Sew not serge fleece?

[LauraLoo]

Is there any way to sew fleece, not serge it? I own a sewing machine, but not a serger. Any links or advice would be greatly appreciated!

TIA!
Laura

[LoveBaby]

What are you making? I sew fleece all the time and have no problems at all. I've used fleece to make scarves, hats, gloves, blankets, etc. I mostly use my serger for making diapering items or to finish seams in bag construction etc. Sergers really just offer a different way to sew, to finish seams or hem pants not necessarily for different fabrics.

[sabrinat]

You can use a zz stitch. I only recently got a serger and have sewn fleece before without one. Although, I do find that a walking foot makes it easier.

[LauraLoo]

Originally Posted by LoveBaby

What are you making? I sew fleece all the time and have no problems at all. I've used fleece to make scarves, hats, gloves, blankets, etc. I mostly use my serger for making diapering items or to finish seams in bag construction etc. Sergers really just offer a different way to sew, to finish seams or hem pants not necessarily for different fabrics.

I actually haven't even tried to make anything because I thought I needed a serger. I'd like to make some fleece sweatshirts, though. My kids love them and so do I!

[LoveBaby]

Originally Posted by LauraLoo

I actually haven't even tried to make anything because I thought I needed a serger. I'd like to make some fleece sweatshirts, though. My kids love them and so do I!

you'll be fine with a sewing machine, mama!! i really like kwik sew patterns, they are easy to read, easy to cut out and have great directions.

Actually, fleece doesn't fray, so really even a straight stitch would be fine. Have fun!!

[fallriverfox]

I've had no problems sewing fleece with a plain straight stitch, except that it's really hard to rip back out if you make a mistake. Not that I have extensive expirience with ripping out seams or anything.

[LoveBaby]

Originally Posted by fallriverfox

I've had no problems sewing fleece with a plain straight stitch, except that it's really hard to rip back out if you make a mistake. Not that I have extensive expirience with ripping out seams or anything.

my seam ripper and I are *very* close!!

[cinnamonamon]

Yup, easy peasy -- I love sewing with fleece. I always use a zig zag though, so the fabric will stretch the way it normally does even if you are tugging on a seam.

[LauraLoo]

Yippy Skippy! Thanks for all the replies --- I'm going to get some fleece and a pattern or two as soon as I can!

[sabrinat]

Originally Posted by cinnamonamon

Yup, easy peasy -- I love sewing with fleece. I always use a zig zag though, so the fabric will stretch the way it normally does even if you are tugging on a seam.

Me too on the zz. I actually have a couple of KS books and a bunch of patterns. I think she recommends a zz stitch for alot of stuff. Love the zz!~

[swampwitch]

I just made a pair of fleece pants for ds and zz the hem. If you pull the fabric as you zz, you will get a ruffle, similar to tulle or any other fabric with stretch. I pulled it *just a smidge* since my plan was for them to look like elf pants. Fleece is great, though, because the edges don't have to be finished, depending on the project.

[Leersia]

I just wanted to add that is think it is necessary or at least recommended to use polyester thread when sewing fleece. I sew lots of fleece with my old machine, and find it very easy to work with.

[Amatullah]

I have sewed with fleece alot and have not found a need to even use the zz stich as fleece doesn't fray. It's such an easy fabric to work with... very forgiving!

[LdyBluNH@aol]

make sure to pick a stitch that is made for knits otherwise the fabric stretches, the thread doesnt and it goes POP as happens with my HP scarf all the time

knit stitches have more thread in them - the straight stitch does something like forward once, back once and forward twice or somethign weird like that

its not necessary but you can also use the technique of hand winding the bobbin with wooly nylon. its a thread that has some stretch built into it. polyarn has the same feature but is made of polyester so it has a better tolerance for heat (ie ironing or the dryer)


dont forget to reduce the pressure on the foot when you sew it! unless you want the crazy waves : )