I love making softies with fleece. It’s sooooooo soft and cuddly and (mostly) easy to work with.
I say mostly. There are a couple of things you need to be careful of when you sew with it, and I show you in this video.
Update: After making this video I discovered sewing clips. Most people use them for binding quilts but they are AMAZING for holding fat fleece together – without distorting it like pins can. If you work much with fleece – get them. You will love them.
One thing I didn’t mention – buy the good stuff. It’s called no-pill or anti-pill fleece and it costs $1-2 more a yard and is totally worth it. Some of the less expensive fleeces can start to pill after only a little bit of play and they look pretty dang grubby pretty dang quickly.
I designed the Franklin the Fat Cat pattern especially for fleece – and that’s what you see me working on in this video. If you want to make your own you can get the pattern here.
Happy sewing!
Best,
Wendi
I could have cried when I saw this one come through! Thanks! Hurrah! I will have more fun over Christmas playing with fleece….
Two questions: suggestions for a supplier to Canada of the “good stuff”?, and might there ever me any mitten patterns in your future?
Thanks, Nicole
Sorry – I’m not sure what suppliers you have there, but I’m guessing they’re pretty similar to here. Look for something that says “No pill” on the end of the bolt. The companies that make it aren’t shy about its superiority. They put it right in the name. 🙂
I’ll have to think about a mitten pattern. I’ve been leaning more and more toward toys/softies and quilts lately. Now – mittens that are also monsters would be really fun! Hmmm. . .
YES! Monster mittens!! But I also do love your toys/softies and quilts 🙂
It gets even better… I never thought of monster mittens! If I try over Christmas inspired by the beast library bag, I will let you know. Thanks for the no-pill label trick.
Thanks so much for the great tips! I will now go back and scour your website for more!
Karen
Thanks so much! 🙂
Fantastic details 🙂 As a beginner I was so sure it was me, now I can say it really is the fabric that is causing the issues LOL What a great tutorial to fix it up, thanks so much!
I’m glad it was helpful! 🙂
Is a walking foot necessary or helpful with fleece? Or Is my standard foot sufficient?
If you’re using it for a quilt back, then you definitely want to use a walking foot. If you’re using it to make softies, it’s optional. If you have trouble with the fabric layers creeping, try using your walking foot, or pin a LOT. Like every inch or so.
Just a thank you for the video and the updates!
When making Munch should I wash & dry the ‘No pill’ fabric first? Thank you for all the tips you give.
You don’t need to, unless the person you’re making it for has any sensitivities or allergies you’re accommodating. Fleece won’t shrink, and you’re not doing any fusing for this project, so the only reason to pre-wash would be to remove any sizing or other chemicals that someone might be sensitive to.