Have you been longing to sew fleece? With fall here and winter in the works, there is no better time to experiment with fleece. You may have heard sewing fleece is difficult, but just like sewing any fabric, there are tips and tricks to taming the beast. In this video, we go over some basic tips and tricks I use when sewing fleece. I've always found that a 90/14 ballpoint needle gives me the best stitches. I've also heard people swear by universal; you can try both if you like.
I always increase my stitch length to at least 3.0 mm and decrease my stitch tension. If you have a presser foot pressure dial, reduce it as well. This is one of the most important tips. If you don't adjust your stitch settings, you'll encounter the dreaded thread nest.
You don't have to use a Walking Foot to sew fleece, but I've found it to be incredibly helpful because I don't have to pin as much (or sometimes, not pin at all). Fleece has a tendency to shift around, so having an extra set of feed dogs really helps. If you don't have a walking foot, utilize long straight pins or Wonder Clips. If you have more than two layers to sew or your seams must be perfect, I recommend hand basting first.
Speaking of hand sewing, let's talk about thread. Polyester All Purpose thread is your best choice. It's strong and resilient enough to hold up to the weight of fleece and to accommodate fleece's "give".
Fleece has a natural 2-way "give". This "give" causes high-stress seams to break easily. Simply stabilize those seams and all closures. If you plan to embroider, use a clear water-soluble stabilizer on the top of your fabric in addition to stabilizing the back.
It's intimidating to sew something new, but I really encourage everyone to give it a try. Not only is fleece soft and warm, it's incredibly versatile. It can be used to sew home goods, craft items, and even clothing. I hope this video was helpful and that you feel more confident sewing fleece. Thank you for watching and feel free to leave any questions in the comment section below. Happy Sewing!
