Well this was helpful! I’ve never sewn anything but natural fiber, woven material before.. and now I’m branching out into making a fleece hoodie. Thanks for the help!
I'm working on a project with fleece and something Joanne's was selling as "pile fabric" and my mother sent me this video, it helped remind me to check the nap before I pinned and cut out the front peice! Thanks!
Great video! Sometimes I do buy Blizzard fleece for mats that I make for animal shelters (with a couple layers of batting) because I make 20-30 mats at a time. I do notice slight pilling but not too bad. Thanks for the tips.
I have used my serger very successfully on stretchy fabrics such as fleece. I use that almost exclusively on stretchy fabrics as I have had the best luck with it.
Hello Toni Im new at sewimg i tried fice times n gave up. This time its for life. I hank you for all your hard work to teach us for free. Blessings on your Sewing journey.❤
Thanks for the history of fleece. What was not imaginable one day became common fashion the next. It is pretty cool that Patagonia tried using a fabric no one else had on clothing.
I had forgotten about the Pategonia story, but I remember the business success articles and TV episodes about it. They were darlings of the success world!
I remember their fleece jackets were expensive back then and they were the only ones who had them. I don’t think it fleece went mainstream until Old Navy started selling it in the late 90’s.
Great tips. I have always done my best to not sew with fleece because despite having higher end machines, it still felt like I was sewing a marshmallow. I used the simplest patterns possible as well. I do need a new fleece jacket so I'll keep your tips in mind both in selecting the fabric and while constructing the item. I will get some long pins, too, because I recall the difficulty in cutting out the pieces and anchoring pieces to be sewn together. Those pins with the big daisy heads will come in handy for other projects, too. Thick, comfy fleece is worth one more try.
You may want to use the stretch stitch that looks like a lightening bolt for seams. Loosen your presser foot pressure. I make everything with fleece! Sweats, slippers/booties, coats, line jeans and jean jackets. Even sheets! I avoid JA's Pure Plush for quilts, as it is 4 way stretch. My bed quilt is Sew Lush, 2 way stretch was challenging on my longarm. Anti-pill works best though.
I like Luxe. It feels just the right heaviness for a one layer blanket. I also like the anti-pill and Blizzard--always new prints. JoAnns sherpa says dry clean only. I read not to use fabric softener on polar fleece.
I didn’t realize sherpa fleece was dry clean only! Good to know. Luxe is definitely the nicest but not nearly as many color choices as the other options.
I Love thee Sew Lush line of fleece at Jo-Ann's for almost all my projects. It's not as expensive as the luxe fabric and it is so much softer. I make pajama pants, hooded cape coats, hats and sweaters out of it. The only problem I ever had was washing some of the solids in a normal high heat. That caused some of the softness to melt away. Now I wash them all in delicate and a medium heat only. I use a longer stitch length on my fleece because it is so thick. A 3.5 mm length instead of 2.5. and I always double check what I'm sewing because it is a bear to seam rip. The stitch is are buried in the pile. Yes Sew Lush fleece does have a nap to it. You can tell that it changes color intensity depending on the direction you brush the fur. I always so with my nap going down rather than up. I never iron my fleece. It wouldn't hold the shape anyway. But I do pin like crazy. Actually I pin the seams where they meet and at the beginning of my sewing, and then I can readjust as I'm feeding the fabric into the machine. It also helps to have a wider seam allowance.
I don’t think I’m familiar with the sew lush line of fleece. It’s sounds very nice. I will have to check it out. I agree ripping out fleece is very hard!
Well....🙄, I sure wish I had had your video 2 years ago when I attempted to make fleece pajama bottoms! lol. It. Was. A. _Disaster!_ First, I bought the Blizzard fleece, (because it was cheap and I liked the print). Second, I forgot to make sure I had the fabric not only right side up but with the print running the same way on each panel piece. Third, I didn't have _any_ understanding of why stitch length mattered. I thought it was all in the tension. After 6 months of picking them up and making yet another attempt, I had pajama pants that fit but had no waist band, (couldn't face it, lol), and the print was upside down on 3 of the four leg panels! lol Hysterical! So thank you, my next attempt so go MUCH better thanks to your tips. I appreciate the info.
I’ve worked with just about all the different fleece fabrics that Joann’s sells. I found that my favorite for apparel is Luxe. I used it for a jacket and was very pleased with how it turned out. I generally remove a quarter inch from my pattern so l am working with 3/8” inches seam allowance. That reduces bulk and saves time. P.S. I only buy the Luxe on sale
The Luxe is by far the best quality but it’s soooo expensive. For some reason I inevitably miss it on sale. I will have to do a better job of it this year. And I’ll try out the Sean allowance reduction. Thanks for the suggestion!
I would love to see how you made your blanket with fleece if you have a video. Also, I enjoy making baby fleece double sided baby blankets with a printed side and a solid side and bind it with satin binding. I use the anti-pill also. I like using the machine blanket stitch instead of just a regular zigzag as it is very pretty. Any suggestions that can help make it better. I hope to market them as I will be retiring soon.
I did make a fleece video, which you can watch here: th-cam.com/video/mAwVPsPKqEA/w-d-xo.html It's a basic fleece blanket. Your double sided baby blankets sound much fancier!
Great video. Thanks for all the information. Do you have suggestions/tips on what to do with the scraps? I didn't know fleece doesn't deteriorate. Because of the bulk, I have just been tossing the remnants in the trash. Now, of course, one more thing to feel guilty about!! Just discovered you, like your style, and I so i am now a subscriber!
Hi Carol! Thanks for subscribing. I’m trying to come up with ideas for my fleece scraps and other scrap fabric to keep as much out of the trash as possible. When I do I’ll post a video!
I was gonna put a thicker fleece material for the back of a baby blanket. Would that be o.k. and will I have a lot of problem sewing it together with cotton baby prints and solid material to match print ?
Is baste it together fist to make sure it stays lined up. The issue sewing cotton and fleece is the fabric moving while you try and see it together. Basting first should help with that ☺️
I haven’t ever lined anything made of fleece. I would think the type of lining would depend on what you were making. For a jacket, it’s use anti-pill fleece in the outside and sherpa fleece on the inside.
I had learned and generally agree that using a walking foot made fleece so much easier to sew. I just hate switching the foot out. Butter fingers. Thanks for this explanation of types of fleece. I was just wondering about it!
I would say it depends on the weight of the fleece. I used anti-pill fleece to make a half zip pullover and didn’t use interfacing. It turned out just fine!
I sew with lush fleece all the time. Usually I get the Sew Lush brand at Jo-Ann's. I use a universal needle and I do not use a walking foot. It's unnecessary as long as you know what you're doing and you can feed the fabric appropriately. I do lengthen my stitches to 3.5mm instead of the standard 2.5. I do this because the fleece will eat the smaller stitches. I never iron my seams. I understand if I'm working with tightly woven fabric, a nice iron in between sewing seams helps to finish the garment. But fleece is a different animal. I do trim all of my seams which helps them lay flatter. I overlock where necessary. I make pants, sweaters, coats, ponchos, scarves and hats from this material. And I live in it during the winter time. It is so nice and cozy. I find that Sew Lush is simply a better quality of fleece to blizzard or anti-pill, or even the lux e brands. It is softer, lighter and bends better with the body. The only caveat I have in his care is how it is dried. I dry all of my fleece garments and a low to medium heat on delicate. I made the mistake of using a normal cycle and had a fleece garment melt.
My Joann’s doesn’t have a huge selection of lush fleece. The colors and prints are so limited that I haven’t tried it yet. Glad to know it sews up well!
@@SewSewLounge it might be because you are in Texas and I guess they figured there isn't as much demand for warmer materials. You can buy the prints online. I suggest you give it a try sometime. Also there is a second line they make which is like a stretch velor. They call it pure plush. It comes in solid colors as well as prints. It has a shorter pile and stretches. Great for making garments. I make a fitted peplum sweater top with flounce sleeves that is a staple of my winter wardrobe here in Maryland. I've made it in every solid color they've got. On its beautiful. I can embellish it with lace or bedazzling. They store it right next to sew lush in my store.
@@JenniferKokoski we get A LOT of the blizzard fleece and anti pill fleece. I guess that’s what sells down here. Very limited in all the other types, but I’ve seen them in the sale flyers. I will check out the ones you suggested and sew them towards the end of the year once it cools off again! I will buy online, thanks for the tip
also....I have used some left-over cotton for 'lining' fabric to make pockets. But had a few tension issues so had to adjust the tension to higher on top. Is there a recommended lining fabric for pockets when working with fleece please?
Hello, I was wondering what kind of thread you recommend for sewing a several layer fleece blanket? (Two layers of fleece, a layer of high loft cotton batting/ or a u-haul blanket in the between the fleece layers-want to make a Guinea pig cage liner) I just bought a brother CS7000X sewing machine and it says to use 50 weight polyester or cotton, but I’m having a hard time finding a good selection anywhere that has decent reviews.
I guess I should say-Is there a brand you recommend? I’m a beginner and I was hoping to buy several colors of thread, but worry they may break or jam my machine for what I want to use them for. Mainly several layered fleece projects.
I use Coats (also Coats & Clark) thread for pretty much everything I sew. It’s readily available at fabric and craft stores. It’s 100% polyester. Cotton thread produces a lot of lint in the bottom bobbin case. (You will also have lint from the fleece, so clean it out after each project) If you are sewing several layers of fleece I’d recommend using a larger stitch length. Start with a 3 and adjust up as needed for a straight stitch. If you’re using a zig zag stitch use a 3 length and 3 width. If the thread is breaking increase the stitch length and width. If you have any more questions, please let me know ❤️
This may be a bit off topic, so please forgive me. I notice your sewing cabinet looks very similar to what I have and that you have a fitted insert around your sewing machine. I had to get a new sewing machine recently and need to order a new insert but I have lost the info on the cabinet. What is the brand name of your cabinet? It may jog my memory so I can order the correct insert. Thank you!
Interesting history! I tried making a zip up pj onesie for my son with fleece, and by the time I finished, it was about 3 sizes too big. Is their some fleece that stretches as you work with it? If so, any tips for what to do? I bought it at Joanne’s but not sure what type it was.
Hi there. I have 2 queries. 1. Would a walking foot help to prevent stretch when sewing, or are there other adjustment that would help to do with tension adjustment, etc? 2. Have you considered a sort of flat fell seam where you grade the underneath edge and sew the top seam without turning it under? I wondered if this would produce a neater finish I have a lovely teal paisley fleece for a winter dressing gown (it is coming up to winter here in NZ!). It is quite thick and seems to stretch a bit like felted fabric but doesn’t have much recoil. I am worried about the sewing process and how to approach it. Many thanks Linda
I don’t have a walking foot for my machine and I’ve never used one. However, a lot of other viewers said that it helps. I haven’t had problems with fleece stretching out of shape while I sewed. You could also try the flat felled method that you suggested. I find that fleece fabric is very forgiving. Good luck!
You are right! And that works great when you’re using solid colored fabric. BUT, sometimes fabric is printed on the wrong side so double check. I made a dress with knit fabric that was printed on the wrong side and the seams kept rolling up-total nightmare!
Yes I do. I wash all of my fabric before using it to sew. Down here in Texas fleece can sit at the store for a while and gather dust; washing in advance helps prevent an allergy attack at the sewing machine!
I am hemming a fleece blanket and my sewing machine keeps stopping. When I pull my blanket away from the presser foot, I see that I have what looks like two threads coming from the bobbin. I am using polyester thread, a zigzag stitch at the highest width and length and a ballpoint needle. What is causing the machine to stop sewing?
It sounds like somehow the threads are getting caught if it looks like two bobbin thread. I’d check the feed dog and make sure it’s moving properly and feeding the fabric under the presser foot
Yes. We had two different classes. One was about fabric in general and the other was an elective about the history of textiles. Needless to say I took both.
I was having a hard time getting the stitch setting right for thicker fabric so I just used my sewing machine. I’ll try the serger on the next project 😉
I think I cover it in another video. Nap is the direction of the fuzziness. You want all your pattern pieces going in the same direction so the fuzziness goes in the same direction or your finished garment will feel weird. The nap layout can also be used if your fabric has a directional print, because you’d want that to be the same all around the garment too. Let me know if you need additional clarification 😉
Rub your hand across the fleece and then the other direction. The soft, smooth, darker direction is the correct nap. The other direction will feel rougher and be duller.
Have you tried using a rotary cutter? That’s what I use for fleece and it works well. I buy replacement blades at Missouri Star because they are much cheaper than the Olfa ones.
I agree with the rotary blades. Much better than having your scissors dulled and paying to have them sharpened. I write “used” on my dulled blades and keep them in a separate container for cutting out paper patterns and wrapping paper
@@SewSewLounge Polartec has not produced this material for about 10 years, although it was the best. There is little information about him on the Internet, but if you really want, you can find
If you wash or dry clean every fabric as soon as it comes into your house, you are always ready to sew. Washing takes care of bleeding as well as lint and dust, as others pointed out.
Not everyone is experienced in sewing or in sewing fleece. She certainly didn’t have an attitude but presented the information in a friendly manner. I’ve been sewing for over 50 years, and I’m still learning new things.
Great info on nap, stretch needle, increasing the stitch length, and how to tell the right side of the fabric. Thank you.
You’re welcome! Thanks for watching ☺️
I love to use a serger when I'm sewing on fleece. Thank you for your tips.😊
You’re very welcome! I’ll have to try using a server next time ☺️
Well this was helpful! I’ve never sewn anything but natural fiber, woven material before.. and now I’m branching out into making a fleece hoodie. Thanks for the help!
Yay! Glad my video helped. I’m more of a natural fiber person too. Good luck with your hoodie ❤️
I'm working on a project with fleece and something Joanne's was selling as "pile fabric" and my mother sent me this video, it helped remind me to check the nap before I pinned and cut out the front peice! Thanks!
You’re welcome! Glad it helped you out ❤️
Great video! Sometimes I do buy Blizzard fleece for mats that I make for animal shelters (with a couple layers of batting) because I make 20-30 mats at a time. I do notice slight pilling but not too bad. Thanks for the tips.
You’re welcome! I made Honey and Clementine blizzard fleece blankets too.
I have used my serger very successfully on stretchy fabrics such as fleece. I use that almost exclusively on stretchy fabrics as I have had the best luck with it.
Great tip! Thanks for sharing. I just got a new serger and I can’t wait to use it.
@@SewSewLounge Prepare to be amazed. *grin*
@@JackieDannenberg I just got a
Baby Lock which is quite the upgrade from my 90s vintage Juki. Can’t wait!!
@@SewSewLoungeI love my BabyLock. Don’t forget to serge a sample first. You might need to increase the differential feed.
You're one of the few people who can not only talk about Patagonia as a company, but also as a geographic region you have been to.
That is true. And I did wear fleece while I was in Patagonia because it was freezing.
Hello Toni
Im new at sewimg i tried fice times n gave up. This time its for life. I hank you for all your hard work to teach us for free. Blessings on your Sewing journey.❤
You can do it! Once you get the have of it and use the right needle it gets easier to sew. Good luck! And let me know if you have any questions😉
Thanks for the history of fleece. What was not imaginable one day became common fashion the next. It is pretty cool that Patagonia tried using a fabric no one else had on clothing.
I’m glad you enjoyed it! I thought it was fascinating too.
I had forgotten about the Pategonia story, but I remember the business success articles and TV episodes about it. They were darlings of the success world!
I remember their fleece jackets were expensive back then and they were the only ones who had them. I don’t think it fleece went mainstream until Old Navy started selling it in the late 90’s.
Great tips. I have always done my best to not sew with fleece because despite having higher end machines, it still felt like I was sewing a marshmallow. I used the simplest patterns possible as well. I do need a new fleece jacket so I'll keep your tips in mind both in selecting the fabric and while constructing the item. I will get some long pins, too, because I recall the difficulty in cutting out the pieces and anchoring pieces to be sewn together. Those pins with the big daisy heads will come in handy for other projects, too. Thick, comfy fleece is worth one more try.
Thank you! Glad it helped 🙂
Thank you - really helpful for my current project making a fleece jacket!
Glad it was helpful! Please let me know if you have any additional questions ☺️
You may want to use the stretch stitch that looks like a lightening bolt for seams. Loosen your presser foot pressure.
I make everything with fleece! Sweats, slippers/booties, coats, line jeans and jean jackets. Even sheets!
I avoid JA's Pure Plush for quilts, as it is 4 way stretch. My bed quilt is Sew Lush, 2 way stretch was challenging on my longarm. Anti-pill works best though.
I like anti pill too!
Great info as usual! Thanks for sharing all these good tips.
Thanks for watching Janell!
Thank you for the advice. Those are great guidance!
You are very welcome. Happy sewing!
I like the concept of 'direction of fleeciness'.
Kitties are the same way 😹
I like Luxe. It feels just the right heaviness for a one layer blanket. I also like the anti-pill and Blizzard--always new prints. JoAnns sherpa says dry clean only. I read not to use fabric softener on polar fleece.
I didn’t realize sherpa fleece was dry clean only! Good to know. Luxe is definitely the nicest but not nearly as many color choices as the other options.
I Love thee Sew Lush line of fleece at Jo-Ann's for almost all my projects. It's not as expensive as the luxe fabric and it is so much softer. I make pajama pants, hooded cape coats, hats and sweaters out of it. The only problem I ever had was washing some of the solids in a normal high heat. That caused some of the softness to melt away. Now I wash them all in delicate and a medium heat only. I use a longer stitch length on my fleece because it is so thick. A 3.5 mm length instead of 2.5. and I always double check what I'm sewing because it is a bear to seam rip. The stitch is are buried in the pile. Yes Sew Lush fleece does have a nap to it. You can tell that it changes color intensity depending on the direction you brush the fur. I always so with my nap going down rather than up.
I never iron my fleece. It wouldn't hold the shape anyway. But I do pin like crazy. Actually I pin the seams where they meet and at the beginning of my sewing, and then I can readjust as I'm feeding the fabric into the machine. It also helps to have a wider seam allowance.
Oh and yes I use a universal needle on my fleece projects. I tried using a ballpoint but it didn't help.
I don’t think I’m familiar with the sew lush line of fleece. It’s sounds very nice. I will have to check it out. I agree ripping out fleece is very hard!
Well....🙄, I sure wish I had had your video 2 years ago when I attempted to make fleece pajama bottoms! lol. It. Was. A. _Disaster!_
First, I bought the Blizzard fleece, (because it was cheap and I liked the print).
Second, I forgot to make sure I had the fabric not only right side up but with the print running the same way on each panel piece.
Third, I didn't have _any_ understanding of why stitch length mattered. I thought it was all in the tension.
After 6 months of picking them up and making yet another attempt, I had pajama pants that fit but had no waist band, (couldn't face it, lol), and the print was upside down on 3 of the four leg panels! lol Hysterical!
So thank you, my next attempt so go MUCH better thanks to your tips. I appreciate the info.
Oh no!! Sorry to hear about your first attempt not going well. At least you can buy better fleece on your next attempt ☺️ thanks for watching!
I love the way you have used your pinboards
Aww thank you.
I’ve worked with just about all the different fleece fabrics that Joann’s sells. I found that my favorite for apparel is Luxe. I used it for a jacket and was very pleased with how it turned out. I generally remove a quarter inch from my pattern so l am working with 3/8” inches seam allowance. That reduces bulk and saves time. P.S. I only buy the Luxe on sale
The Luxe is by far the best quality but it’s soooo expensive. For some reason I inevitably miss it on sale. I will have to do a better job of it this year. And I’ll try out the Sean allowance reduction. Thanks for the suggestion!
Thanks!
You bet! Thank you 😊
I would love to see how you made your blanket with fleece if you have a video. Also, I enjoy making baby fleece double sided baby blankets with a printed side and a solid side and bind it with satin binding. I use the anti-pill also. I like using the machine blanket stitch instead of just a regular zigzag as it is very pretty. Any suggestions that can help make it better. I hope to market them as I will be retiring soon.
I did make a fleece video, which you can watch here: th-cam.com/video/mAwVPsPKqEA/w-d-xo.html It's a basic fleece blanket. Your double sided baby blankets sound much fancier!
Can you use fusible interfacing on fleece to make costume ears stand up straight?
That should work! Use a heavier interfacing to be sure you get the look you want 😉
I love the Luxe is tick and very warm!
I agree! It’s so plush.
And a pain to sew. I recently made two robes, and I swear I could have made six robes for the times I put into them.
I USED SHERPA FLEECE FOR A VEST/INFINITY SCARF SET. TURNED OUT PRETTY.
That sounds super snuggly!!
I have a Sherpa fleece and want to make a hoodie. Any tips?
Ive made a lot of pants with fleece and flannels love them no problems i usually serge the seams
Which is a great option, but not everyone has a serger 😉
Very informative. How does one straighten fleece? It always looks so wonky when it purchased.
I wash mine and tumble dry low. That usually straightens things out. If not I’ll run a warm iron over it.
Great video. Thanks for all the information. Do you have suggestions/tips on what to do with the scraps? I didn't know fleece doesn't deteriorate. Because of the bulk, I have just been tossing the remnants in the trash. Now, of course, one more thing to feel guilty about!! Just discovered you, like your style, and I so i am now a subscriber!
Hi Carol! Thanks for subscribing. I’m trying to come up with ideas for my fleece scraps and other scrap fabric to keep as much out of the trash as possible. When I do I’ll post a video!
You can use it for stuffing. Like if you made small stuffed animals or dimensional flowers or the like.
@@Angel283 good idea!
Im going to be using fleece for a quilt backing for.the first time. Should I zigzag the seam? Do i need to topstitch again to reduce the bulk?
I don’t make quilts so I’m not that best person to ask. Fleece does stretch more than quilting fabric, so that’s something to keep in mind.
Can you use a serger instead of grading the seam you just sewed?
You could use a serger, but, depending on your model, it’s may be hard to sew curves. I have an old juki and all its sews well are straight seams.
Thank you for a very informative video.
You are welcome!! Glad you enjoyed it ☺️
I was gonna put a thicker fleece material for the back of a baby blanket. Would that be o.k. and will I have a lot of problem sewing it together with cotton baby prints and solid material to match print ?
Is baste it together fist to make sure it stays lined up. The issue sewing cotton and fleece is the fabric moving while you try and see it together. Basting first should help with that ☺️
Thank you for sharing the information about fleece. Can you recommend a lining that can be used with fleece? Thank you..
I haven’t ever lined anything made of fleece. I would think the type of lining would depend on what you were making. For a jacket, it’s use anti-pill fleece in the outside and sherpa fleece on the inside.
I had learned and generally agree that using a walking foot made fleece so much easier to sew. I just hate switching the foot out. Butter fingers. Thanks for this explanation of types of fleece. I was just wondering about it!
So glad that my video helped! I didn’t realize there were so many fleece types until I made the video!
Find a bunch of fleece projects and sew all at one time! Sewing machines are not made for older fingers, I’ve learned.
What are your thoughts making a baby sleep sack with Sherpa fleece? Easy? Hard? Not a good idea?
I think it would work but I’d be sure to trim the seam allowances so they weren’t too bulky.
Do you have to use interfacing on fleece
I would say it depends on the weight of the fleece. I used anti-pill fleece to make a half zip pullover and didn’t use interfacing. It turned out just fine!
Hi! What kind of glasses are you wearing? I really love the shape. Another great vid!:)
They are Swarovski. I got them at Costco. I love them two and wish I’d gotten two pairs!!
Do you need to cut the selvedge edge off fleece when making a blanket?
I cut the side with the fabric name and designer info off but leave the side that’s the same as the fabric. It just looks nicer that way.
I sew with lush fleece all the time. Usually I get the Sew Lush brand at Jo-Ann's. I use a universal needle and I do not use a walking foot. It's unnecessary as long as you know what you're doing and you can feed the fabric appropriately. I do lengthen my stitches to 3.5mm instead of the standard 2.5. I do this because the fleece will eat the smaller stitches. I never iron my seams. I understand if I'm working with tightly woven fabric, a nice iron in between sewing seams helps to finish the garment. But fleece is a different animal. I do trim all of my seams which helps them lay flatter. I overlock where necessary. I make pants, sweaters, coats, ponchos, scarves and hats from this material. And I live in it during the winter time. It is so nice and cozy. I find that Sew Lush is simply a better quality of fleece to blizzard or anti-pill, or even the lux e brands. It is softer, lighter and bends better with the body. The only caveat I have in his care is how it is dried. I dry all of my fleece garments and a low to medium heat on delicate. I made the mistake of using a normal cycle and had a fleece garment melt.
My Joann’s doesn’t have a huge selection of lush fleece. The colors and prints are so limited that I haven’t tried it yet. Glad to know it sews up well!
@@SewSewLounge it might be because you are in Texas and I guess they figured there isn't as much demand for warmer materials. You can buy the prints online. I suggest you give it a try sometime. Also there is a second line they make which is like a stretch velor. They call it pure plush. It comes in solid colors as well as prints. It has a shorter pile and stretches. Great for making garments. I make a fitted peplum sweater top with flounce sleeves that is a staple of my winter wardrobe here in Maryland. I've made it in every solid color they've got. On its beautiful. I can embellish it with lace or bedazzling. They store it right next to sew lush in my store.
@@JenniferKokoski we get A LOT of the blizzard fleece and anti pill fleece. I guess that’s what sells down here. Very limited in all the other types, but I’ve seen them in the sale flyers. I will check out the ones you suggested and sew them towards the end of the year once it cools off again! I will buy online, thanks for the tip
Thank you so much 💖
You are very welcome!
also....I have used some left-over cotton for 'lining' fabric to make pockets. But had a few tension issues so had to adjust the tension to higher on top. Is there a recommended lining fabric for pockets when working with fleece please?
I think you could line them with a lighter weight fleece, or maybe flannel, so both fabrics would be fuzzy and “stick together” during sewing.
Thank you! 👍🏻
Do you have a recommendation of where to purchase good quality anti-pill fleece online?
Unfortunately, I do not. I usually by my fleece at Joann’s because it goes on sale so regularly.
How do you sharpen your scissors?
I get my scissors sharpened at the farmers market. There’s a man who will sharpen them for $10 a pair while I wait.
Hello, I was wondering what kind of thread you recommend for sewing a several layer fleece blanket? (Two layers of fleece, a layer of high loft cotton batting/ or a u-haul blanket in the between the fleece layers-want to make a Guinea pig cage liner) I just bought a brother CS7000X sewing machine and it says to use 50 weight polyester or cotton, but I’m having a hard time finding a good selection anywhere that has decent reviews.
I guess I should say-Is there a brand you recommend? I’m a beginner and I was hoping to buy several colors of thread, but worry they may break or jam my machine for what I want to use them for. Mainly several layered fleece projects.
I use Coats (also Coats & Clark) thread for pretty much everything I sew. It’s readily available at fabric and craft stores. It’s 100% polyester. Cotton thread produces a lot of lint in the bottom bobbin case. (You will also have lint from the fleece, so clean it out after each project) If you are sewing several layers of fleece I’d recommend using a larger stitch length. Start with a 3 and adjust up as needed for a straight stitch. If you’re using a zig zag stitch use a 3 length and 3 width. If the thread is breaking increase the stitch length and width. If you have any more questions, please let me know ❤️
This may be a bit off topic, so please forgive me. I notice your sewing cabinet looks very similar to what I have and that you have a fitted insert around your sewing machine. I had to get a new sewing machine recently and need to order a new insert but I have lost the info on the cabinet. What is the brand name of your cabinet? It may jog my memory so I can order the correct insert. Thank you!
I got mine from Arrow Cabinets, I want to say in 2007 or 2008. It’s model #401. Hope that helps!
Interesting history! I tried making a zip up pj onesie for my son with fleece, and by the time I finished, it was about 3 sizes too big. Is their some fleece that stretches as you work with it? If so, any tips for what to do? I bought it at Joanne’s but not sure what type it was.
That seems to have stretched a lot for fleece. Perhaps the pattern ran big? Or maybe it was minky which has A LOT of stretch.
Are you selling SewSew tees?
Not yet. I’m trying to find a vendor.
Hi there. I have 2 queries.
1. Would a walking foot help to prevent stretch when sewing, or are there other adjustment that would help to do with tension adjustment, etc?
2. Have you considered a sort of flat fell seam where you grade the underneath edge and sew the top seam without turning it under? I wondered if this would produce a neater finish
I have a lovely teal paisley fleece for a winter dressing gown (it is coming up to winter here in NZ!). It is quite thick and seems to stretch a bit like felted fabric but doesn’t have much recoil. I am worried about the sewing process and how to approach it.
Many thanks
Linda
I don’t have a walking foot for my machine and I’ve never used one. However, a lot of other viewers said that it helps. I haven’t had problems with fleece stretching out of shape while I sewed. You could also try the flat felled method that you suggested. I find that fleece fabric is very forgiving. Good luck!
Pressed foot pressure.
Some machines have a dial for it, others you would adjust inside the case.
The walking foot helps.
Do you have tips on sewing fleece and woven fabric together?
Thats a good suggestion! Right now I just have fleece tips.
I was always taught that knits roll to the right side when cut. Have I been doing it wrong?
You are right! And that works great when you’re using solid colored fabric. BUT, sometimes fabric is printed on the wrong side so double check. I made a dress with knit fabric that was printed on the wrong side and the seams kept rolling up-total nightmare!
Do you wash fleece before sewing?
Yes I do. I wash all of my fabric before using it to sew. Down here in Texas fleece can sit at the store for a while and gather dust; washing in advance helps prevent an allergy attack at the sewing machine!
Yes always pretty wash
I am hemming a fleece blanket and my sewing machine keeps stopping. When I pull my blanket away from the presser foot, I see that I have what looks like two threads coming from the bobbin. I am using polyester thread, a zigzag stitch at the highest width and length and a ballpoint needle. What is causing the machine to stop sewing?
It sounds like somehow the threads are getting caught if it looks like two bobbin thread. I’d check the feed dog and make sure it’s moving properly and feeding the fabric under the presser foot
@SewSewLounge thank you. I heard that a walking foot might be good to use so I have ordered one.
Would a walking foot help?
@@dale3404 I bought one but still had the same issue. I think it was just the thickness of the fabric and how I was feeding it through the machine.
In university, did you study the history of fabrics?
Yes. We had two different classes. One was about fabric in general and the other was an elective about the history of textiles. Needless to say I took both.
I see fleece on my serger mostly.
It's so much easier
I was having a hard time getting the stitch setting right for thicker fabric so I just used my sewing machine. I’ll try the serger on the next project 😉
Wish you had explained what “nap” is because I don’t get it lol 😂 just bought fleece and a pattern that referred to nap.
I think I cover it in another video. Nap is the direction of the fuzziness. You want all your pattern pieces going in the same direction so the fuzziness goes in the same direction or your finished garment will feel weird. The nap layout can also be used if your fabric has a directional print, because you’d want that to be the same all around the garment too. Let me know if you need additional clarification 😉
Rub your hand across the fleece and then the other direction. The soft, smooth, darker direction is the correct nap. The other direction will feel rougher and be duller.
is arctic fleece stretchy? im just curious 😭😭
All fleece is stretchy because it’s a type of knit.
All my scissors I use to cut my fleece get dull dull dull vary fast. Any thoughts?
Have you tried using a rotary cutter? That’s what I use for fleece and it works well. I buy replacement blades at Missouri Star because they are much cheaper than the Olfa ones.
I agree with the rotary blades. Much better than having your scissors dulled and paying to have them sharpened. I write “used” on my dulled blades and keep them in a separate container for cutting out paper patterns and wrapping paper
I wear a CuddlDud undershirt under my fleece.
Nice!
Polartec Wind Pro Hardface was best...
I haven’t tried high tech polar fleece. I’ll have to check it out!
@@SewSewLounge Polartec has not produced this material for about 10 years, although it was the best. There is little information about him on the Internet, but if you really want, you can find
Love lux.
It’s super fancy 😉
I'm surprised Clemmie isn't all over the fleece fuzzies.
She spent the afternoon sleeping on top of my unsewn zip pullover.
Do I need to wash fleece
You don’t have to but I find it reduces lint in my machine. Plus fleece tends to sit on the shelves in Texas so it gets dusty.
Yes, all material except you are planning for the cleaner.
Plus I serge the material
If you wash or dry clean every fabric as soon as it comes into your house, you are always ready to sew. Washing takes care of bleeding as well as lint and dust, as others pointed out.
And dog fleas!🤣😂🤣🤣
Yes 😂🐕
Honestly.. this is a tad patronising. The vast majority of desists know this already!
Thanks for watching
I'm researching fleece because I'm starting my first project with it. This video was beneficial. Thank you.
I found this video very helpful as I was asked to sew a fleece memory blanket and I never sew with fleece.
Not everyone is experienced in sewing or in sewing fleece. She certainly didn’t have an attitude but presented the information in a friendly manner. I’ve been sewing for over 50 years, and I’m still learning new things.
Thanks!
🙏 Thank you!