Fleece can be used in so many ways. It is a favorite for no-sew projects because it doesn’t ravel, but it is also simple to use for sewing projects. Our Snowflake Fleece pillow takes advantage of the no-ravel quality. The front and back is sandwiched wrong sides together and the cut edges form the flange border. The only negative to sewing on fleece is that it is very hard to rip out stitches, but the good news is– it is a very forgiving fabric. The stitches are buried in the pile, so if they are less than perfect, no one will be able to tell! Here are some tips for sewing with fleece: Fleece is a pile fabric and should be cut using the “with nap” layout. Use long pins with glass or plastic heads so that they do not get buried in the fleece. Use Coats Dual Duty XP General Purpose Thread in a color to match your fabric or one shade darker. Set machine for a long (8-10 stitches per inch or 3 mm) straight stitch or a narrow zig zag. A size 12 (80) Universal point needle is the best choice for most fleece fabrics. Be sure of fit before you sew because stitches sink into the pile and are difficult to remove. Trim seam allowances to 1/4″ to reduce bulk. No seam finish is needed because fleece does not ravel, but zig-zagging seams together reduces bulk When installing a zipper, remember the fleece will stretch, but the zipper tape will not. To prevent a wavy appearance, sew with the fleece underneath the zipper, so that the feed dogs will gently ease the fleece to the zipper tape.
