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The Sew What’s New Archive
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From: blackie
Date: 11-10-2006, 09:42 PM (1 of 22)
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OK. I am just now realizing fleece has some value. I strongly favor all-natural fibers but fleece is so warm, so fun to sew. At Joann's I saw SO many kinds, too. So now I am looking for: A. Where to buy and what kind to buy. Yes, Joann's has tons of kinds, lots of great novelty stuff and cheap, but my guess is it isn't the best. I've heard Malden Mills is pretty sweet. I know they have it at Wazoodle. I can't decipher what kinds to buy (weights, etc). Is there a club I can join for swatches? ; and then, B. What book would you recommend for fleece projects and learning to work with it? I tend to favor off-beat stuff or Euro (Ottobre) styles of patterns, etc. Thanks in advance! Kelly see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 11-12-2006, 01:32 PM (2 of 22)
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I have sewed tons of fleece for my family from baby items to huge throws and quilts. I prefer anti pill fleece. Some words of caution..depending on the type of machine you have..dark colored fleece can stain your machine bed if the bed is of a certain type of plastic variety.Yes, the stain can partially wash off then wear off but it is rather ugly. My Pfaff is still discolored and has some tiny cracks on the accessory case ..probably from my scrubbing. It is now my designated fleece machine of my 3 machines. I don't wish to stain the other two even though my Viking and Kenmore have a shinier surface that might not stain as much as the dull finish on the Pfaff. To prevent stains it is recommended to wash the dark fleece before sewing..as you can tell ..I don't. There is so much you can do with fleece and there are books and pamphlet's out there but I cannot recommend any. Little hats, scarves, shrugs, vests and even dog coats are quick and easy. My DGK's love the fleece robes I have made for them. You can cut the fleece with curly edges or pink them or just use scissors and the edges do not fray and no overcasting is needed. Pillows with the tied edges are also fun to make. Joann's has the "no Sew" pillow cover pkg offered and this is something that children can also enjoy doing for gifts for their friends. I hope you have fun working with fleece. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: lendube
Date: 11-12-2006, 02:22 PM (3 of 22)
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Now that you mention the no-sew pillows; don't forget to check out those packages if you need a certain pattern fleece. I've found what I needed in those packages when I couldn't find a bolt. The pillow squares are about 48" inches or so and you get one print and one coodinated solid. Handy for smaller projects. Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: MaryW
Date: 11-12-2006, 02:24 PM (4 of 22)
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There is a book by Nancy Cornwell called Polar Magic, New Adventures with Fleece. By the review given on Amazon, it should be very informative and give you all the tricks of sewing with fleece. It is very forgiving. I have made both kid and adult jackets, pants and accessories out of various fleeces. There is a micro fleece that looks very nice. Haven't tried that yet.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: lendube
Date: 11-12-2006, 02:36 PM (5 of 22)
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I love the new Berber Fleece. Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: MaryW
Date: 11-12-2006, 07:01 PM (6 of 22)
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Yes, berber is nice. I like the fact it looks like something more expensive.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: HeyJudee
Date: 11-12-2006, 11:09 PM (7 of 22)
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I rarely sew fleece but have added these links to my favourites for the future ... if I should need them. Maybe they will help. http://www.maldenmillsstore.com/e-classroom.asp?id=0518360464230429043415 http://www.fabriclandwest.com/Fleece_Country/fleece_tips.htm http://www.thegreenpepper.com/packs.html http://www.mormonchic.com/crafty/fabulous-fleece.asp#hat TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366 
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From: blackie
Date: 11-14-2006, 12:30 AM (8 of 22)
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Some words of caution..depending on the type of machine you have..dark colored fleece can stain your machine bed if the bed is of a certain type of plastic variety. Thank you for the warning. There is a book by Nancy Cornwell called Polar Magic, New Adventures with Fleece. By the review given on Amazon, it should be very informative and give you all the tricks of sewing with fleece. It is very forgiving. I have made both kid and adult jackets, pants and accessories out of various fleeces. There is a micro fleece that looks very nice. Haven't tried that yet. Mary, I will probably purchase that book just to get my feet wet. Thank you. And thanks HeyJudee for the links. see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: MaryW
Date: 11-14-2006, 12:40 PM (9 of 22)
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Kelly, I know you don't like knits. But, fleece is a knit. It stretches on the crossgrain. Don't let that put you off, it sews up like a dream. You might want to stabilize seams that have a lot of stress. You don't need interfacing unless you are sewing in a zipper. Then interface the wrong side of the seam allowances. Malden Mills has the best fleece, it stretches and pills the least. I like fleece for kids. It's washable, wears like iron and can be made up into almost anything. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: blackie
Date: 11-14-2006, 02:50 PM (10 of 22)
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Kelly, I know you don't like knits. But, fleece is a knit. It stretches on the crossgrain. Don't let that put you off, it sews up like a dream. I like knits even though I am defninitely still learning! I have found fleece sews up very easily once you know a few tricks. You might want to stabilize seams that have a lot of stress. You don't need interfacing unless you are sewing in a zipper. Then interface the wrong side of the seam allowances. Malden Mills has the best fleece, it stretches and pills the least. I like fleece for kids. It's washable, wears like iron and can be made up into almost anything. Good tips on stabilizing. I have heard good things about Malden Mills. Should I buy directly from them or is there a better alternative? Kelly see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: MaryW
Date: 11-14-2006, 06:24 PM (11 of 22)
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I'm not sure what the margins are for buying from Malden Mills. You might have to buy in quantities and have a business or tax # to do that. Otherwise, retail or online outlets are fine. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: weezie
Date: 11-15-2006, 02:15 PM (12 of 22)
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Hi guys, I had to get in on this one. Yes you can buy from Malden Mills web site in small home sewist amounts as well as the pros. I just ordered a bag lot of 9" fleece trimmings from their rolls. Just the right size for hats,socks,mittens,slippers all kinds of goodies. They play some mix and match so you can color block from the same scrap bag. I also got their swatche pack last week. I had no idea of the different types of this stuff available for home sewing. Good feely tabs for blankies! Later , I've got a look out for the UPS man. Weezie 
weezie
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User: weezie
Member since: 01-01-2002 Total posts: 34 |
From: kmccrea
Date: 11-15-2006, 06:35 PM (13 of 22)
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I hear a lot about fleece lately and I do see it in the stores around here, but I, too, know little about it. Besides, it is so warm here (sorry, Mary and other northerners...I promise I'm not bragging) that there little opportunity to wear or use it. Maybe I should try a nice car coat from one of the lighter weights because it can get a little nippy in the early mornings. Besides, I love to try new stuff! Malden Mills is a fountain of information and their customer service is excellent, even if you are not in sewing business. They manufacture and sell other outerwear and excercise stuff, too. Kate Katherine McCrea
Designer At Large |
User: kmccrea
Member since: 05-07-2006 Total posts: 173 
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From: bridesmom
Date: 11-20-2006, 02:55 PM (14 of 22)
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I just read somewhere that the printed fleeces are more likely to pill than non printed. Can't remember where or why, but I do know that there is definitely a right side and a wrong side to fleece. The wrong side pills lots more than the right. I've tried the sweater fleece, where one side looks like a knit and the other like a fleece, but I sure wasn't happy with the result. Really stretchy fabric.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: weezie
Date: 11-26-2006, 01:16 AM (15 of 22)
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Hi again, There's a few things that can help with fleece pilling. First off wash in either cold or warm water never in hot water. Don't toss them into a hot dryer!Either use low temp of tumble them fllece doesn't take long to dry at all. I often just hang mine up on a plastic hanger and have some pieces that have been worn for years but still look good.You don't need to prewash any fleece before sewing except for the ones with power knit on one side. Even the prints you can chose to use either side you want just be consistant.Some of mine are sewn this way on purpose.I pop a piece of tape on the side I'll use while cutting. Most important fact to get the best fleece you can for your money. I try to use nothing but Maldens Mills brands for my sewing. It's more expensive than some you'll find but it out wears while still looking good than any others I have tried.I do know there are a couple of Canadian mills that are making comparable fleece too but can't recall the names.Low cost fleece will pill right off so the bargain brands aren't worth our time if we want quality fleece.Malden's has several types of fleece for heavy duty extras such as wind block and a 300 weight that's awesome. NA just a happy customer for years. weezie
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User: weezie
Member since: 01-01-2002 Total posts: 34 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 11-30-2006, 08:04 PM (16 of 22)
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I've got a fleece jacket that I've worn almost every day that its cool enough and its an off white, so it gets washed lots. I wash it inside out, with the zipper zipped up, and hang it up to dry. It still looks really good after 2 1/2 years.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: lilypad
Date: 12-03-2006, 02:56 AM (17 of 22)
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Several years ago, I made a fleece jacket for my husband. It held up pretty well- a print with pine trees and moose on a cream colored background. I bought the fleece in JoAnn's. I didn't stabilize the zipper seam, and the zipper was a little "wavy" as a result. I've since found I get nice flat seams with a stitch length of 3.5. My husband wore the jacket while waiting in line at the bank. All of a sudden, he felt someone "petting" his back! He turned around and the woman behind him said she loved his jacket. He told me he blushed and told her his wife made it for him. He could use another jacket now; I found a nice wool coating; will use fleece as the lining. 
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User: lilypad
Member since: 11-09-2006 Total posts: 9 |
From: Lee Anne
Date: 12-03-2006, 09:46 AM (18 of 22)
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A few things to know about fleece: 1) Weights. 350g/12.5oz is the bare minimum for making polar fleece garments. The lighter weights sold at 'lands and marts' is best used for blankets, pillows and crafts. 2) Thermal performance. Polar fleece, with the exception of windblocking fleeces, is quite thermal, but is is not great at blocking wind. They are best used as a middle layer. Tip: Adding a simple woven shell or lining to a polar fleece pullover can increase heat retention by a factor of 5. 3) Anti-pill: almost all fleeces are anti-pill today, at least on the face. Lower weight fleeces (<350g/12.5oz) will pill faster. Liquid fabric softener will rapidly accellerate pilling. Tumble drying with rough or heavy items (like jeans) will accellerate pilling. |
User: Lee Anne
Member since: 01-13-2006 Total posts: 2 |
From: MaryW
Date: 12-07-2006, 10:38 AM (19 of 22)
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But, how do you know how much a fleece weighs? Is that measure per yard or...
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: wazoodle
Date: 12-07-2006, 07:19 PM (20 of 22)
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Weights are measured differently depending where you are in the supply chain. Textile mills typically show weights by the yd2 or m2. Retailers often show weights by the linear yard or meter, that is 1 yd or m of the full width of the fabric from selvedge to selvedge. Be sure to check the width when you compare items. 5oz flannel at 45" is a nice weight, 5oz at 60" is very thin. LeeAnne
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User: wazoodle
Member since: 10-17-2002 Total posts: 29 |
From: Sancin
Date: 12-08-2006, 03:13 AM (21 of 22)
Hello from the cold zone now into melting  Ten years ago I made myself a parka (sans hood) of the heaviest malden polar fleece. I wear it in all our cold weather and I still have people asking me about it (I have a cute applique on the pocket). It is very warm, even in the wind because I used a high density rayon lining. I literally live in it for 6 months of the year. It is just starting to get a little tatty, but then I can't recall the last time I washed it. I would never wear a wool coat again as they are heavy. Two years ago I also made a curly berber coat, thinking it was a little like lamb to wear as a dress coat. I must admit I didn't use the best pattern, made it a little fuller and longer hoping for a dressier look. It is more of a big bear look on my body and it is not as warm as my original but I don't go out for long in it. I think the fullness allows the wind in. I don't recall whether it was a Malden fleece or not but it is not double sided fleece. I did make an interlining of thermo? but it was just too bulky so I removed it. The original coat polar fleece is double sided fleece and has never balled. I refresh it from time to time with a wool comb (mesh sweater deballer). I have made several vests that balled almost as soon as I put them on. You do have to read the bolts and not depend on the clerks for info re whether the material will ball or not - if not listed as no balling, it may . Price usually is a clue but not always. Because it is so popular (but less this year) there is a lot of junk out there and much, but not all, is the printed stuff, particularly the ones for children's designs. I also love the micro fleeces. They are hard to find here, but make wonderfully warm tunics and lounge/bed wear. Please note I have a question on fleece blankets on the children's wear forum that I need a quick answer to. 
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
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From: MaryW
Date: 12-08-2006, 09:33 AM (22 of 22)
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I have mitts made from berber fleece and they are the warmest I have ever worn.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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