7 Tips for Sewing with Minky fabric

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Soft, cozy and oh-so-cute, minky fabric is the perfect material for all your snuggle-worthy projects. Here are 7 Tips for Sewing with Minky fabric. Whether you’re making a baby blanket, a plush toy or even some comfy pajamas, minky fabric will become your go-to choice for anything that requires maximum comfort.Minky feels wonderful but it can be a beast to sew with. These 7 tips for sewing with minky fabric to have success with your sewing project. But working with this lovely material can be trickier than it seems! That’s why we’ve put together 7 essential tips to help you master the art of sewing with minky fabric. From choosing the right tools to washing and caring for your finished project – we’ve got you covered! So get ready to dive into the world of cuddly goodness and discover everything there is to know about working with minky fabric.

What is minky fabric?

Minky fabric is a type of plush or cuddle fabric that is known for its softness and texture. It’s typically made from 100% polyester fibers, which makes it incredibly durable and easy to care for. Unlike other fabrics, minky has a distinct pile that gives it a unique look and feel.

The pile on minky fabric can be short or long, depending on the specific type you choose. Short-pile minky is perfect for projects like baby blankets, while longer-pile versions are ideal for stuffed animals and toys.

One of the things that sets minky fabric apart from other materials is its wide range of colors and patterns. From pastel pinks to bold animal prints, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to this versatile material.

Despite its popularity in the sewing world, working with minky can be somewhat challenging due to its tendency to shift and stretch during sewing. But with the right tools and techniques (which we’ll cover later in this post!), anyone can master the art of sewing with minky fabric!

Applique with minky fabtric on a sewing machine. Minky feels wonderful but it can be a beast to sew with. These 7 tips for sewing with minky fabric to have success with your sewing project.The benefits of minky fabric

Minky fabric is a luxurious and ultra-soft material that has become increasingly popular in recent years. This type of fabric is made from 100% polyester fibers, which gives it its unique texture and feel.

One of the key benefits of minky fabric is its softness. It’s plushy texture makes it perfect for use in items such as blankets, bedding, stuffed animals, and even clothing. It provides a cozy feeling that can help soothe anxiety or tension.

Minky also comes in a variety of colors and prints to fit any design scheme you have in mind. These options make it an ideal choice for personalizing baby blankets or creating custom pillows to match your home decor.

When compared to fleece fabric, one could say that Minky offers even more benefits since it does not pill easily like Fleece does after being washed (correctly) multiple times

Working with minky fabric can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re new to sewing or just starting out on your first project. Here are some tips to make working with minky fabric easier and more successful.

7 Tips for sewing with Minky Fabric:

 1. Most minky is 1 sided.

Unlike it’s cousin polar fleece, Minky has distinctive right and wrong side. Minky should be lined with another material (like satin flannel or jersey knit) for comfort and to make it aesthetically pleasing.

2. It sheds like crazy.

When working with minky you’re going to want to keep the lint roller handy.  All that plush goodness sheds where you cut it.  After cutting I recommend taking the pieces outside and giving it a good shake. 

A useful trick for dealing with shedding is placing the cut pieces in a dryer (on air dry, no heat)  before washing them for at least 10 minutes; this will help remove any loose fibers from the edges after cutting.

You may also want to wear an apron while sewing with it to spare yourself the cleanup.

3. When sewing, you need to pin Minky (a lot)

Some sewists like to brag about how they don’t have to use pins.  With this material you need to use pins.  It slides under the needle,  so for straight seams and limited heartache, pin it….. a lot!  Using pins will also force you to sew slower which can help limit issues.

4. You need a Jersey ball point needle.

Minky has a stretch to it, it’s also slick, by using a ball point needle your stitches will stay even on the fabric.  If you forgo the next thing you should know (# 5) please, please use a ball point needle in your sewing machine to make your project successful.

5. You want a walking foot.

Using a walking foot on Minky Fabric. Minky feels wonderful but it can be a beast to sew with. These 7 tips for sewing with minky fabric to have success with your sewing project.If you plan on doing a lot of sewing with minky fabric, a walking foot is worth the investment. 

A walking foot is a special foot apparatus that makes it so the cloth has feed dogs feeding it on the top as well as beneath.   The tool makes it so the fabric can’t slide under the needle, and helps keep stitches even.  It gives also allows you to sew through thick sections of fabric with little difficulty. 

A walking foot basically gives your machine super powers! It’s  a good tool for a sewist to have in her toolkit.  The downside to a walking foot is that it can’t handle turns, so you either have to sew a few stitches and manually turn the fabric yourself at gradual increments, or forgo the walking foot altogether for a curvy piece.

6. Watch the washing temperature.

One of the awesome things about cuddle fabric is that it has that wonderful texture and doesn’t need to be dry cleaned.  This is one of the reasons why so many moms love this fabric for baby blankets and items. Taking care of minky fabric ensures that it remains soft and cuddly for years to come. Since minky is a synthetic material, it requires special attention when washing and drying.

Never wash it hot as it can cause some of the fibers to melt resulting in losing its softness.     To start, always check the care label on your minky fabric before washing. Most manufacturers recommend using cold water and a gentle cycle to avoid damaging the fibers. It’s also best to wash minky separately from other fabrics to prevent pilling or snagging.

When it comes to drying, air-drying is recommended instead of tumble-drying in order to maintain its plush texture. However, if you need to use a dryer, set it on low heat with no dryer sheets or fabric softeners as they can leave residue on the surface of the fabric and gum up the texture. 

If your minky has any stains or spots, try spot-cleaning with mild detergent and warm water first before throwing it in the washer. Avoid using bleach as this can weaken the fibers over time.

By following these simple steps for caring for your minky fabric, you’ll be able to enjoy its cozy texture without worrying about damaging it during cleaning!

7. It’s not just for babies.

While there are many wonderful patterns for babies out there this wonderful fabric isn’t just for them!  Treat yourself to some cuddle fleece goodness like this candy stripe scrunch scarf pattern, child cape or bow infinity wrap!

You can see all my minky projects here.

Alternatives to minky fabric

While minky fabric has become increasingly popular in recent years, it’s not the only option for those seeking a soft and cuddly material. Here are some alternatives to consider:

1. Fleece fabric: Similar to minky, fleece is soft and cozy but typically less expensive. It also comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns.

2. Chenille fabric: This textured fabric has a soft feel similar to minky but with a more unique look due to its raised pile construction.

3. Flannel fabric: While not as plush as minky or fleece, flannel offers a cozy warmth that makes it great for blankets and sleepwear.

4. Sherpa fabric: Made from polyester, sherpa mimics the appearance of sheepskin while providing warmth and comfort.

5. Velvet fabric: Known for its luxurious texture, velvet can offer a similar level of softness as minky but with more elegance.

Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your specific project needs and personal preferences. Consider factors such as durability, washability, cost, and texture when deciding which alternative to choose over minky fabric.

Working With Different Fabrics:

More How to Sew Lessons:

7 Comments

  1. I would like to know where else you can purchase the cuddle fleece other than JoAnn Fabrics who only carry the basic colors, red, brown, black, ivory and white.

  2. Oh my. My bad. I was thinking silky furry fleece. that is what I had questions about. I do love working with the cuddle fleece you are referring to.

  3. Thank you thank you for your info. I wished I had read this first. Needles, pins AND walking foot would have saved me all the ripping out of seams.

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