Great info on nap, stretch needle, increasing the stitch length, and how to tell the right side of the fabric. Thank you.

@SewSewLounge

5 ай бұрын

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching ☺️

You're one of the few people who can not only talk about Patagonia as a company, but also as a geographic region you have been to.

@SewSewLounge

Жыл бұрын

That is true. And I did wear fleece while I was in Patagonia because it was freezing.

I love to use a serger when I'm sewing on fleece. Thank you for your tips.😊

@SewSewLounge

10 ай бұрын

You’re very welcome! I’ll have to try using a server next time ☺️

You may want to use the stretch stitch that looks like a lightening bolt for seams. Loosen your presser foot pressure. I make everything with fleece! Sweats, slippers/booties, coats, line jeans and jean jackets. Even sheets! I avoid JA's Pure Plush for quilts, as it is 4 way stretch. My bed quilt is Sew Lush, 2 way stretch was challenging on my longarm. Anti-pill works best though.

@SewSewLounge

Ай бұрын

I like anti pill too!

I'm working on a project with fleece and something Joanne's was selling as "pile fabric" and my mother sent me this video, it helped remind me to check the nap before I pinned and cut out the front peice! Thanks!

@SewSewLounge

Жыл бұрын

You’re welcome! Glad it helped you out ❤️

I had forgotten about the Pategonia story, but I remember the business success articles and TV episodes about it. They were darlings of the success world!

@SewSewLounge

Жыл бұрын

I remember their fleece jackets were expensive back then and they were the only ones who had them. I don’t think it fleece went mainstream until Old Navy started selling it in the late 90’s.

Well this was helpful! I’ve never sewn anything but natural fiber, woven material before.. and now I’m branching out into making a fleece hoodie. Thanks for the help!

@SewSewLounge

4 ай бұрын

Yay! Glad my video helped. I’m more of a natural fiber person too. Good luck with your hoodie ❤️

Great info as usual! Thanks for sharing all these good tips.

@SewSewLounge

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Janell!

Thank you for the advice. Those are great guidance!

@SewSewLounge

9 ай бұрын

You are very welcome. Happy sewing!

Great video! Sometimes I do buy Blizzard fleece for mats that I make for animal shelters (with a couple layers of batting) because I make 20-30 mats at a time. I do notice slight pilling but not too bad. Thanks for the tips.

@SewSewLounge

Жыл бұрын

You’re welcome! I made Honey and Clementine blizzard fleece blankets too.

Thank you - really helpful for my current project making a fleece jacket!

@SewSewLounge

8 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful! Please let me know if you have any additional questions ☺️

Thank you for a very informative video.

@SewSewLounge

Жыл бұрын

You are welcome!! Glad you enjoyed it ☺️

I have used my serger very successfully on stretchy fabrics such as fleece. I use that almost exclusively on stretchy fabrics as I have had the best luck with it.

@SewSewLounge

5 ай бұрын

Great tip! Thanks for sharing. I just got a new serger and I can’t wait to use it.

@JackieDannenberg

5 ай бұрын

@@SewSewLounge Prepare to be amazed. *grin*

@SewSewLounge

5 ай бұрын

@@JackieDannenberg I just got a Baby Lock which is quite the upgrade from my 90s vintage Juki. Can’t wait!!

I like the concept of 'direction of fleeciness'.

@SewSewLounge

9 ай бұрын

Kitties are the same way 😹

Thank you so much 💖

@SewSewLounge

Жыл бұрын

You are very welcome!

Well....🙄, I sure wish I had had your video 2 years ago when I attempted to make fleece pajama bottoms! lol. It. Was. A. _Disaster!_ First, I bought the Blizzard fleece, (because it was cheap and I liked the print). Second, I forgot to make sure I had the fabric not only right side up but with the print running the same way on each panel piece. Third, I didn't have _any_ understanding of why stitch length mattered. I thought it was all in the tension. After 6 months of picking them up and making yet another attempt, I had pajama pants that fit but had no waist band, (couldn't face it, lol), and the print was upside down on 3 of the four leg panels! lol Hysterical! So thank you, my next attempt so go MUCH better thanks to your tips. I appreciate the info.

@SewSewLounge

Жыл бұрын

Oh no!! Sorry to hear about your first attempt not going well. At least you can buy better fleece on your next attempt ☺️ thanks for watching!

Hello Toni Im new at sewimg i tried fice times n gave up. This time its for life. I hank you for all your hard work to teach us for free. Blessings on your Sewing journey.❤

@SewSewLounge

4 ай бұрын

You can do it! Once you get the have of it and use the right needle it gets easier to sew. Good luck! And let me know if you have any questions😉

I’ve worked with just about all the different fleece fabrics that Joann’s sells. I found that my favorite for apparel is Luxe. I used it for a jacket and was very pleased with how it turned out. I generally remove a quarter inch from my pattern so l am working with 3/8” inches seam allowance. That reduces bulk and saves time. P.S. I only buy the Luxe on sale

@SewSewLounge

11 ай бұрын

The Luxe is by far the best quality but it’s soooo expensive. For some reason I inevitably miss it on sale. I will have to do a better job of it this year. And I’ll try out the Sean allowance reduction. Thanks for the suggestion!

I like Luxe. It feels just the right heaviness for a one layer blanket. I also like the anti-pill and Blizzard--always new prints. JoAnns sherpa says dry clean only. I read not to use fabric softener on polar fleece.

@SewSewLounge

Жыл бұрын

I didn’t realize sherpa fleece was dry clean only! Good to know. Luxe is definitely the nicest but not nearly as many color choices as the other options.

I Love thee Sew Lush line of fleece at Jo-Ann's for almost all my projects. It's not as expensive as the luxe fabric and it is so much softer. I make pajama pants, hooded cape coats, hats and sweaters out of it. The only problem I ever had was washing some of the solids in a normal high heat. That caused some of the softness to melt away. Now I wash them all in delicate and a medium heat only. I use a longer stitch length on my fleece because it is so thick. A 3.5 mm length instead of 2.5. and I always double check what I'm sewing because it is a bear to seam rip. The stitch is are buried in the pile. Yes Sew Lush fleece does have a nap to it. You can tell that it changes color intensity depending on the direction you brush the fur. I always so with my nap going down rather than up. I never iron my fleece. It wouldn't hold the shape anyway. But I do pin like crazy. Actually I pin the seams where they meet and at the beginning of my sewing, and then I can readjust as I'm feeding the fabric into the machine. It also helps to have a wider seam allowance.

@broganmckoko

Жыл бұрын

Oh and yes I use a universal needle on my fleece projects. I tried using a ballpoint but it didn't help.

@SewSewLounge

Жыл бұрын

I don’t think I’m familiar with the sew lush line of fleece. It’s sounds very nice. I will have to check it out. I agree ripping out fleece is very hard!

I had learned and generally agree that using a walking foot made fleece so much easier to sew. I just hate switching the foot out. Butter fingers. Thanks for this explanation of types of fleece. I was just wondering about it!

@SewSewLounge

6 ай бұрын

So glad that my video helped! I didn’t realize there were so many fleece types until I made the video!

Thank you for sharing the information about fleece. Can you recommend a lining that can be used with fleece? Thank you..

@SewSewLounge

8 ай бұрын

I haven’t ever lined anything made of fleece. I would think the type of lining would depend on what you were making. For a jacket, it’s use anti-pill fleece in the outside and sherpa fleece on the inside.

I would love to see how you made your blanket with fleece if you have a video. Also, I enjoy making baby fleece double sided baby blankets with a printed side and a solid side and bind it with satin binding. I use the anti-pill also. I like using the machine blanket stitch instead of just a regular zigzag as it is very pretty. Any suggestions that can help make it better. I hope to market them as I will be retiring soon.

@SewSewLounge

Жыл бұрын

I did make a fleece video, which you can watch here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/n3WruLKsgK7XdaQ.html It's a basic fleece blanket. Your double sided baby blankets sound much fancier!

Hi! What kind of glasses are you wearing? I really love the shape. Another great vid!:)

@SewSewLounge

Жыл бұрын

They are Swarovski. I got them at Costco. I love them two and wish I’d gotten two pairs!!

Very informative. How does one straighten fleece? It always looks so wonky when it purchased.

@SewSewLounge

Жыл бұрын

I wash mine and tumble dry low. That usually straightens things out. If not I’ll run a warm iron over it.

Great video. Thanks for all the information. Do you have suggestions/tips on what to do with the scraps? I didn't know fleece doesn't deteriorate. Because of the bulk, I have just been tossing the remnants in the trash. Now, of course, one more thing to feel guilty about!! Just discovered you, like your style, and I so i am now a subscriber!

@SewSewLounge

Жыл бұрын

Hi Carol! Thanks for subscribing. I’m trying to come up with ideas for my fleece scraps and other scrap fabric to keep as much out of the trash as possible. When I do I’ll post a video!

@Angel283

Жыл бұрын

You can use it for stuffing. Like if you made small stuffed animals or dimensional flowers or the like.

@SewSewLounge

Жыл бұрын

@@Angel283 good idea!

I sew with lush fleece all the time. Usually I get the Sew Lush brand at Jo-Ann's. I use a universal needle and I do not use a walking foot. It's unnecessary as long as you know what you're doing and you can feed the fabric appropriately. I do lengthen my stitches to 3.5mm instead of the standard 2.5. I do this because the fleece will eat the smaller stitches. I never iron my seams. I understand if I'm working with tightly woven fabric, a nice iron in between sewing seams helps to finish the garment. But fleece is a different animal. I do trim all of my seams which helps them lay flatter. I overlock where necessary. I make pants, sweaters, coats, ponchos, scarves and hats from this material. And I live in it during the winter time. It is so nice and cozy. I find that Sew Lush is simply a better quality of fleece to blizzard or anti-pill, or even the lux e brands. It is softer, lighter and bends better with the body. The only caveat I have in his care is how it is dried. I dry all of my fleece garments and a low to medium heat on delicate. I made the mistake of using a normal cycle and had a fleece garment melt.

@SewSewLounge

4 ай бұрын

My Joann’s doesn’t have a huge selection of lush fleece. The colors and prints are so limited that I haven’t tried it yet. Glad to know it sews up well!

@JenniferKokoski

4 ай бұрын

@@SewSewLounge it might be because you are in Texas and I guess they figured there isn't as much demand for warmer materials. You can buy the prints online. I suggest you give it a try sometime. Also there is a second line they make which is like a stretch velor. They call it pure plush. It comes in solid colors as well as prints. It has a shorter pile and stretches. Great for making garments. I make a fitted peplum sweater top with flounce sleeves that is a staple of my winter wardrobe here in Maryland. I've made it in every solid color they've got. On its beautiful. I can embellish it with lace or bedazzling. They store it right next to sew lush in my store.

@SewSewLounge

4 ай бұрын

@@JenniferKokoski we get A LOT of the blizzard fleece and anti pill fleece. I guess that’s what sells down here. Very limited in all the other types, but I’ve seen them in the sale flyers. I will check out the ones you suggested and sew them towards the end of the year once it cools off again! I will buy online, thanks for the tip

Can you use fusible interfacing on fleece to make costume ears stand up straight?

@SewSewLounge

8 ай бұрын

That should work! Use a heavier interfacing to be sure you get the look you want 😉

Im going to be using fleece for a quilt backing for.the first time. Should I zigzag the seam? Do i need to topstitch again to reduce the bulk?

@SewSewLounge

7 ай бұрын

I don’t make quilts so I’m not that best person to ask. Fleece does stretch more than quilting fabric, so that’s something to keep in mind.

I was gonna put a thicker fleece material for the back of a baby blanket. Would that be o.k. and will I have a lot of problem sewing it together with cotton baby prints and solid material to match print ?

@SewSewLounge

Жыл бұрын

Is baste it together fist to make sure it stays lined up. The issue sewing cotton and fleece is the fabric moving while you try and see it together. Basting first should help with that ☺️

What are your thoughts making a baby sleep sack with Sherpa fleece? Easy? Hard? Not a good idea?

@SewSewLounge

9 ай бұрын

I think it would work but I’d be sure to trim the seam allowances so they weren’t too bulky.

Do you need to cut the selvedge edge off fleece when making a blanket?

@SewSewLounge

Жыл бұрын

I cut the side with the fabric name and designer info off but leave the side that’s the same as the fabric. It just looks nicer that way.

Interesting history! I tried making a zip up pj onesie for my son with fleece, and by the time I finished, it was about 3 sizes too big. Is their some fleece that stretches as you work with it? If so, any tips for what to do? I bought it at Joanne’s but not sure what type it was.

@SewSewLounge

Жыл бұрын

That seems to have stretched a lot for fleece. Perhaps the pattern ran big? Or maybe it was minky which has A LOT of stretch.

Do you have to use interfacing on fleece

@SewSewLounge

Жыл бұрын

I would say it depends on the weight of the fleece. I used anti-pill fleece to make a half zip pullover and didn’t use interfacing. It turned out just fine!

also....I have used some left-over cotton for 'lining' fabric to make pockets. But had a few tension issues so had to adjust the tension to higher on top. Is there a recommended lining fabric for pockets when working with fleece please?

@SewSewLounge

8 ай бұрын

I think you could line them with a lighter weight fleece, or maybe flannel, so both fabrics would be fuzzy and “stick together” during sewing.

@mirandathewlis4047

8 ай бұрын

Thank you! 👍🏻

Ive made a lot of pants with fleece and flannels love them no problems i usually serge the seams

@SewSewLounge

4 ай бұрын

Which is a great option, but not everyone has a serger 😉

I see fleece on my serger mostly. It's so much easier

@SewSewLounge

Жыл бұрын

I was having a hard time getting the stitch setting right for thicker fabric so I just used my sewing machine. I’ll try the serger on the next project 😉

Hello, I was wondering what kind of thread you recommend for sewing a several layer fleece blanket? (Two layers of fleece, a layer of high loft cotton batting/ or a u-haul blanket in the between the fleece layers-want to make a Guinea pig cage liner) I just bought a brother CS7000X sewing machine and it says to use 50 weight polyester or cotton, but I’m having a hard time finding a good selection anywhere that has decent reviews.

@MariposaVenom

Жыл бұрын

I guess I should say-Is there a brand you recommend? I’m a beginner and I was hoping to buy several colors of thread, but worry they may break or jam my machine for what I want to use them for. Mainly several layered fleece projects.

@SewSewLounge

Жыл бұрын

I use Coats (also Coats & Clark) thread for pretty much everything I sew. It’s readily available at fabric and craft stores. It’s 100% polyester. Cotton thread produces a lot of lint in the bottom bobbin case. (You will also have lint from the fleece, so clean it out after each project) If you are sewing several layers of fleece I’d recommend using a larger stitch length. Start with a 3 and adjust up as needed for a straight stitch. If you’re using a zig zag stitch use a 3 length and 3 width. If the thread is breaking increase the stitch length and width. If you have any more questions, please let me know ❤️

Can you use a serger instead of grading the seam you just sewed?

@SewSewLounge

5 ай бұрын

You could use a serger, but, depending on your model, it’s may be hard to sew curves. I have an old juki and all its sews well are straight seams.

Do you have a recommendation of where to purchase good quality anti-pill fleece online?

@SewSewLounge

Жыл бұрын

Unfortunately, I do not. I usually by my fleece at Joann’s because it goes on sale so regularly.

This may be a bit off topic, so please forgive me. I notice your sewing cabinet looks very similar to what I have and that you have a fitted insert around your sewing machine. I had to get a new sewing machine recently and need to order a new insert but I have lost the info on the cabinet. What is the brand name of your cabinet? It may jog my memory so I can order the correct insert. Thank you!

@SewSewLounge

Жыл бұрын

I got mine from Arrow Cabinets, I want to say in 2007 or 2008. It’s model #401. Hope that helps!

Wish you had explained what “nap” is because I don’t get it lol 😂 just bought fleece and a pattern that referred to nap.

@SewSewLounge

8 ай бұрын

I think I cover it in another video. Nap is the direction of the fuzziness. You want all your pattern pieces going in the same direction so the fuzziness goes in the same direction or your finished garment will feel weird. The nap layout can also be used if your fabric has a directional print, because you’d want that to be the same all around the garment too. Let me know if you need additional clarification 😉

How do you sharpen your scissors?

@SewSewLounge

Жыл бұрын

I get my scissors sharpened at the farmers market. There’s a man who will sharpen them for $10 a pair while I wait.

Do you have tips on sewing fleece and woven fabric together?

@SewSewLounge

6 ай бұрын

Thats a good suggestion! Right now I just have fleece tips.

Hi there. I have 2 queries. 1. Would a walking foot help to prevent stretch when sewing, or are there other adjustment that would help to do with tension adjustment, etc? 2. Have you considered a sort of flat fell seam where you grade the underneath edge and sew the top seam without turning it under? I wondered if this would produce a neater finish I have a lovely teal paisley fleece for a winter dressing gown (it is coming up to winter here in NZ!). It is quite thick and seems to stretch a bit like felted fabric but doesn’t have much recoil. I am worried about the sewing process and how to approach it. Many thanks Linda

@SewSewLounge

2 ай бұрын

I don’t have a walking foot for my machine and I’ve never used one. However, a lot of other viewers said that it helps. I haven’t had problems with fleece stretching out of shape while I sewed. You could also try the flat felled method that you suggested. I find that fleece fabric is very forgiving. Good luck!

@jilbertb

Ай бұрын

Pressed foot pressure. Some machines have a dial for it, others you would adjust inside the case.

Are you selling SewSew tees?

@SewSewLounge

Жыл бұрын

Not yet. I’m trying to find a vendor.

I'm surprised Clemmie isn't all over the fleece fuzzies.

@SewSewLounge

Жыл бұрын

She spent the afternoon sleeping on top of my unsewn zip pullover.

In university, did you study the history of fabrics?

@SewSewLounge

Жыл бұрын

Yes. We had two different classes. One was about fabric in general and the other was an elective about the history of textiles. Needless to say I took both.

Polartec Wind Pro Hardface was best...

@SewSewLounge

Жыл бұрын

I haven’t tried high tech polar fleece. I’ll have to check it out!

@user-bm6uo3iw3t

Жыл бұрын

@@SewSewLounge Polartec has not produced this material for about 10 years, although it was the best. There is little information about him on the Internet, but if you really want, you can find

All my scissors I use to cut my fleece get dull dull dull vary fast. Any thoughts?

@SewSewLounge

2 ай бұрын

Have you tried using a rotary cutter? That’s what I use for fleece and it works well. I buy replacement blades at Missouri Star because they are much cheaper than the Olfa ones.

Do you wash fleece before sewing?

@SewSewLounge

Жыл бұрын

Yes I do. I wash all of my fabric before using it to sew. Down here in Texas fleece can sit at the store for a while and gather dust; washing in advance helps prevent an allergy attack at the sewing machine!

@brendastevens8325

Жыл бұрын

Yes always pretty wash

is arctic fleece stretchy? im just curious 😭😭

@SewSewLounge

Ай бұрын

All fleece is stretchy because it’s a type of knit.

Honestly.. this is a tad patronising. The vast majority of desists know this already!

@SewSewLounge

4 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching