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wrinkles and stretching (Moderated by Deepika, Sharon1952)
Posted on: 12/5/18 3:07 PM ET
1. I bought a fleece remnant that had wrinkles, like maybe it had been the last on the bolt. Tried washing and drying it but they were still there. Ironing didn't help. Any suggestions?
2. When I sew fleece sometimes it stretches out of shape. Mostly on small items. Zigzag is better but not a sure thing. Should I just stick to my serger for sewing fleece?
2. When I sew fleece sometimes it stretches out of shape. Mostly on small items. Zigzag is better but not a sure thing. Should I just stick to my serger for sewing fleece?
Posted on: 12/5/18 3:13 PM ET
In reply to sherri2sew
Sergers are so much easier for sewing fleece that it's not even funny. The differential feed is king, as far as I'm concerned. There are some sewing machines with differential feeds, but they're few and far between...
As to the wrinkles... they're probably permanent. Polyester is a thermoplastic, so once those wrinkles are in, it's pretty much permaset. I have had limited success with heating the entire piece flat in an oven to just under the melting point, but frankly, I would have been better off just using the piece for a pet bed.
As to the wrinkles... they're probably permanent. Polyester is a thermoplastic, so once those wrinkles are in, it's pretty much permaset. I have had limited success with heating the entire piece flat in an oven to just under the melting point, but frankly, I would have been better off just using the piece for a pet bed.
Posted on: 12/5/18 4:28 PM ET
In reply to kayl
Agree with you about differential feed being wonderful. Fleece on the serger does seem to work better.
So those wrinkles are likely here to stay. I have no pets so I'll have to find some other use. I have several projects that use fleece as a lining and it won't show much. Or maybe a friend's pet will end up with a pretty turquoise bed!
Thanks for your quick response.
So those wrinkles are likely here to stay. I have no pets so I'll have to find some other use. I have several projects that use fleece as a lining and it won't show much. Or maybe a friend's pet will end up with a pretty turquoise bed!
Thanks for your quick response.
Posted on: 12/5/18 4:39 PM ET
In reply to sherri2sew
pet beds in this house are usually pretty simple: scrap fleece folded to an approximate size, because they unfold for easier washing. But fleece is also useful for projects like batting in a quilt, placemat, vest or jacket, or made into little drawstring bags for things like fishing reels or tent pegs or mitts for dusting. Sorry to hear your pretty fleece probably won't work for what you had planned.
Posted on: 12/5/18 8:15 PM ET
I like my sewing machine for sewing fleece, I lengthen the the stitch and reduce the presser foot pressure and it glides through, if I'm making apparel, I stitch the seams open or fold to the side for a faux flat fell to reduce bulk. I learned these techniques for Rochelle Harper, author of 'Sewing the New Fleece'
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My grandmother taught me to sew when I was 10, and I've been sewing ever since.
Posted on: 12/5/18 8:57 PM ET
In reply to kayl
My fur monsters are rough on fleece blankets. I fold pieces of about 1 yard in half, serge them, left sides together, with an opening for turning, turn, then topstitch around with a multi-stitch zig-zag. I get the best wear out of them this way. I have donated piles of those blankets to the animal shelter, and they are holding very well for them, too.
It takes a lot of thread to sew with the zig-zag, but I use up all the spools and bobbins with odd colors in the process...
It takes a lot of thread to sew with the zig-zag, but I use up all the spools and bobbins with odd colors in the process...
Posted on: 12/9/18 5:47 PM ET
Patti Otto has a super Craftsy class on sewing fleece and she does it exclusively on a standard sewing machine, showing how and where a serger could be used, but then doing all the actual sewing on a regular machine.
The 2 best things I learned from that class were "go long" on stitch length and "thin to the skin" for determining right and wrong side. But there were so many tips and hints I re-watch that class every time fleece sewing season rolls around again.
I have no help for intractably wrinkled fleece that was smashed on the bolt since it can't be ironed. Best of luck.
The 2 best things I learned from that class were "go long" on stitch length and "thin to the skin" for determining right and wrong side. But there were so many tips and hints I re-watch that class every time fleece sewing season rolls around again.
I have no help for intractably wrinkled fleece that was smashed on the bolt since it can't be ironed. Best of luck.
Posted on: 12/9/18 8:23 PM ET
In reply to sherri2sew
Quote: sherri2sew
1. I bought a fleece remnant that had wrinkles, like maybe it had been the last on the bolt. Tried washing and drying it but they were still there. Ironing didn't help. Any suggestions?
1. I bought a fleece remnant that had wrinkles, like maybe it had been the last on the bolt. Tried washing and drying it but they were still there. Ironing didn't help. Any suggestions?
You may want to try this,spray a vinegar cold water mixture on the creases,let the damp fleece sit a while. Place a terry towel over the damp creases,then iron the terry towel on low heat a few seconds at a time, checking the fleece in-between.
Maybe soaking the fleece in a cold water and vinegar mixture, then drip dry, will remove the creases too.
Posted on: 12/18/18 9:16 PM ET
In reply to kayl
Thought about the vinegar as was suggested, but the heat set reference gave me an idea. I washed the fleece in hot water (no soap) and dried on high heat. The wash/dry process fluffed the fleece a bit and also made the wrinkles less prominent. It's ok now for my project so I'm satisfied. Appreciate the suggestions.
Posted on: 12/18/18 9:42 PM ET
In reply to sherri2sew
Yay! Happy sewing!
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