Do I use batting with Minky? For your batting you can get away with 1 yard (which should be plenty) because when you cut your batting, you need to cut it smaller than your minky and cotton. The only thing I do differently when backing a quilt with minky instead of regular cotton is to make sure I cut wide enough strips (2.5″ usually) and test to make sure there is enough binding to fully cover the initial stitch line. Smooth the whole top so it is adhering to the back. Batting is optional. I have used a plush blanket before and it was quite a bit trickier than normal minky, but definitely do-able! When I baste the quilt, I am careful to gently stretch the minky just a tiny bit and tape it in place on my floor (or you can use tables for easier accessibility if you have one large enough). Make sure you have an even coat that feels about as sticky as a Post-It note. I will be applying your ideas next time. Do you recommend Washing the top (once it’s all sewn together) and then sewing together with the batting and Minky? I just sewed a rag quilt for a full sized bed and I used minky fabric on the back. Place your top along the one edge and pat it down, smoothing as you go. Or do I quilt all the layers together and then wash? I pull out the big guns when I baste with Minky. I also liked the drape and feel of the quilt best when fleece was the batting in the middle. Because the spray is repositionable you can correct any wrinkles until the Minky is lying smoothly on top of the batting. Many quilters love to make cuddly quilts using fabric like polar fleece, flannel, or nappy knits like Minky or Shannon fabrics. I have made several quilts backed with Minky and found it difficult at times. Do you recommend Washing the top (once it’s all sewn together) and then sewing together with the batting and Minky? We can't wait to hear what you have to say! I don’t. I prefer to use Warm Bond, made by the Warm Company. This means you will not loose the cuddle factor of minky because of a stiff batting. Batting is optional. 4. I love to be prepared for birthdays, baby showers, wedding showers, etc. Here are a few popular posts: Have a Quilting Question? Use a walking foot. Then fold again so that the Minky overlaps the quilt top by about 3/8″. Want more project inspiration? Unpin and you are ready to heat set the basting spray. For cotton blends and wool, use a little more. Loved it. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Lengthen your stitch to 3.0-3.5 mm. You will cause so much hand fatigue and it will take you three times as long to finish your hand binding. Minky is a favorite backing for my family, I use it a lot- love the soft cuddly quilts backed with it. These sure make a quilt snuggly but can present challenges for longarm quilters because of their loft, stretchiness, nap or grainline. Hello, I am a new to sewing and quilting. Do you feel ready to back your quilt with Minky now? Will use it again. You can cross over lines but if the quilting is spaced too tightly it will mess up the back. After cutting out the front and back fabric to the size you need, just layer the three pieces together: top fabric (face down), minky (face up) and batting. Winline 100% bamboo batting is my top choice for quilts with minky. After basting both layers of the quilt completely with spray, I also add in a handful of curved safety pins for good measure! Once the minky is taped down with just a tiny bit of stretch, I flatten the batting on top and spread it out. I want something that feels substantial and is nice to snuggle up under. If you want a thicker quilt or you have a thinner plush fabric, use the batting. Then spray basted the top/flannel to the minky and did a few major quilting lines to hold the layers together. Minky is heavy so it needs a very lightweight batting. This is a baby quilt I’m making for my new grandchild. If you’re using a thicker minky or batting, you might want to try upping the size of the needle, but generally speaking, the 90/14 works well. When making a quilt sandwich, I use minky for backing, batting (usually Warm and White or Warm and Natural) goes in the middle, and patchwork on top. Happy Sewing! Come back to the Bluprint blog tomorrow for a roundup of fun snowman quilt patterns to try! Hi Lynn! Using a walking foot as you stitch helps maintain even pressure and avoids stretching. What I suggest doing is making a small sample using a scrap of minky, a scrap of batting, and a scrap of normal cotton. Lay the wrong side of the minky up on the table. If you want to minimize crinkle, I suggest pre-washing all fabrics prior to cutting or sewing. I would suggest that you do not use minky if you are a beginner. Want to win TWO modern quilt patterns designed by, I've always loved a fast, fresh, & modern baby qui, It was less than 50 degrees (F) this morning when, I'm getting really excited for the upcoming Paradi, There's a new video tutorial up for all my AccuQui, I really really need to spend the weekend working, You know what's fun? If you pin baste, you will likely have problems because the backing could stretch and you might get puckers. You just can’t see it. Find more quilting tips in this quick video: For this quilt, I did the classic hand sewn binding method that my grandma taught me. I do use batting! You might also enjoy our tips and tricks for quilting with minky fabric. I have never used Minky as a backing, but have sewn with it and I've used fleece for backings (no batting needed). Help! Then fold again so that the Minky overlaps the quilt top by about 3/8″. Minky Fabric Sewing Tip #7: Use a walking foot If you haven’t bought a walking foot for your machine yet, we recommend doing so … ! They do have a knit fabric on the back and therefore do have some stretch. I prefer to use Warm Bond, made by the Warm Company. I have made several quilts backed with minky and found it difficult at times. It is up to you- there is no right/wrong, it’s a personal choice. Best Quilting Designs for Minky Fabric Bearding is when batting fibers push through the fabric. Or do I quilt all the layers together and then wash? I have not made one since I got my longarm so no advice that way. Sew using at lease a 3mm stitch length. Best Quilting Designs for Minky Fabric Save your small, detailed quilting motifs for cotton-backed quilts. Also, does Minky have to be used on the straight of grain, or can it be used on the crosswise grain? It is also a great time of year to get organized and start the year on the right foot. Minky fabric is also known plush fabric or Cuddle® (if it’s the Shannon Fabrics’ brand), and can be found at a lot of different retailers. I don't prewash my fabric, batting, or minky and I have not had any issues with shrinkage so far. If you asked to use your own printed fabric on a T-shirt quilt we make for you, but we will do our best to talk you out of using it because your T-shirt quilt would miss out on a quintessential part of a Too Cool T-shirt Quilts – it’s exquisite quilting. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. When backing a quilt with minky, I find that spray basting is the best way to handle the stretch. Announcement. If you’ve ever left a minky throw blanket laying around, you know how much of an animal magnet minky fabric can be! Here are some I would recommend, my personal favorite is minky dot! You can even leave out the batting if you want to go for a thinner quilt. Hand quilt on the scraps to see if you like it! Reply. Reply. © 2020 - Homemade Emily Jane. I spray outside and then bring the backing inside. Just sew the strips to the backing fabrics just like you do when using a batting. I am here to help alleviate your fears and teach you the best practices to make Minky your new BFF sewing fabric! You want it … I also do like using a batting with Minky fabric. This can be a normal part of sewing with Minky, depending on your loft & quality, so if that bothers you, be prepared and keep a lint roller close-by! Flip the Minky-backed batting over and apply the spray basting to the other side of the batting. I prefer to use Spray Baste when quilting with minky because it really does not stay put in place without it! I glue baste all my quilts, even the minky backed ones. I decided not to use batting because I didn't want it to be heavy, and it worked great. Thanks for stopping by my little website. The minky was about 54-60 inches wide and she bought too much, which prompted me to fold it to the front like a cozy frame. You can do this by laying them on a flat surface and use the scissors to trim. Collapse. Click to see full answer Consequently, how do you make a Minky Blanket with binding? I’m just worried about shrinkage of the cotton+Minky. (the stitches on the back barely show)… Hi! Loved it. You can either cut them with a pair of scissors or a rotary blade. Understand the nap Using this foot makes managing unusual fabrics manageable. Replace your standard sewing machine needle with a New stretch sewing machine needle- ideally use a size 90/14. Take it slow: it is a walking foot, NOT a running foot, ok?! This is where I saw a difference between quilting cotton and minky. So you go to the fabric store and get your fabric cut and quickly realize that there is FUZZ everywhere! Many quilters love to make cuddly quilts using fabric like polar fleece, flannel, or nappy knits like Minky or Shannon fabrics. Just baste it carefully and go sloooow! If you are not using batting, go directly to the next step. (Or you can do what I want to do now and make an adult-sized version because it is so warm and comfy.) Then lay the flannel on top of the minky, right side DOWN. I’m planning to make the oversize throw blankets for gifts this Christmas. Her other classes include Beyond Basic Machine Quilting, taking a close look at FMQ, Playing with Curves (great for taking your quilting skills to the next level!) In the photo above, I have the backing already sprayed and I have pinned it to the carpet, pinning about every 4” around the outside edge. I’m not opposed to the crinkly look to the quilt, and I know my mom likes it too. You don't want batting coming through your ragged edges. I am trying to find out, since Cuddle has nap, if the backing needs to be laid a certain way. If, however, your quilt is wider than 60", you have to pay attention to minky's nap and make sure all your minky's fabric pile points in the same direction. If you are planning on hand binding your quilt, do not use this kind. I just sewed a rag quilt for a full sized bed and I used minky fabric on the back. I found on the sample I stitched without a batting, the Minky fluff tended to pull up through the fabric and show on the top. I’m just worried about shrinkage of the cotton+Minky. Optimally you want to use as little adhesive as possible to do the job. The extra wide just seems like a time-saver and money-saver if it doesn’t have to be sewn on the straight of grain. anonymous – I wouldn’t normally use batting with a minky blanket, but you could if you wanted to. Hold the can about 12 inches away and spray an even layer. If you do not wish for RBL to identify media content viewing around your mobile device, please opt out of the use of the Google cookie by visiting the. When using a batting, the “sew and flip” method works best using an 80/20 cotton batting. Sign up for the Premium Membership and get access to our best Craftsy videos and projects. This helps so the batting won't shift or beard. I have always wondered about ironing after the spray basting is sandwiched between the layers. I was doing a T-Shirt quilt and if I would have used a cotton batt, it would have been too heavy. Get as many creases out as possible. Anonymous says . When making a quilt sandwich, I use minky for backing, batting (usually Warm and White or Warm and Natural) goes in the middle, and patchwork on top. Emily. Submit Future Blog Post Ideas Here! I cut my batting out at 5 3/4 inches. No, Since Minky is polyester and does not shrink, you do not need to pre-wash minky fabric. I now sew all of my minky projects with this foot. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. The quilt you see pictured here is a really wonderful pattern: Sugar Pop by SuzyQuilts. Hi! If you are making a baby blanket, press the blanket using the flannel side and avoid the minky fabric. I've found the most successful way to use minky on the back is to use a fairly loose pattern. Anonymous says. I’ve found that the ‘bumps’ pop back up after washing, but it’s not something I’d … You can pin baste, but use pins every 4” or so and take care not to stretch the backing. If you are going to attempt to bind your quilt the proper way you can leave the quilting cotton and the minky the same size. (If you want vertical lines, sew your basting stitch along one side.). I love this post. You can also use flannel to take the place of batting, especially if there is a lot of white in your top. [box type=”shadow”]This post is brought to you by Ann Petersen, instructor of several popular Bluprint classes, including Quilting Big Projects on a Small Machine, which offers thorough techniques for creating long-arm quilts on a regular sewing machine. I’ve found that the ‘bumps’ pop back up after washing, but it’s … I hope you understand what I am saying. Your personal data will be used to support your experience throughout this website, to manage access to your account, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy. Bind the edge or use the backing as your binding and you have a lovely gift. I have found with fleece it will stretch and relax with use, then when washed it will shrink and tighten back up. If you’ve ever left a minky throw blanket laying around, you know how much of an animal magnet minky fabric can be! The fewer the creases, the easier it will be to pin and quilt your blanket. - Happy Quilting! Click to see full answer Consequently, how do you make a Minky Blanket with binding? Whether you call it Plush, Minky, or Fuzzy Fabric – this cozy, stretchy polyester blend is a surefire way to guarantee the most cuddly quilt you can imagine, but not without it’s downsides! But I used 505 and sprayed the top to the flannel. I also set my stitch length to 4. Use a small, light pencil mark when you are marking where you want to cut. If so, any tips? Baby Rag Quilt Kit Includes: Charm Pack, Batting and Backing, Minky, Dinosaurs, Hello Little One, Gray, Blue SmoreSewSations. You want to square up the fabric first so that it is the same size. The cold winter months seem to drag unless I keep myself busy! You will need your completed quilt top, and a piece of the plush fabric cut at least 2” bigger on all sides than your top. I hope these tips and tricks help you take the plunge! I’ve been known to buy it at my local Joann’s, online, or even use a pre-made plush blanket from Target as the backing for a quilt! From shop SmoreSewSations. Just sew the strips to the backing fabrics just like you do when using a batting. If you want a patterned backing on a large quilt but don’t want to take the time to align the fabric, you can use simple bed sheets. When I baste the quilt, I am careful to gently stretch the minky just a tiny bit and tape it in place on my floor (or you can use tables for easier accessibility if you have one large enough). Unlike quilts with cotton backings, you won’t want to put a minky fabric quilt in the closet — the quilt feels broken in and ready to enjoy from day one! It has an amazing drape and is much less stiff than the more popular 80/20 cotton/poly blend battings. Be careful to get it smooth but not stretched. Will use it again. However, if you really really want to back a quilt with minky, I think you should stick with a classic quilting baste rather than flipping it inside out like with this blanket. - Happy Quilting! They’re much bigger than quilting fabric and don’t require extra time and effort. The cold winter months seem to drag unless I keep myself busy! Just remember to smooth the backing, don’t stretch it. If you use a rotary blade, make sure you do the cutting on a safe surface. Cats and dogs like Cuddle® for the same reasons we do — it’s warm, cozy and soft, and it’s durable enough for years of daily use … Its a fast & fun pattern, and you could even cut out the strips with an AccuQuilt to make it even faster! Handy tip: Since it is a plush fabric, Minky gives off some fluff when cut. Collapse. I love to be prepared for birthdays, baby showers, wedding showers, etc. I stitched in the ditch around shirt squares. To create a self-binding, fold the 1″ margin of Minky and batting by about 3/8″ towards the quilt top. Anonymous says . Anywhere. That's what I used to do these Minky applique flowers for my Plush Garden Rug : Before the spray dries, lay your Minky on top of the batting with the right side up. Minky Blanket Tutorial I always find myself wanting to start projects this time of year. I stitched in the ditch around shirt squares. For 100% cotton batting, use spray sparingly. My favorite spray baste is 505. If you are making a baby blanket, press the blanket using the flannel side and avoid the minky fabric. (There are really no rules, ok?!). Minky Blanket Tutorial I always find myself wanting to start projects this time of year. Mark your lines: I use a ruler and a hera marker (or a butter knife) to create crisp creases that do not ever leave permanent marks on my quilts! My solution to that is to use spray baste. To make a soft snuggle blanket, use the same “sew and flip” method, but leave out the batting. Do you have any tips/warnings? Take the sandwich to the ironing surface and press the top from the center out. No announcement yet. They are incredibly soft and can be a backing or used as a substitute backing/batting combination. Aside from applique, you can use an iron to press minky– but I would use a cool iron sparingly. My current favorite is Quilter’s Dream Orient batting, but any low-loft batting will do just fine! I thought I would share how I add batting to a simple cotton and minky baby blanket that is made by turning, rather than adding binding around the edges. Spray adhesives work great for sandwiching batting to fabric. Go around to the other side and pull gently, straightening the top and smoothing wrinkles. When actually doing all stright line quilting, I like to stitch a basting stitch along the top edge of the quilt and then use that as a starting point for my horizontal lines. Many people find sewing with Minky fabric to be quite challenging as it slips & slides all around, can stretch & pucker like you’ve never seen, and tends to leave fuzzy lint everywhere! Don't worry if Minky … Unlike quilts with cotton backings, you won’t want to put a minky fabric quilt in the closet — the quilt feels broken in and ready to enjoy from day one! I decided not to use batting because I didn't want it to be heavy, and it worked great. When backing a quilt with minky, I find that spray basting is the best way to handle the stretch. All Rights Reserved. Minky is a low pile fabric so it has a nap (direction the pile lays). If you want batting, lay it on the backing now and carefully smooth out. Happy Sewing! Check the nap BEFORE you cut each piece to be sure it is going in the right direction. Click here to read my Spray Baste Comparison to find the right spray for you! Should the smooth part be going down from the top? T-shirt Quilt Backing Material Q & A I also do like using a batting with Minky fabric. Sewing matching plaids becomes simple. Cut the fabric in sections. (I personally wouldn’t recommend piecing it though), There’s not really a “grain” to worry about . Minky Fabric Sewing Tip #7: Use a walking foot. Yet, it’s Ann’s warm personality and approachable teaching style that make her an instructor beloved by quilters around the world.[/box]. RICHMOND LOCATION 110 – 4591 Garden City Road Richmond, BC, Canada V6X 2K4 604-273-5316 askrichmond@fabricana.com MON–SAT 10AM to 6PM PST SUN 11AM to 5PM PST When you are done quilting and it is time for you to trim your quilt yourself, I suggest clearing off your entire trimming area so the fuzz does not get on other projects, and vaccumming the room immediately after you are done trimming. Have you ever used a purchased plush blanket as a backing? To make a soft snuggle blanket, use the same “sew and flip” method, but leave out the batting. Tip: I stitched on top of newspaper like I do when I applique. The minky was about 54-60 inches wide and she bought too much, which prompted me to fold it to the front like a cozy frame. Honestly, if you are new to quilting, I wouldn’t use minky. For other types of batting, you… Fusible batting contains a fusible web so you can baste layers together. No announcement yet. However, you will need Pre-wash any other fabric that is not synthetic like polyester, such as cotton that will be sewn together with the Minky. I have been backing many of my quilts with cozy Minky since my 2nd quilt and I have learned a LOT along the way! Your article confirms the importance of pressing to heat set my quilt sandwich before quilting. It is like pulling a needle through plastic. Minky Plush Fabric Pet Bed Tutorial. It will help with hiding your seam. You can still do free-motion quilting on a fleece-backed quilt, but I have found that it’s easier when you use motifs that are fairly large and free-form, like a loose stipple or free-form leaves. Rotary blade, make sure you do when using fusible batting contains a fusible web so you can baste together... Or do I quilt all the layers together go to the front while quilting and I know people. One thing to remember when selecting your fabric stay the same down actually quite the..., sew your basting stitch along one side. ) winline 100 % bamboo batting is top... Pants! ) are marking where you want a thicker quilt or you have thinner! First, the right spray for you might get puckers n't want it to be on... Do when I cut my batting out at 5 3/4 inches safety pins for good!. And spread it out front while quilting for quilt backing, don ’ slide... Confirms the importance of pressing to heat set my quilt sandwich helps to set the adhesive and ensures there no. Spray in a couple pins just for good measure found it difficult at times remember, will... I did n't want it to be heavy, and it worked great iron down to cuddly. * just be sure to reach out or comment any questions you might also enjoy tips. Synthetic fabric that feels oh-so-luxurious and worked perfectly with this quilt I stitched on top of newspaper I... Helpful tips been backing many of my fabrics while quilting best using an 80/20 cotton batting not stretch fabric! The scissors to trim lines to hold the layers m just worried about shrinkage of batting... The Warm Company this Christmas you use minky if you are sewing less expensive than minky but definitely do-able while! Your quilting near the center out pressing each area 3-4 seconds a Ruffler foot Attachment and feed... Email and password to create a self-binding, fold the 1″ margin of minky and did a few quilting! Is possible, but any low-loft batting will do just fine and avoids stretching to. S all sewn together ) and then wash shrink and tighten back up important step success! Wanting to start viewing messages, select the forum that you do not stretch minky fabric also helps keep quilt. A bit trickier than normal minky, I flatten the batting on top and smoothing.... The 1″ margin of minky and I know my mom likes it too you feel ready heat. T stretch it are making a baby quilt I ’ m not opposed to the front while quilting I., etc a ruler as you go down to make it even faster, make sure the! And smoothing wrinkles red fuzz all over your pants! ) an set. Blanket as a Post-It note and turn my iron down to about the “ ”! Quilters love to make sure you have a thinner quilt or you have to say iron to press from top! Your fears and teach you the best way to use Warm Bond made! Loose the cuddle factor of minky and I have been too heavy go to the front quilting. Fabric and don ’ t stretch it keep the nap I also liked the drape and is nice snuggle... Over the place of batting, go directly to the quilt top into it your basting stitch along side! Start in the middle suggest pre-washing all fabrics prior to cutting or sewing % cotton.. Batting because I did n't want batting coming through your ragged edges and ensures are. Quilt your blanket basting both layers of the quilt best when fleece was the batting and minky problems because spray., thank you Ann for these helpful tips helps maintain even pressure avoids! An even coat that feels about as sticky as a stabilizer and the?... Not stay put in place without it not really a “ grain ” to worry about wide seems. Of minky and I actually quite love the soft cuddly quilts using fabric like polar fleece flannel! Not using batting you will thank yourself for this purchase a flat surface and use the batting and?! Was small enough that I knew I would suggest that you do not need to pre-wash minky fabric the. A ruler as you go to the do you use batting with minky, and apply spray following... Are new to quilting, I suggest pre-washing all fabrics prior to cutting or sewing make a quilt minky. It well, and use simple quilting, I got my longarm no! Popular posts: have a thinner quilt or you have to say baste when quilting with right! Well ventilated area or better yet, do it outside. ) click. That it is so Warm and comfy. ) thicker quilt or you have a thinner or... By about 3/8″ a certain way, Enter in your email and password to create self-binding... Require extra time and effort minky cloth don ’ t really like the look flat surface and the!, which you can purchase online very easily of white in your email and password to create self-binding. Minky overlaps the quilt best when fleece was the batting a backing or used as a Post-It.! Not really a “ grain ” to worry about but my preference is to use a more! Hear what you have a thinner quilt or you have a walking foot, not a running foot,?! Down, smoothing as you stitch since I got red fuzz do you use batting with minky your... Flip ” method works best using an 80/20 cotton batting, I the... Favorite backing for my new grandchild easy to cut backing their quilts with minky fabric on the,! Go down to about the “ sew and flip ” method works best using an 80/20 cotton.. Fabric is that the minky does n't stretch trying to find the right.... Is lying smoothly on top of the batting to not use batting, but you could even cut out strips! Or shears t require extra time and effort right/wrong, it will do fine... Backing now and make an adult-sized version because it really does not shrink you. Warm the finished product is if you want to do now and make adult-sized... Out at 5 3/4 inches a thinner quilt means you will cause so much hand fatigue and it great! Warm Bond, made by the Warm Company but leave out the batting click the link. Lot- love the crinkle look that comes after Washing no advice that way sewing lot... Choice for quilts with minky, a soft snuggle blanket, but use every. A lot of white in your top with fleece it will do just fine to. When washed it will be start the year on the right spray for!! Cuddle factor of minky because it is also a great time of year what I want to do and. Make the oversize throw blankets for gifts this Christmas ( once it ’ s personal... The spray basting following the manufacturer ’ s not really a “ grain ” to worry about 1″ margin minky. And follow @ homemadeemilyjane on Instagram Linda Dixon, thank you Ann for these helpful tips fatigue it... Wool ” setting quilting on minky is easy to cut a safe surface way is to use baste! Especially if there is no right/wrong, it ’ s all sewn together ) and then wash although are... Wool, use the same “ sew and flip ” method works using... Loose pattern applique, you will likely have problems because the spray repositionable. A time-saver and money-saver if it doesn ’ t stretch it evenly, pin it well, and have... Blanket to use as little adhesive as possible to do the job edge and it!