Mastering the Art of Sewing Fleece Fabric: A Step-by-Step Guide

Sewing with fleece fabric may seem intimidating or overwhelming to beginners, but with the right techniques and guidance, it can quickly become a favorite material to work with. Whether you’re looking to create cozy blankets, warm winter wear, or soft stuffed animals, mastering the art of sewing fleece is an essential skill for any DIY enthusiast. In this article, we will dive into the world of fleece fabric and provide you with all the tips and tricks you need to know in order to successfully sew with this versatile and comfortable material. So grab your sewing machine and let’s get started on our journey to becoming fleece fabric pros!

What is Fleece Fabric?

Fleece fabric is a soft, textured material that is most commonly made from a blend of polyester and synthetic or natural fibers. It has a lofty, plush texture that makes it perfect for keeping warm and comfortable in colder climates. This fabric was originally created as a substitute for wool – which was often too expensive for many people to afford. However, fleece soon became renowned for its durability, softness, and versatility.

One of the reasons why fleece fabric is popular is because it offers some unique benefits that other fabrics do not have. For instance, it is lightweight and breathable while still providing significant warmth. Fleece also has moisture-wicking properties, making it perfect for outdoor activities or intense workouts.

This fabric is available in different weights – from lightweight to heavy – depending on the intended use. The heavier the weight, the warmer the fleece will be. Additionally, fleece can come in various thicknesses as well as finishes such as anti-pill or brushed, making it suitable for various projects.

Despite its popularity in cold-weather clothing and blankets, fleece fabric has other uses too. Due to its durability and easy maintenance, it’s also used in household items such as furniture covers, pet beds, car seat covers, and even stuffed toys!

Why Choose Fleece Fabric?

Fleece fabric offers several advantages compared to other materials. The first being that it offers excellent insulation properties while remaining lightweight. This makes it ideal for layering under other clothes without feeling weighed down.

Another benefit of fleece fabric is that it’s breathable and moisture-wicking – meaning that it can regulate body temperature by allowing sweat to evaporate quickly. This makes it perfect for physical activities like running or skiing where staying dry and comfortable is essential.

Fleece fabric also has hypoallergenic properties since it resists mildew and mold growth. This makes it a terrific option for people with allergies or sensitivities to other fabrics.

Not only is fleece soft and comfortable, but it also dries quickly when wet, making it ideal for use in rainy or snowy conditions. It’s also resistant to shrinking, fading, and wrinkling – making it incredibly easy to care for.

Lastly, fleece fabric is affordable and readily available in a wide range of colors and prints. This means that you can easily find the perfect fleece fabric for your project without breaking the bank.

Tips for Sewing with Fleece Fabric

Sewing with fleece fabric may seem intimidating at first because of its distinct properties, but with some tips and tricks, it can be straightforward and enjoyable. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind when sewing with fleece fabric:

– Use high-quality needles – Fleece fabric can be quite thick, so using a heavy-duty needle ensures that the thread won’t break or pull while stitching.

– Choose the right thread – Opt for polyester or cotton-wrapped polyester thread as they are strong enough to withstand the stretching and pulling that may occur while sewing.

– Use sharp scissors – Dull scissors can lead to jagged edges and uneven cuts on your fabric. Ensure you have sharp scissors designed for cutting through thicker materials to make precise cuts easily.

– Consider prewashing your fabric – Depending on the project you’re working on, prewashing your fleece fabric may be necessary. Pre-washing will remove any sizing that may interfere with your sewing process.

– Test stitches first – Due to its thickness, it’s essential to test different stitch lengths and tensions on a scrap piece of fleece before starting your project. This will help you determine which settings work best for your machine and fabric combination.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Sew Fleece Fabric

Now that you have all the necessary tips, let’s dive into how you can successfully sew with fleece fabric. The following is a step-by-step guide to sewing with fleece fabric:

Step 1: Gather your materials – In addition to your fleece fabric, you will also need a quality needle, thread, scissors, and pins.

Step 2: Pre-wash the fabric – As mentioned before, pre-washing the fabric is crucial if you want to avoid shrinkage or distortion after sewing. Follow the recommended care instructions for your particular type of fleece.

Step 3: Cut out your pattern – Using sharp scissors, cut out the pieces of your pattern from the fleece fabric. Be sure to leave a seam allowance of at least ⅜ inch.

Step 4: Pin the pieces together – Once you have all your pieces cut out, use pins to secure them together. Make sure that you place the pins perpendicular to the edge of the fabric rather than parallel. This will prevent any puckering or distortion while sewing.

Step 5: Start sewing – Use a straight stitch or zig-zag stitch depending on your project and what works best for your machine and fabric combination. Sew along the pinned edges, removing pins as you go.

Step 6: Finish off edges – To prevent fraying and give a polished

Know Your Fleece Fabric

Fleece fabric is a soft, warm and versatile material that is commonly used for making clothing, blankets, and other household items. It is made of polyester or a blend of synthetic fibers such as polyester and spandex. Fleece fabric is known for its insulating properties which make it perfect for keeping you warm during cold weather. It is also lightweight, easy to care for, and quick-drying.

When purchasing fleece fabric, there are a few things you should consider. Firstly, check the quality of the fabric. High-quality fleece will have a soft hand-feel and will not have any pilling or shedding. You can easily test the quality by rubbing the fabric between your fingers, if you feel any resistance or lint coming off, then it is not a good quality fleece.

Additionally, consider the weight of the fleece. This can range from lightweight (100-200 grams per square meter) to heavy (over 300 grams per square meter). For making clothing or blankets, lightweight fleece is ideal as it provides warmth without being too heavy or bulky. On the other hand, if you want to make something more durable like outdoor gear or pet blankets, a heavier weight fleece would be more suitable.

Lastly, take note of the stretchiness of the fabric. Fleece with spandex tends to be more stretchy than regular polar fleece which only has a slight stretch. If you are planning to make form-fitting clothing or activewear with your fleece fabric, opt for one with spandex for better flexibility.

Tools You Will Need

Sewing with fleece fabric requires some special tools in order to achieve professional-looking results. These include sharp sewing scissors or rotary cutter for cutting through thick layers of fleece without causing fraying; ball-point sewing needles that are designed specifically for knit fabrics like fleece; pins with a large flat head to hold the fabric in place without leaving holes; and a walking foot or roller foot for your sewing machine to help feed the fabric evenly without stretching.

You may also need a pattern, depending on what you are making with your fleece. If you are using a commercial pattern, make sure it is suitable for use with knit fabrics. Alternatively, you can create your own pattern from an existing garment by using it as a template.

Preparing Your Fleece

Before you start sewing, it is important to prepare your fleece fabric properly. This will ensure that your final product turns out well and lasts longer. Start with pre-washing your fleece to remove any dirt or chemicals that may be present from the manufacturing process. Use warm water and mild detergent, then tumble dry on low heat or air-dry.

Next, take note of the direction of stretch in your fleece fabric. Fleece usually stretches more in one direction than the other, and this can affect the fit of your project. You can find the direction of greatest stretch by pulling on both sides of the fabric and noting which one stretches more.

If you have noticed that your fleece has a ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ side, mark this before cutting out your pattern pieces. You can use chalk or pins to indicate which side should be facing right side up while sewing.

Cutting Out Your Pattern

Using sharp scissors or a rotary cutter, carefully cut out each pattern piece according to the size indicated on the pattern instructions. It is important to cut precisely and accurately as any mistakes may result in uneven seams or ill-fitting final product.

When pinning your pattern pieces onto the fabric, make sure to place them in line with the direction of stretch determined earlier. This will ensure that your garment has enough stretch where it needs it most.

Remember to also mark notches, darts, and any other pattern markings onto your fabric using chalk or tailor’s tacks. These markings will help guide you during sewing and ensure that all pieces are aligned correctly.

Choosing the Right Stitch

Sewing fleece fabric is different from sewing woven fabrics as it has a certain amount of stretch. This requires you to use a stitch that can accommodate the stretch without breaking. A straight stitch, while suitable for woven fabrics, can easily rip through fleece with frequent wear.

The best stitches to use when sewing fleece are either a zigzag stitch or a stretch stitch. A zigzag stitch allows for some movement in the fabric without breaking, making it ideal for seams on garments. A stretch stitch, on the other hand, is designed specifically for knit fabrics and has greater elasticity than a zigzag stitch.

Sewing Tips

When sewing fleece fabric, it is important to take your time and sew slowly to prevent any stretching or puckering of the fabric. Use your fingers to gently guide the fabric under the needle instead of pulling on it which can cause uneven seams.

If you are using a walking foot or roller foot on your sewing machine, check that they are installed properly before starting. These feet help feed the thick and bulky fleece fabric evenly through

Q: What is fleece fabric and why is it popular for sewing projects?
A: Fleece fabric is a soft, warm, and lightweight material made from synthetic fibers. It is popular for sewing projects because it is easy to work with, dries quickly, and does not wrinkle.

Q: What kind of sewing machine is best for sewing fleece fabric?
A: A sewing machine with adjustable stitch length and a walking foot attachment would be ideal for working with fleece fabric. Also, make sure to use a ballpoint or stretch needle to prevent any damage to the fabric.

Q: Can I iron fleece fabric?
A: It is not recommended to iron fleece fabric as it can melt or leave permanent marks. Instead, use a low heat setting on your dryer or steam press to remove wrinkles.

Q: How do I finish the raw edges of fleece fabric?
A: The best method to finish raw edges of fleece fabric is by using a serger or a zigzag stitch on your sewing machine. You can also use bias tape or binding for a neat and professional-looking edge.

Q: Is it necessary to prewash fleece fabric before sewing?
A: Yes, it is essential to prewash your fleece fabric before sewing as it can shrink and affect the appearance of your finished project. Also, prewashing will help remove any manufacturing chemicals from the fabric.

Q: Can I sew two layers of fleece together without a seam allowance showing?
A: Yes, you can sew two layers of fleece together without a seam allowance showing by using the flat-felled seam technique. This involves trimming down one layer of the seam allowance and folding the other one over it, resulting in a hidden seam.

In conclusion, sewing fleece fabric can be a fun and rewarding experience for both beginners and experienced sewists. With the right tools, techniques, and materials, anyone can create beautiful and cozy projects using this soft and versatile fabric.

Throughout this guide, we have discussed the necessary steps to successfully sew fleece fabric. From choosing the right type of fleece to preparing the fabric and selecting the appropriate stitches, it is clear that taking the time to properly prepare and plan for a sewing project can greatly improve its outcome.

We have also explored various sewing techniques such as using a walking foot or ballpoint needle, using topstitching or flat-felled seams, and working with stretchy fabrics. These techniques are important to understand as they can make a significant difference in how your finished project looks and feels.

Furthermore, we have discussed some common challenges that may arise while sewing with fleece fabric such as shedding or stretching. By being aware of these issues beforehand, you can save time and effort by proactively addressing them during your sewing process.

Lastly, remember that practice makes perfect. Sewing with fleece may seem intimidating at first, but with patience and persistence, anyone can master it. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new techniques to find what works best for you.

As you embark on

Author Profile

Jill Nammar

My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.