Tips for Working with Fleece Fabric
Fleece fabric is a favorite among sewists for its softness, warmth, and versatility. Whether you're crafting winter wear, cozy blankets, or snuggly accessories, fleece is a fantastic choice. However, its unique characteristics can pose some challenges. Here are some tips and tricks to help you sew with fleece fabric successfully.
1. Choosing the Right Fleece
Fleece comes in a variety of types and weights, each suited for different projects:
Anti-pill fleece: Ideal for garments and accessories as it resists pilling with wear. Also great for soft toys and stuffed animals.
Shop anti-pill fleece fabric at Joann.Blizzard fleece: Thicker and warmer, great for blankets and outerwear. Also great for soft toys and stuffed animals.
Shop blizzard fleece fabric at Joann.Luxe fleece: Fluffy & dense, perfect for jackets, winter coats & sportswear.
Shop luxe fleece fabric at Joann.Minky fleece: Soothing softness makes it perfect for baby blankets.
Shop minky fleece fabric at Joann.Sew lush fleece: Smooth & fluffy, great for soft & furry loungewear, pillows & blankets.
Shop lush fleece fabric at Joann.Microfleece: Lightweight and soft, perfect for baby items and lightweight apparel.
2. Cutting Fleece Fabric
Fleece can be bulky and tends to shift while cutting. Here’s how to manage it:
Use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter: Ensure your cutting tools are sharp for clean, precise cuts.
Pattern weights: Use weights instead of pins to hold your pattern pieces in place, preventing distortion.
Marking tools: A fabric marking pen or tailor’s chalk works well on fleece. Avoid using regular pens or pencils.
3. Needles and Threads
Needles: Use a ballpoint or universal needle, size 80/12 or 90/14, to prevent snagging the fabric.
Thread: Polyester thread is ideal for fleece due to its strength and slight stretch.
4. Presser Feet and Machine Settings
Fleece is thick and can be tricky to feed through the sewing machine:
Presser foot: A walking foot helps feed the fabric evenly, preventing shifting and stretching.
Stitch length: Use a longer stitch length (3.0 to 4.0 mm) to accommodate the fabric’s bulk.
Tension: Adjust the tension settings on your machine if needed, testing on a scrap piece first.
5. Sewing Tips
Use clips, not pins: Binder clips or wonder clips hold your pieces together without leaving marks.
Slow and steady: Sew at a moderate speed to maintain control and achieve even stitches.
Seam finishing: Fleece doesn’t fray, but finishing seams with a serger or a zigzag stitch adds durability and a clean look.
6. Handling Stretch and Bulk
Fleece has some stretch and bulk that can affect your sewing:
Stabilize seams: Use a strip of lightweight interfacing or clear elastic to stabilize shoulder seams and prevent stretching.
Reduce bulk: Trim seam allowances and clip corners to reduce bulk, especially in areas where multiple layers meet.
7. Pressing Fleece
Fleece is heat-sensitive, so pressing requires special care:
Low heat setting: Use a low heat setting on your iron, and avoid direct contact with the fabric.
Pressing cloth: Place a pressing cloth between the iron and the fleece to prevent melting and damage.
Finger pressing: For small seams, you can often use your fingers to press the seams open without heat.
8. Creative Ideas for Fleece Projects
Apparel: Hoodies, jackets, vests, and pajama pants.
Accessories: Hats, scarves, gloves, and mittens.
Home decor: Blankets, throws, cushion covers, and pet beds.
Baby items: Blankets, booties, and cozy outfits.
Toys: Soft toys and stuffed animals.
9. Practice and Patience
Working with fleece can be rewarding but requires patience. Practice on small projects to get a feel for the fabric before tackling more complex items. Remember, fleece is forgiving and hides imperfections well, so enjoy the process and the cozy results!
Fleece fabric is a joy to sew with, offering warmth and comfort in a wide range of projects. By following these tips and techniques, you can master the challenges of sewing with fleece and create beautiful, durable, and cozy items.
Happy sewing!