You might think that sewing with fleece can be a tricky business, as it’s made from more complicated fabrics like wool, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done. Sewing machines have come on leaps and bounds in recent years and have freed up a lot of people to start creating with their own hands and creating things for themselves. This article will explain the basics of how to sew fleece with a sewing machine and why it’s a great way to make warm, durable clothing and accessories.
Fleece is a type of fabric that comes in a variety of fibers, including cotton, wool, acrylic, and polyester. Fleece typically has one side that is smoother than the other, so you need to plan ahead before you start your project. It’s easy to sew with a sewing machine, but you may want to practice a few times before you get started.
Before you start, you should make sure that you have the right type of machine and thread to use. Fleece works best with a high-quality sewing machine that is built specifically for handling heavier fabrics. Look for features like tension adjustment, feed dog control, and an adjustable speed which will make sewing with fleece easier. When it comes to thread, use a good quality thread made specifically for heavy-duty fabrics.
In order to ensure the best results when sewing with fleece, you may want to use a walking or even foot. This is a specialized presser foot that helps guide the fabric through the machine and helps ensure that the seam is even and smooth. If you don’t have a walking foot, you can use a heavier weight fabric machined knit foot, which helps minimize the fabric’s tendency to catch or bunch.
You should also make sure to use a straight stitch when sewing with fleece. This is because zigzag stitches can cause the fabric to stretch and look uneven. The right stitch type can also help prevent the fabric from puckering or bunching. Using a heavier needle or adjustable needle can also help keep the stitching looking neat and even.
When working with fleece, it’s important to use the correct settings on your sewing machine. It’s best to set your machine to a medium speed and tension level when sewing with fleece. You may also need to adjust the presser foot and pressure depending on the type of fabric you’re working with; for example, if your fabric is thick or bulky, you may want to increase the pressure on the presser foot.
One important thing to note when sewing with fleece is that you should always use a finishing seam. This means that you should make sure that you sew over the edge of the fabric twice with a zigzag stitch. This helps to keep the finished seam from coming apart over time.
Adjust the Tensions
When sewing with fleece, you may need to adjust the tensions on the machine to get the best results. Tensions on a sewing machine refer to how much pressure is applied to the needle while it moves. If the tension is too tight, the fabric may be harder to work with and the stitches may be too loose. If the tension is too loose, the stitches may be too tight and the fabric may stretch and distort.
When adjusting the tension on the machine, you should use a light weight thread and adjust the tensions until you are able to get a perfect stitch. Too much or too little tension will result in either too tight or too loose stitches. If the tension is correct, the stitches should have a uniform shape and size.
You should also pay attention to the length of your stitches. This is especially important when working with fleece since it can be difficult to work with because of its bulkiness. Generally, it’s better to set your machine to a longer stitch length as this will help keep the stitches even and prevent bunching or puckering.
Interfacing and Stabilizers
You should also consider using interfacing and stabilizers when sewing with fleece. Interfacing is a thin layer of fabric that is placed between two layers of fabric to provide extra stability and prevent the fabrics from shifting while you’re working. Stabilizers, on the other hand, are designed to provide extra support to heavier fabrics like fleece, helping to keep the fabric from shifting and bunching.
Interfacing and stabilizers can be either sew-in or iron-on, so you should select the one that works best for the project you’re working on. Sew-in interfacing is most often used for heavier fabrics, while iron-on interfacings are ideal for lighter fabrics. Stabilizers can be either woven or non-woven, and again, you should select the one that best suits your needs.
Adding an extra layer of interfacing and stabilizers to your fabric can also help keep it from stretching or shifting as you sew. This will help keep your finished project looking neat and even, and it can also help prevent seam puckering and bunching as you work with the fabric.
Speciality Feet
Another great tool to use when sewing with fleece is a specialty foot. This is a special presser foot that is designed specifically to help guide thicker fabrics through the machine. These feet can be found for both straight stitch sewing machines and sergers, and they can provide extra support as you’re sewing. Most specialty feet feature an extended toe, which helps keep the fabric from bunching and puckering as it moves through the machine.
When looking for a specialty foot, make sure to choose one that is designed for the type of fabric you’re working with. Also, look for a foot that has multiple toe positions, as this can help you customize the pressure and control of the stitch. Having an adjustable foot can also make it easier to adjust the pressure and control of the stitch as you’re sewing with the fabric.
Care and Maintenance
When choosing how to wash and care for fleece, it’s important to first check the fabric’s care label. Fleece can be delicate and should generally be cared for on a gentle cycle. You should also use a mild detergent, as strong detergents can damage the fibers of the fabric. Additionally, you should consider washing fleece on its own or with other gentle fabrics to prevent damage or pilling to the fabric.
When it comes to drying fleece garments, you should always lay the item flat on a towel and let it air dry. You should also avoid using direct heat sources, such as a dryer, as this can cause the fabric to shrink or warp. If you need to press the fabric, use a pressing cloth and press on the reverse side of the fabric.
Finishing Touches
When it comes to finishing off a fleece project, there are a few things that you should keep in mind in order to get the best results. First, it’s important to make sure that you’ve sewn all of your seams properly. Fleece can be tricky to sew, so take the time to make sure that your seams are secure and will hold up over time. If you’re working with an unfamiliar fabric, you may want to baste the seams first to ensure that you’ve got a good fit and that the fabric won’t move or shift as you sew.
In addition, you should also be sure to press all of your seams flat. This will help keep the fabric from looking lumpy or bumpy and will also make the seams less visible when you’re wearing the garment. To press seams, you should use a light, steam-free iron and press on the reverse side of the fabric. This will help keep the fibers of the fabric from stretching and warping as you press.
Unstained Edges
Finally, it’s important to finish off your project with unstained edges. Fleece can fray easily, which can make it hard to get a clean, neat edge on a garment. To keep the edges of your project from fraying, you should finish them off with a serger or an overcast stitch. This will help keep your edges clean and neat and will also help your garment look polished and professional.
Sewing with fleece can be a great way to make warm and durable clothing and accessories. With the right tools, techniques, and fabrics, you can create beautiful and long-lasting garments and accessories that will keep you warm during the chilly winter months. All it takes is a bit of patience and practice and you’ll be on your way to creating cozy and stylish garments for you and your family.
Understanding Fibres
Before you start sewing with fleece, it’s important to understand the different types of fibres that are used to make fleece. Generally, fleece is made up of either wool, acrylic, or polyester, which all have different properties that affect how they should be washed and cared for. Wool is the most traditional fabric used to make fleece, but it is also the least durable and can be prone to shrinkage if washed incorrectly.
Acrylic and polyester, on the other hand, are more durable and less prone to shrinkage. They also tend to be lighter than wool and can be easier to work with, so if you’re a beginner, it’s a good idea to start with an acrylic or polyester fleece. Acrylic and polyester fleeces typically come in a variety of weights and thicknesses, so you should select the one that best suits your project.
In addition to understanding the fibres that are used in fleece, it’s also important to understand the different types of fabric that it comes in. Fleece comes in two main types: brushed and non-brushed. Brushed fleece has a soft nap that gives it a cozy, fuzzy feel and is typically less prone to pilling and stretching than non-brushed fleece. Non-brushed fleece, on the other hand, is more durable and less prone to pilling, but it doesn’t have the same cozy feel that brushed fleece has.
Equipment and Safety
When sewing with fleece, it’s important to make sure that you have the right tools and equipment. You should make sure that you have a high-quality machine with adjustable speeds and tensions, as well as a walking foot or heavier-weight fabric-machine knit foot. Additionally, you should also have a selection of needles, thread and interfacing specific for working with heavier fabrics. You should also invest in a cutting mat, rotary cutter and ruler, which will help you to cut out your fabric with greater precision.
It’s also important to remember to follow all safety guidelines when handling and using the sewing machine. Make sure that the machine is properly grounded and that the electrical cords are situated away from any potential hazards. Additionally, you should always be sure to unplug the machine when it’
