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From: Cant-sew-a-lick
Date: 11-08-2005, 10:08 PM (1 of 23)
I have been reading the past threads and I keep seeing that the majority of you don't like to sew with fleece material. Why? If it is so hard to manage why do the manufacturers keep making it? What is a good alternative? I know, lots of questions - You'll get used to me after awhile 
My dogs need clothes!
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User: Cant-sew-a-lick
Member since: 11-07-2005 Total posts: 29 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 11-08-2005, 11:16 PM (2 of 23)
I don't like fleece 'cause I have terrible allergies...too fuzzy, too hot, too , too...I'm a cotton only person....flannel works for me...(if I feel the need to be warm...  ...but I gotta confess...I don't wear flannel either...I'm one of those people who seldom get cold...much to the disgust of most of the people who see me in the cold without a coat (yes I own one), a sweater, (yes I own 3) or a jacket (yes I own one of those too....just in case I ever feel the need to be warm...).I haven't always lived in FL...I didn't wear a coat in MT or CO much either...unless it was below 30 degrees...and if it was dry, not even then... too much info...oh well Kath (the talker) 
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: Catalina
Date: 11-09-2005, 04:00 AM (3 of 23)
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I'm working on a fleece jacket now. I live in MI. so people wear a lot of fleece. It is bad for static cling. It does have a tendency to make a person look a little heavier. I like sewing fleece as its very forgiving and the seams don't fray. Not every pattern is suitable for fleece. Its hard to rip the stitching out of fleece too. A lot of people buy fleece to make no sew blankets and scarfs. Fleece takes up a lot of space. |
User: Catalina
Member since: 01-06-2005 Total posts: 119 |
From: LauraM62
Date: 11-09-2005, 07:27 AM (4 of 23)
I personally don't have a problem with fleece. I recently finished 2 zipped fleece jackets for teen dd, with a request for 2 more (we need more fashion coordinating colors for the wardrobe). I have another double-fleece longer jacket for #3 dd to do. Fleece does make a mess in my machines, so I clean after each project, lots of fuzz! Fleece has its own issues but can be forgiving  It can get pretty cold around here, fleece jackets seem to be the things my kids like in replacement of the sweater cardigans of past years, and is a little dressier then sweatshirts. Now for a real mess, the jacket I'm making #3 dd has curly fleece too! I also seen several little girls wearing curly fleece shirts, plus seen them in the stores this weekend! Thinking more curly fleece for some tops for #3 dd! 
LauraM
SW Indiana If everyone cared and nobody cried; If everyone loved and nobody lied; If everyone shared and swallowed their pride; Then we'd see the day when nobody died --'If Everyone Cared' by Nickelback |
User: LauraM62
Member since: 08-10-2003 Total posts: 246 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 11-09-2005, 08:05 AM (5 of 23)
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I think fleece is really easy to work with and the variety is incredible. I don't know why I don't care much for it -- but I don't. It is a mess. I don't have a lot of experience with fleece but I am getting ready to make a jacket and I have a couple questions. This seems as good a place as any to ask. Should I use a ball point needle or is a Universal ok? What is better -- the sewing machine with a stretch stitch, the serger or some combination of the two? Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: dmoses
Date: 11-09-2005, 08:36 AM (6 of 23)
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A universal needle is okay, unless you are adding details with another type of fabric(lycra, for example, would need a stretch needle). A straight stitch of 3-3.5 mm is appropriate for loose fitting garments, but shorten the stitch for areas which require some 'give'. Sandra Betzina suggests using a stretch stitch in a crotch seam, e.g. For serging, Nancy Cornwell says to use a 3/4 thread stitch and, if possible, narrow the cutting width to cut off more of the seam allowance. Also, adjust the differential feed to 1 or 1.5. Nancy Cornwell has written several books about sewing with fleece, and has some very cool ideas for various projects and embellishments. Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964 
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From: LauraM62
Date: 11-09-2005, 08:53 AM (7 of 23)
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I think fleece is really easy to work with and the variety is incredible. I don't know why I don't care much for it -- but I don't. It is a mess. I don't have a lot of experience with fleece but I am getting ready to make a jacket and I have a couple questions. This seems as good a place as any to ask. Should I use a ball point needle or is a Universal ok? What is better -- the sewing machine with a stretch stitch, the serger or some combination of the two? Dorothy Personally I just use the universal needles, have never had any problems or issues. I use a combo of the serger & the sewing machine, but you could do it all on the sewing machine if you want. The beauty of fleece is that it is like knit, it doesn't ravel, so technicially doesn't need to be sergered. I have never used a stretch stitch either on my fleece, I use a regular straight stitch, looser tension, longer stitch length. When I tested the stretch stitch on a piece of fleece once it stretched out the fabric too much. So test it for yourself. I didn't even use the stretch stitch when adding lycra/nylon binding around the sleeve bindings, and we haven't ever had issues. Have some of the fleece jackets that have been around for a couple of years too Of course when I started I just followed Kwik Sew directions on a fleece specific pattern 
LauraM
SW Indiana If everyone cared and nobody cried; If everyone loved and nobody lied; If everyone shared and swallowed their pride; Then we'd see the day when nobody died --'If Everyone Cared' by Nickelback |
User: LauraM62
Member since: 08-10-2003 Total posts: 246
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From: paroper
Date: 11-09-2005, 08:58 AM (8 of 23)
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I love to sew fleece! My kids are crazy about it. We do a lot of snuggly loungewear type stuff in our house out of it. I decided to make myself a bathrobe out of it though and I feel like a polar bear in it...but then, I'm not a small woman. I only wear it when I am freezing (and considering the projected price of home heating oil this winter.....I may learn to wear it more....) It is amazing how much space the fleece takes up in the sewing room though. When I buy it I like to use it soon because I don't like having huge amounts of fleece in the way. There are so many things you don't have to do when you sew with fleece, it is so forgiving and easy to sew....great stuff! pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: LauraM62
Date: 11-09-2005, 11:12 AM (9 of 23)
Well Pam you made me remember that I finished a fleece robe a couple of weeks ago for #3 dd, she loves it  And made her a fleece lounge / jogging suit Fleece does take up room if you try to stash it, but it sews up so nice & fast that it doesn't sit long around here Now you all just made me realize how much fleece I have been sewing in the last month
LauraM
SW Indiana If everyone cared and nobody cried; If everyone loved and nobody lied; If everyone shared and swallowed their pride; Then we'd see the day when nobody died --'If Everyone Cared' by Nickelback |
User: LauraM62
Member since: 08-10-2003 Total posts: 246
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From: sewingrandma
Date: 11-09-2005, 11:12 AM (10 of 23)
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I'm with Chrys, allergies and having an overactive internal thermastat. I find it awkward to fold, place pattern pieces on it, cut etc. Lint is everywhere, I'm sneezing, coughing, eyes watering, perspiring, sticking to the fabric etc. I'm working with it right now because that is what DGS wants. Next pair of pjs will be what Grandma wants, trust me on this one!
Brockie
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User: sewingrandma
Member since: 03-06-2003 Total posts: 432 |
From: SummersEchos
Date: 11-09-2005, 11:16 AM (11 of 23)
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I don't like fleece because it is to warm. I live in Mich. but fleece is still to warm. It is a breeze to sew with, very forgiving, and quite a fast sew. It is just to warm for me.
Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: toadusew
Date: 11-09-2005, 01:59 PM (12 of 23)
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When I sew fleece, I use the 75/11 HS (stretch) needle, and use about a 3 stitch length. That seems to give me the best results. I have used a 14 universal needle before, but I like using the HS needle better. Since fleece is a knit, that just seems to do the trick for me. I agree that fleece is more awkward to cut out and stash, but I love how soft and snuggly it is--garments or blankets!
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User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 11-10-2005, 05:27 AM (13 of 23)
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I really like fleece, what I don't like about it is the pilling after a couple of washes, but I have learnt from the people here that its in the quality of fleece that you buy, plus learning which is right side up! I have about three fleece projects to do before Christmas, I'm beginning to wish it was still September! My how times flies.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: LauraM62
Date: 11-10-2005, 11:50 AM (14 of 23)
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I decided to look up Sandra Betzina 's More Fabric Savvy, noticed someone else mentioned Sandra's tips too. But here are the advice she gives for fleece. If interfacing for zippers or closures, us non-fusible interfacing such as silk organza; Thread, good polyester; Needle 70/10 H, 80/12 H, 75/11 HS, pictured is a universal package; stitch length 3.0 mm straight stitch, a stretch stitch in crotch seams, also 1/4 inch clear elastic to stablize crotch & shoulder seams; presser foot, satin stitch foot. Other tips, closures snaps reinforce with sew-in interfacing to prevent pulling; buttonholes stretch out unless you hand baste clear elastic on the wrong side. She also suggests using 1/4 inch twill tape cut to size to stabilize necklines. There is a few other things, but that is the biggest just of it all !
LauraM
SW Indiana If everyone cared and nobody cried; If everyone loved and nobody lied; If everyone shared and swallowed their pride; Then we'd see the day when nobody died --'If Everyone Cared' by Nickelback |
User: LauraM62
Member since: 08-10-2003 Total posts: 246
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From: bunzino
Date: 11-10-2005, 08:48 PM (15 of 23)
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I'm someone who's always cold, so I love it in the winter -- even inside. It does "attract"' pet hair and lint, so I keep a sticky roller handy and have to use it everyday I wear the stuff. Washing it inside out and hanging to dry really does keep it looking new longer. And fleece dries really, really fast. Don't forget that there are different weights of fleece. Check out the malden mills website for lots of explanation. They invented polarfleece. nancy |
User: bunzino
Member since: 08-16-2002 Total posts: 119 |
From: SummersEchos
Date: 11-10-2005, 09:04 PM (16 of 23)
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This is sorta off subject, but you know the swifter, that is all the rage. You buy those replacement cloths, use them and through them away. Leftover fleece is wonderful for this. It picks up everything. If you make the no sew blankets, the corners that you cut off are good for dusting. See what you learn working in a fabric shop. Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: LadySloPokes
Date: 11-11-2005, 12:33 PM (17 of 23)
I recently tried serging two pieces of fleece remnants (same type and color) together to make a quick throw, but I ran into the problem of my serger not being able to feed both layers evenly at the same time. My serger is very old, made in 1989, 3 thread overlock, no differential feed and no stretch stitching. It doesn't appear that the presser foot comes up high enough to accommodate that much bulk. Now I've been asked to make new fleece blankets for my 2 step-sons for Christmas. Would I be better off just serging the edges only, or should I just use my regular machine to make 1/2" hems? I'm so confused! 
Cookie
LadySlo...yes am I, but hey, I'm gettin' there! Are you sure it's supposed to look like this?! Proud owner of Singer Quantum Decor 7322 & Singer Quantum Futura CE 200.. "A balanced diet is having chocolate in both hands!" |
User: LadySloPokes
Member since: 08-15-2005 Total posts: 198 
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From: paroper
Date: 11-11-2005, 03:00 PM (18 of 23)
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When you consider that the fabric doesn't really need a finish, it takes a lot of the stress off. You finish the blankets to give them a little flare and look more finished. One of my favorite finishes is an overcast stitch which I widen out. It looks like an old fashioned blanket stitch. If you prefer to serge, that is fine. I sometimes put 505 (wash out spray adhesive used in embroidery) just around the edges of my fleece to make the edges stay together. It helps in cutting and finishing.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: mommydionne
Date: 11-11-2005, 04:54 PM (19 of 23)
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I like sewing and embroidering fleece. My favourite is the heavy doubleweight fleece for jackets and sweaters. I'm currently embroidering scarves for the neices and nephews for xmas. I use aquafilm as a topper to keep the stitches even, works great.
Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
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From: gm23237
Date: 11-11-2005, 05:11 PM (20 of 23)
| I love working with fleece. I made several blankets for people older than I am for Christmas. They like the warmth, the softness. I also made 5 fleece ponchos for people this year. |
User: gm23237
Member since: 11-03-2003 Total posts: 145
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From: LadySloPokes
Date: 11-12-2005, 09:34 AM (21 of 23)
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When you consider that the fabric doesn't really need a finish, it takes a lot of the stress off. You finish the blankets to give them a little flare and look more finished. One of my favorite finishes is an overcast stitch which I widen out. It looks like an old fashioned blanket stitch. If you prefer to serge, that is fine. I sometimes put 505 (wash out spray adhesive used in embroidery) just around the edges of my fleece to make the edges stay together. It helps in cutting and finishing. Thank you for this great advice...I had planned on serging the edges to keep it from raveling and to give it a better look. I'm also going to be sewing on some satin blanket binding at the end that goes at the top of the bed, more for looks than anything else. Cookie
LadySlo...yes am I, but hey, I'm gettin' there! Are you sure it's supposed to look like this?! Proud owner of Singer Quantum Decor 7322 & Singer Quantum Futura CE 200.. "A balanced diet is having chocolate in both hands!" |
User: LadySloPokes
Member since: 08-15-2005 Total posts: 198
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From: paroper
Date: 11-12-2005, 11:25 AM (22 of 23)
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For some odd reason, the fleece doesn't actually need a thing. That is why people can clip and tie or just cut it out and use it. When dealing with fleece everything is for looks.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: SummersEchos
Date: 11-12-2005, 12:13 PM (23 of 23)
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Fleece doesn't ravel due to the fact that it has recycled soda, milk, clear lightweight plastics in it. Pretty neat huh, that it is helping the enviroment and keeping everyone warm and toasty.
Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
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