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Member since 3/16/07
Posts: 36
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Posted on: 8/20/09 8:29 PM ET
I just read the thread called, "Synthetic Sherpa Fabric:
Internet source?", and I ordered some from fabulousfleece.com. I am going to use it to make a stuffed sheep for my daughter. I was wondering if anyone has some tips on what is the best way to sew it. Some parts will be sewn in a single layer to gather it and other parts will be sewn to some linen fabric. What kind of foot works best? Do I need to use any kind of stablizer to keep it from catching in the feed dogs or on the foot. For the single layer, should I sew with the fleece side up?
Any help or suggestions you can give would be greatly appreciated.
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Pam
  
Member since 11/6/04
Posts: 903
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Posted on: 8/20/09 8:42 PM ET
I used my serger wherever possible when I sewed a project with this fabric.
  
Member since 2/9/04
Posts: 18027
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Posted on: 8/22/09 8:33 AM ET
In reply to pab
You can toss the yardage into the dryer on the "air fluff" cycle to remove excess fuzz. I pre-wash, because mine is made into dog crate beds and will be washed in hot water many times thru the years. The faux sherpa I bought from Fabulous Fleece had very little shedding in the washer & dryer. A sign of good quality, IMO.

Definitely use a good quality 100% polyester (for strength) thread like C&C, Gütermann, or Mettler. I use a size 90 sharp type needle (quilters', jeans/denim).

A walking foot would be useful. You're getting into the same situation as one would with a napped fabric like velvet or courduroy, with the fleece. The layers will want to crawl. If you don't have a WF/even feed foot, then pin very thoroughly, like every 1/4 inch.

When laying right-sides-together for a seam, push the fleece 'nap' toward the inside and away from the s/a and seam; toward the part of the project that will show when finished. It's better to have too much fleece sticking out of the seam, than to have some of that fleece sewn down in the seam and giving it a bald look at the seams. (hope I described that adequately) Treat it like you would fur/faux fur.

You won't need stabilizer when sewing this stuff. Definitely use scraps and make test seams Test, test, test. Try different stitch lengths, especially test the gathering technique. You don't need a serger, since you're making a stuffed animal and the s/a will be inside the project. The fleece won't unravel while sewing if you're not too rough with it, like any fabric.

When doing a single layer, would definitely sew with the fleece side up and backing to the feed dogs.

Let us know how the gathering goes on the faux sherpa.
-- Edited on 8/22/09 8:34 AM --
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iPad's auto-correct is my enema.
  
Member since 12/3/05
Posts: 6572
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Posted on: 8/22/09 4:48 PM ET
In reply to Doris W. in TN
Doris, thank you for posting this information. I will be sewing a faux suede/sherpa jacket sometime this winter, and your tips will come in handy.
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No sewing project is ever a complete success nor a total failure.
  
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