Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: MaryW
Date: 03-01-2005, 12:12 PM (1 of 20)
|
Continuing on with our weekly fabric discussions, this week we will discuss synthetic fleece. This stuff is a dream for keeping kids warm and cozy. Fleece is a knit with cross-wise stretch. It sheds water and holds the body heat. It is very forgiving, mistakes are easily hidden. If you have to rip, it's a bad scene. The stitching is practically invisible. It doesn't need ironing and topstitching is not recommended. You just can't see it very well. Hems should be top stitched or you can serge the edges. Blanket stitching is yet another option. Polar fleece by Malden Mills is one of the best quality fleeces since the pilling is minimal. I have made my grandkids scarves, hats, tops, pants, jammies and housecoats from fleece. I have also backed kids fabric with fleece for a cozy snuggle on the couch. My daughters also have house coats from fleece. Let's hear your experiences with fleece. This is an educational forum where we can all learn from one another how to handle the various fleeces that are on the market today. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
|
From: plrlegal
Date: 03-01-2005, 12:16 PM (2 of 20)
|
I have a fleece jacket that I made winter before last and it is so warm. It is lined with a windproof lining and it is as warm as toast. I just throw it in the washer and dryer when it needs it and it look brand new again. Patsy Patsy
|
User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: rose074
Date: 03-01-2005, 12:30 PM (3 of 20)
|
I love fleece. I think I have it in about 10 different colors. Baby blankets are what I use it for most. I agree that it is very easy to work with. It can be a bit tricky when you're cutting it though. It's easy to stretch it and make end up with a not so straight edge. I'm especially fond of the new micro fleece that is apearing on the market now. Too bad I don't have time to sew anymore.
Danelle in Tri-Cities Washington
|
User: rose074
Member since: 12-23-2000 Total posts: 73 
|
From: mommydionne
Date: 03-01-2005, 12:34 PM (4 of 20)
 I have a polar fleece collection (I have a lot of fabric collections) I am guilty of buying mostly the cheapy stuff b/c I use it mainly for the kids and they grow out of everything ASAP. I did have a jacket I made > 10yrs ago for myself that I just last month gave to goodwill.I like embroidering on it for kid stuff, I use a nonwoven cutaway on the bottom and Aquafilm on the top and it looks great, really nice for gifts, especially for kids who have unusual names for personalizing. I've made mittens, hats, scarves, sweaters, pj's, a baby snowsuit, water bottle holders (for school to absorb the condensation). I really like double weight fleece as well. I usually serge it b/c my serger is really fast and it stretchs which is great for the kids. Jeanette
|
User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
|
From: DorothyL
Date: 03-01-2005, 01:05 PM (5 of 20)
|
I haven't used a lot of fleece. I did make myself a jacket that gets a lot of comments. I bought one that was reversable brown on one side and bears in the snow (probably polar bears) on the other. It was really warm and cozy but I wasn't real crazy about the snow theme. So for a couple years I looked for fleece with palm trees and or flamingos. Finally I found one with the palm trees. I bought a complementary solid olive green fleece and some cotton with brightly colored flamingos to applique' on the green. Turned out great. I've also made my nephew a Sponge Bob quillow. I made it two layers thick for extra warmth. "With love in every stitch" the little darling said. And I made a poncho for his sister with ice cream treats cut from quilting cotton appliqued on it. Both turned out great. That's all the work I've done with fleece and it was all supper easy and fast. It did leave a lot of fuzzies in the machine though. Just before Xmas there was a big sale at Hancocks and some people were really stocking up. Joannes around here stock tons of it year round so it must be a big seller. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Magot
Date: 03-01-2005, 03:10 PM (6 of 20)
|
My first experience with fleece was making a load of hats for shoeboxes to send to Croatia. I couldn't believe how quickly they made up or how forgiving the fleece is. I did find it hard to cut without stretching and it does fill up the machine with fluff! This month I have made myself a pink hoody fleece with my new Serger! I found it hard to finish the edges( not that you really need to but I wanted to) when the stuff was only 1 layer thick as the stitches looped over the edge of the fabric. This is probably me needing to practice with the serger more. Since than I have made 2 hats with a remnant I bought- I found it tricky getting the serger to sew through 4 layers as it was so thick but that was a solved by making sure the offcuts didn't get caught on the stitch finger. So I have a load more fleece to sew into hats for more cold kids now! But wow- does it leave fluff! I have topstitched on it sucessfully around the seams, looks good. love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
|
From: Nina Christen
Date: 03-01-2005, 06:52 PM (7 of 20)
|
I love sewing with fleece and have made many blankets. Some of the blankets were the tied type and some were serged edges. My grandson and great granddaughter each have a cuddler to use in their carseats. Everyone in the family has their own blanket, but not me. Mine is ready to cut for the tied fringe. It will be done by the end of the week, (I hope). The fleece colors and patterns are just beautiful. Whenever you give a fleece blanket as a gift the person receiving it is always so happy to get it. Gmanina
|
User: Nina Christen
Member since: 05-02-2003 Total posts: 36 
|
From: AndreaSews
Date: 03-01-2005, 08:21 PM (8 of 20)
|
I made an easy pair of PJ's for my daughter with a microfleece. Having no pattern, I just traced a pair she had, and I didn't need to plan for facings b/c the edges don't fray. Just to give it a finished look, I used a yarn and needle to make a blanket stitch edge on the cuffs, neckline, and lower edge (instead of hem) of the top. I did have a hard time getting the needle through the fleece, since I needed a large needle size in order to accommodate the yarn. Other than that, it was so nice and easy to work with. I had to clean behind the bobbin a lot when I was using fleece frequently. It made a lot of lint.
Andrea
|
User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
|
From: Dee Marie
Date: 03-01-2005, 08:24 PM (9 of 20)
 I am sewing a fleece jumper, matching coat, and hat for a size 4T. I'm having trouble sewing thru the fleece. What size needle would you recommend? It is impossible to use the fleece to bind the edge; I see you are suggesting a serged edge to finish? thanks!
|
User: Dee Marie
Member since: 08-10-2004 Total posts: 16 |
From: Sancin
Date: 03-01-2005, 08:26 PM (10 of 20)
|
I live in a part of Canada where it frequently goes down to -40 C in the winter. I made myself a polar fleece coat 10 years ago supposedly to be worn till I found myself some wool I liked. I have never looked back. I am still wearing the same coat and I still get stopped on the street by people admiring it (it is a purple and made from McPhee parka pattern - no hood -with an ookpic appliqued on the pocket). I made another out of a Vogue pattern last year but still come back to the purple one for comfort. When making the purple one I made the mistake of ironing the shoulder seam with an iron that was too hot and the fabric melted. I used one of those mesh gizmo's used to 'deball' sweaters and eventually got the plush back up. I love to use pieces of fleece as applique as it can be like animal fur and I recently cut thin strips of a scrap and pulled the strip to have it curl, then used it as an embellishment of a vest I made. I do find that bathrobes and nighties made from fleece, even micro fleece too warm, but I do love microfleece for tops for skirts or pants like a sweater. Sews up so quickly and don't even need a pattern. *~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
|
User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
|
From: Melanie T
Date: 03-02-2005, 09:28 AM (11 of 20)
|
Lint is definately a factor. I learned how to take apart my machine and give it a through cleaning while sewing on fleece. I make reversable jackets for my kids with Touchdown on the reverse side every time they outgrow their old ones. I made one sleeper using the Kwik Sew Sewing for Children pattern (the snaps were funny, but that had nothing to do with the fleece). It was way too hot! I ended up using it as a snowsuit when he was not in the carseat or the poor child was completely wet with sweat. The fleece throws that we make or buy and embroider are great. I love taking naps under them. Sancin, what is an oopick and which Macphee pattern were you using and how do you sew fleece tops without a pattern? Melanie
4 little sewing machine mechanics (6, 4, 2, Born June 14) Ontario Canada |
User: Melanie T
Member since: 09-21-2004 Total posts: 155 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 03-02-2005, 02:01 PM (12 of 20)
|
I am sewing a fleece jumper, matching coat, and hat for a size 4T. I'm having trouble sewing thru the fleece. What size needle would you recommend? It is impossible to use the fleece to bind the edge; I see you are suggesting a serged edge to finish? thanks! Hmm...First, is the needle brand new? I think fleece dulls the needles quickly. If it's pretty thick, then you might try a size 14. (Any recommendations on regular vs ballpoint, folks?) You could also lengthen the stitch a little, and set it at a very narrow zigzag. I've done ok w/ storebought bindings, although I did find the curves a pain. And I've also made a simple hem--But through 2 layers, not 3. That is, fold it up one time, not two times. Andrea
|
User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007
|
From: MaryW
Date: 03-02-2005, 02:24 PM (13 of 20)
|
I have found I like lycra swimwear fabric for binding. It looks professional and goes on like a dream.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
|
From: Emmy
Date: 03-02-2005, 04:07 PM (14 of 20)
I LOVE fleece!  I hardly ever use my serger for it though, as its just not necessary. Seems silly to dull the blades on fabric that don't need edge finishing. My serger blades never needed to be replaced until I had done a few fleece items on them. I find the seams less bulky if they are sewn on the sewing machine, instead of the serger. And the seams almost disappear from view if done that way. (When the inside shows, the seams done on a SM are nearly invisible compared to serged seams). So, I find that this is one fabric I prefer to sew on the SM, not the serger. I keep my vaccum attachments handy to clean up the lint after every project and sometimes in the middle of them too. The fleece sometimes gives me a rash when I cut and sew with it, the little fibers get in my skin and irritate. So I usually have a rash while working with it, but it goes away after a few days. It dries my skin, which gets very sore. Does anyone else have this problem with fleece?  I bought a RTW fleece sweater about 10 years ago and found it so handy that I made up 3 last winter to replace it when the original one wore out. I love the sweaters for indoors, so I'm no longer cold around the house or outdoors. Fleece is becoming a staple in my wardrobe. I bought every single piece when it was on sale to save money. I made a double fleece reversible grey jacket a couple of years ago for winter and love it. Its like sheepskin on one side, and suede on the other. I sewed it to look like its sewn in sheepskin and suede, with "fur" edges showing. Its very warm, unless its really windy and bitter cold. Then the wind goes through. I can't line it or I lose the reversibility, so I wear a warmer top under it when its really bad weather, or I just stay inside, LOL! This was also bought at a greatly reduced price, in spring. I had to wait all summer and fall for cold weather to try it out! It was the first time in a long time that I actually looked forward to some snow, LOL! I've found that in middle age, I tend to get cold and stay cold, and the fleece sweater/jackets help prevent that. I splurged last year and made a full length robe too, and its lovely and toasty. I find that pullovers are not as handy as sweaters, and will stick with zipped sweaters from now on. At least they don't make a horrible staticky mess of your hair!  My husband and daughter love fleece and I recently convinced my mom to try it too. I made some fleece throws for Christmas, and have done pullovers, cat toys from scraps, and a back scrubber from scraps too. I'd like to try some embroidery on it, but haven't had time, usually have to get projects done before I'm interrupted, or they sit for a long time unfinished. Emmy |
User: Emmy
Member since: 09-01-2001 Total posts: 127 
|
From: Military_Mom
Date: 03-02-2005, 05:16 PM (15 of 20)
|
I've only sewn a few things with fleece but I have a stockpile of it to do more projects. So far I've made DGD a tied blanket (that she'll get this weekend for her 2nd birthday!) and several neck and ear warmers. I have a pattern for a top that I might try next. Talking about dull needles .....I just read that you can sharpen SM needles by "sewing" through fine grit sandpaper. Has anyone tried this?? I'm hesitant about trying it until I hear that someone else has, and what the outcome was. ~Becky |
User: Military_Mom
Member since: 01-10-2005 Total posts: 109 
|
From: Hogmami
Date: 03-03-2005, 03:19 PM (16 of 20)
|
I have some fabric that is fleece on one side and a satin type material on the other. I am trying to figure out what to make with it. There is about 6 yards. I have also make alot of fleece tops. I have a beautiful piece of fleece that is red and black. I can't decide if I want to make a robe or a jacket.
Carolyn
Michigan |
User: Hogmami
Member since: 09-30-2004 Total posts: 800 
|
From: Emmy
Date: 03-03-2005, 04:47 PM (17 of 20)
|
I have some fabric that is fleece on one side and a satin type material on the other. I am trying to figure out what to make with it. Sounds perfect for a long robe, would be cozy but wouldn't stick to your pj's or nightgown. The red and black would make a nice jacket to wear with black slacks. Emmy |
User: Emmy
Member since: 09-01-2001 Total posts: 127
|
From: Emmy
Date: 03-03-2005, 04:50 PM (18 of 20)
|
Talking about dull needles .....I just read that you can sharpen SM needles by "sewing" through fine grit sandpaper. Has anyone tried this?? I'm hesitant about trying it until I hear that someone else has, and what the outcome was. ~Becky Not a good idea. The sand will get into your machine and cause damage. I use a good nail file, and run the needles along it, on an angle. I try to match the angle of the tips and I twirl them as I do it, otherwise they get flat on one side. Use a magnifying glass to look at a new sharp needle and then look at your dull ones. Try to match up the old dull one to the point that the new one has. Take some practice, but you can learn to do it. You must use these needles as sharps, even if they started out as ballpoint. I use a metal nail file that looks kind of like sandpaper, not the type that has grooves in it. You could buy a good emery board instead, the kind used for fake nails. Emmy |
User: Emmy
Member since: 09-01-2001 Total posts: 127
|
From: Sancin
Date: 03-03-2005, 05:11 PM (19 of 20)
|
Lint Sancin, what is an oopick and which Macphee pattern were you using and how do you sew fleece tops without a pattern? An ookpic (had spelled wrong) is something like an artic owl, was a symbol during 1967 Expo in Montreal. I can't recall which McPhee pattern I used and I am in the upheaval of moving things around and would take hours to find. It was her original parka with removable hood. I don't like hoods. I do, however, make hats out of fleece to match my coats - any pattern I happen to have. FYI for those of you who like to applique, Linda McPhee has a lot of patterns (and a lot in each pattern) of animals and abstract shapes. *~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
|
User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895
|
From: SummersEchos
Date: 03-03-2005, 11:56 PM (20 of 20)
|
I made myself a fleece reversible jacket. One side was all white, the other a white and black pattern. On the sleeves I chenilled part of the sleeve. The next one I made I did the sleeves and back. This was a red on one side and a red and white print on the other. I have had many compliments on them. I am not a big fleece person for I find it to warm if I am not out in the cold the whole time. For my DGD I have made snowsuits and jumpers. I have done many of the boa scarfs and with the left over pieces I have made a few block quilts. I would cut squares and butt them together and zig zag over the seams. These were left in the cars for emergencies. It is a linty mess and you do need to clean the SW. I do not use my serger for I like the open seams. I used any size Universal needle and the fleece didn't seem to mind. I will lenghten my stitch slightly, but have not had much problems with it sewing up. Summer Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-15202.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft