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From: emermuffin
Date: 10-10-2003, 10:39 PM (1 of 9)
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I have recently seen a print ad for fleece binding on fleece garments. It looks simple enough but having never worked on fleece before, I need more details! Has anyone used this binding before? I would like to make my own binding and I'm not sure which way to cut it - with the stretch or not? And what foot works well on fleece for you? It would be for blankets I'm making my nephews. I blanket stitch appliqued their names on cute printed fleece. They turned out great for my first attempt.  I was thinking of fleece binding in the same color as the applique and then blanket stitching the binding. Could be a hassle but the blanket stitches get lost in the busy print and don't show well.Thank you! emermuffin
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User: emermuffin
Member since: 03-29-2003 Total posts: 55 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 10-11-2003, 11:01 AM (2 of 9)
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Why not just blanket stitch and forget the binding? Fleece doesn't need it.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: habanerohutch
Date: 10-11-2003, 01:14 PM (3 of 9)
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although the fleece does not need it, the binding is an attractive finish and simple to apply. It ends up looking like fat cording around the edge. You cut the binding on the crossgrain maybe 2 to 2 1/2 inches wide. That depends on how wide you want the finished binding to be, double that width, add 2 seam allowances, and 1/4" or so for turn of cloth. Stitch it to the blanket right sides together. then wrap the binding around the edge and stitch in the ditch to catch the raw edge of the wrong side. Last you simply trim the raw edge very close to your stitching. Half inch finished binding with blanket stitch worked over it could be quite nice. I use just my ordinary zig zag presser foot for fleece, a larger than usual Universal needle (90/14), longer stitch length, lighter pressure on the presser foot. Experiment on some scraps because your machine might be different, and not all fleeces handle as easily as Malden Mills Polartec. Lala Chile Pepper from Texas
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User: habanerohutch
Member since: 07-01-2000 Total posts: 49 |
From: jcook
Date: 10-11-2003, 01:23 PM (4 of 9)
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Fleece doesn't need the binding, but if you want it for the decorative effect, it's pretty simple. Just fold the binding over the edge of the blanket and stitch with a regular foot about 1/4" back from the cut edge of the binding. You could cut the binding strips with a wavy edged rotary cutter for a different look since you wouldn't need to turn the edges under before sewing like you would with cottons. For the edging, you won't need to cut the strips on the stretch but if you want to, it's fine too. Just be more careful not to stretch the binding as you sew it on because that could have a sort of gathering effect on the blanket. You could also bind it with a lighter weight knit in a coordinating color, the lighter weight may make it easier to handle than the thick fleece in three layers. Jill |
User: jcook
Member since: 08-16-2000 Total posts: 50 |
From: emermuffin
Date: 10-11-2003, 03:36 PM (5 of 9)
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I know fleece doesn't need the binding but it sure would be cute. Especially when the binding is the same color as the name applique. As for the presser foot, my Elna has a "universal" pressure which is supposed to work with any fabric - not true! I cannot adjust the pressure and I know the fleece will be too thick for that foot. I have ordered a walking foot and I think/hope that will work just fine once I get it. I'm really having a love affair with fleece this year! I never liked it as a kid but now, it's wonderful. I just wish we could wear it more often in steamy, ol'Texas! I will be sure to post some photos of the finished blankets when they're done. Thank you all for your tips! 
emermuffin
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User: emermuffin
Member since: 03-29-2003 Total posts: 55 |
From: habanerohutch
Date: 10-12-2003, 12:11 PM (6 of 9)
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I only use fleece in the winter in the Rio Grand Valley, definitely too warm for even spring or fall. And for some reason, Houston about 7 hours to the north of me, is almost always hotter. So that does limit your use of this luscious fabric. But there are always blankets after you have all the bathrobes and jackets you can use. Lala Chile Pepper from Texas
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User: habanerohutch
Member since: 07-01-2000 Total posts: 49 |
From: emermuffin
Date: 10-13-2003, 12:12 AM (7 of 9)
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habanerohutch, you are right about hotter. I'd be lucky to get three to four weeks of wear out of fleece each year - it's just not cold enough for it! But on the bright side, I could get years and years of wear from that one fleece garment. And what's up with RTW in stores? In August, they have out all the fall/winter fashions when Houston has 3 to 4 more months of warm weather. I'll be looking for a new pair of sandals and all I can find are sherpa lined ankle boots.  Making all these fleece blankets has been a lot of fun for me. It will be nice when I get the gifts finished and can make one for myself. waiting for that first big cold snap....and waiting....and waiting emermuffin
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User: emermuffin
Member since: 03-29-2003 Total posts: 55 |
From: Debzy
Date: 10-13-2003, 05:47 PM (8 of 9)
| waiting for a cold snap? you should all come over here to the uk, you can wear ten fleeces all at once lmao!! |
User: Debzy
Member since: 06-02-2003 Total posts: 71 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 10-13-2003, 10:52 PM (9 of 9)
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Here in Upstate New York you can wear fleece and, at the same time, snuggle under a fleece blanket. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
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