!
Nervous but want to try😅 i thrift fabrics and have picked up quilt blankets for exactly this. Undecided to use wadding or not, will just have to experiment. Thank you so much for your advice. Great to hear other people’s experiences. Hello from ireland
Ireland! Wow. I generally don't use batting when I use fleece or minky on the backs of my quilts. But I also live in a temperate climate. So, if you live someplace that is very cold batting would be a good addition. It will just be very heavy when you quilt it.
You are inspiring me.
❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for this. I bought fleece to back the quilts I am making for my grandbabies and everyone, including the workers at the fabric store, acted like I was an idiot and no way will it work. My grandbabies are on the spectrum and also have SPD. They are very sensitive to textures. I appreciate you so much. Happy to know I'm not the only one who thought of this. Lol P.S. New sub!
One of the first quilts I ever made, I backed with fleece. Back then there was no internet so there were no quilt police to tell me no. I'm glad this worked for you. It's super soft and way cheaper than minky. I love it.
And thanks for subbing 😊😊❤️
Great idea. Have you ever tried using Minky? So soft!
I am using it for the first time on two baby quilts. My granddaughter had twins!
Yes I have and probably won't again, LOL. I made a quilt for my daughter and backed it with minky. It came out gorgeous but quilting it was a CHORE! It was so dang heavy.
Great tips!
Thank you!
Oh, THANK YOU! Do you know how many videos I had to go thru to get the answer to the question I was asking! Now to go find out how the heck to attach it so it looks like a quilt! Subscribing!
If you have any questions please let me know.
This was very informative. I will be using cotton for the quilt top and fleece for the backing. Do I have to prewash either fabric? I want to make sure if I give the quilt to someone they won’t run into any front shrinkage different than back shrinkage. I detest the thought of prewashing but will if needed.
I NEVER pre-wash. Cotton shrinks but fleece doesn't. That being said, when I do this, my top crinkles up a bit, which I like. I can send you a pic if you like.
How do you bind a quilt with a fleece backing? Do you sew in pretty side together, then turn and sew around again to seal the opening? Do you have a video to show this?
I was wondering the same thing.:) And do you use 505 basting spray to hold the two together? Thanks so much, I learned a lot from your video!:)
I spray basted it and used the fleece back to bind (I just put up a video talking about it). On a different quilt, I trimmed the quilt as normal and used a kona cotton for binding. On a third, I put them wrong sides together, leaving a hole, turned it then closed the hole and hand tied it. I have never tried to make fleece binding in the traditional way.
I spray basted it and used the fleece back to bind (I just put up a video talking about it). On a different quilt, I trimmed the quilt as normal and used a kona cotton for binding. On a third, I put them wrong sides together, leaving a hole, turned it then closed the hole and hand tied it. I have never tried to make fleece binding in the traditional way.
@@UndertheNeedle282 Thank you so much! I watched about half of your new video, and it helped seeing the quilt, it's so cozy! I'm probably going to do the wraparound fleece thing, or use traditional quilting cotton and just bind as usual. I love the cost effectiveness of this too, along with the whole crawling around on the floor basting three layers together - it's a pain!:) But just basting it to the fleece sounds easy. Thank you so much, I'm out of town right now, and can't wait to get home and try it.:)♥️
Thank you for this as I have just bought fleece for three quilt backings and was somewhat hesitant to begin but now full speed ahead your way
I don't like solids on the back either - for reg cotton that is.
So many great ideas!! I’m curious what machine you use to quilt. I use a Juki 2010q and appreciate the larger throat space. Do you find the quilt crinkles up the same way as with a cotton backing? I love that look and imagine it would be similar but am not sure since there is no batting. Thanks for sharing your insight, Quilt Artisan ❤
I primarily use a Janome 8200 QCP but I also use a Juke 2000Qi. Both have large throat areas. To me the crinkle is the same. I just did a video showing it.
Great questions in the comments: spray baste? Binding? My sister purchased a fleece blanket and used that. Great ideas!
I used spray baste and I used the fleece back to bind. The fleece blankets also work really well. I forgot to mention those.
Thx. I agree. I quilt on my home sewing machine to keep cost down. Can't afford long armer. Fleece it is.. lol
It really helps cost-wise to do it yourself!
When you sew with fleece should you use a larger needle or can you use the light weight needle
I use my normal needle. Even if you add batting you would still be fine with your regular needle.
Thank you
You're welcome. I did a quilt with batting and minky on the back. I used my normal needle without issue.
Never used fleece on back of quilt but worth a try, what about borders what do you use?
I would use normal quilting cotton for the borders.
Can you still use batting? I'm making one like this and I used batting and I am having a nightmare with the tension level on the back. I have done a ton if test strips and they are perfect...until I try it on my blanket. Then its is a knotted mess on the under side. Any help is appreciated!!
You definitely can use batting. I haven't used batting with fleece but I have used it with minky which is even heavier. Are you using a walking foot when you try to quilt? I would try making a 12" square test patch using the same materials as your quilt and layer a cotton fabric top, batting, and fleece. Then try quilting it and play with your machines settings until the tension is correct. Once it is, quilt your actual project. I also recommend using a walking foot and sticking to straight line quilting.
@@UndertheNeedle282 yes I have done all of that and it works like a dream on the test...but the second I put the real blanket on it goes to hell. I just don't understand it. I'm newish at sewing but usually can figure it out with a few videos but I am absolutely stumped. I'm planning on taking everything to MO sewing co tomorrow and begging for help. I wonder if fresh cookies will be a sufficient offering.🤞
If the tension is fine on your test patch then I'm wondering if it's weight. I wonder if when you're sewing your actual quilt, if there is weight or drag on the machine. Having your quilt top, batting, and a layer of fleece is extremely heavy. You really have to make sure that you balance it and don't allow it to hang.
@@UndertheNeedle282 @UndertheNeedle282 it is a king but I am using a Flynn Multi-Frame with the rolling tubes so there is very little drag. It moves through like a dream. No pushing it or pulling it. I wish I could post photos here. Or knew anyone IRL who quilts. I am a self taught mad scientist. The quilt brigade is going to lock me up and take away my machine for this episode I just know it. It's either crack jokes or find a match at this point.
How do you attach it to your quilt top?
I spray baste the fleece to the quilt top. You can use batting as well but I prefer a lighter quilt. Then I quilt and bind as normal.
@@UndertheNeedle282 OK. Right now I don't plan on quilting the quilt/blanket. I might tie it. I will try the spray method as well as I haven't done that before. Thanks so much!
One of the first quilts I ever made, I layered the fleece and the quilt top right sides together. Then I sewed around the perimeter using a half inch seam allowance and left about a 6-in opening. Then I used that opening to turn the quilt inside out then I sewed up the 6-in space that I left open. And then I used embroidery floss to tie the quilt. If that makes sense. No quilting and no binding.
@@UndertheNeedle282 It sure does make sense. Thanks. When you did that method, did the perimeter of the quilt/blanket seem thick?
Not to me. But if you think it's too much you can always do a small seam allowance. I would definitely trim the cornerd at a diagonal though. You can search "turning a quilt' for a full tutorial.