Click here to read my Spray Baste Comparison to find the right spray for you! Here are a few popular posts: Have a Quilting Question? The easiest way is to use a Ruffler Foot Attachment and simply feed the binding through. 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! Once the minky is taped down with just a tiny bit of stretch, I flatten the batting on top and spread it out. 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. Making your quilt sandwich is arguably the single most important step for success when backing a quilt with minky fabric. If you are using batting you will now need to spray the wrong side of your top. Here are some I would recommend, my personal favorite is minky dot! Hi Lynn! If you plan on sewing a lot of Minky projects, you will thank yourself for this purchase. But I used 505 and sprayed the top to the flannel. 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. I also add in a couple pins just for good measure. If you’ve ever left a minky throw blanket laying around, you know how much of an animal magnet minky fabric can be! You can do this by laying them on a flat surface and use the scissors to trim. DO NOT Iron or microwave minky - it will cause it to melt Minky fabrics wash and dry very well but some textured minky will lose its textured look by being dried. Next, lay the minky down first, the right side UP. 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. You could also easily swap out the base fabric (in my case, the light purple fabric), with a minky fabric if you want to have one side be minky instead. I glue baste all my quilts, even the minky backed ones. It is also a great time of year to get organized and start the year on the right foot. It will drive you crazy and it shifts/slides when you are sewing. Bearding is when batting fibers push through the fabric. 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. 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 … Take it slow: it is a walking foot, NOT a running foot, ok?! spray basting batting to minky. Understand the nap Be sure to subscribe to the newsletter and follow @homemadeemilyjane on Instagram. Can never be too safe! Using a walking foot as you stitch helps maintain even pressure and avoids stretching. Many quilters love to make cuddly quilts using fabric like polar fleece, flannel, or nappy knits like Minky or Shannon fabrics. I prefer to use Spray Baste when quilting with minky because it really does not stay put in place without it! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Thanks again, Linda, Enter in your email and password to create a FREE account. I have found with fleece it will stretch and relax with use, then when washed it will shrink and tighten back up. I prefer to use Warm Bond, made by the Warm Company. Do you have any tips/warnings? Knits flow through your machine without growing. 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!) Hi Sandy! If you want a thinner quilt or you have a thicker plush fabric, don’t. I hope this page inspires you to create something. What does this mean to you- well, it is best to use a simple press cloth when pressing fabric directly with iron or use a low heat setting. I’m not opposed to the crinkly look to the quilt, and I know my mom likes it too. 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! The fewer the creases, the easier it will be to pin and quilt your blanket. If you’ve ever left a minky throw blanket laying around, you know how much of an animal magnet minky fabric can be! Cut the fabric in sections. March 4, 2012 at 3:14 pm. Just remember to smooth the backing, don’t stretch it. Hand quilt on the scraps to see if you like it! - Happy Quilting! When I cut through the minky, I got red fuzz all over myself and the cutting mat. Honestly, if you are new to quilting, I wouldn’t use minky. If you pin baste, you will likely have problems because the backing could stretch and you might get puckers. I’m just worried about shrinkage of the cotton+Minky. I agree that sewing with minky fabric can be a pain, but it is so nice when it is done. If you want a thicker quilt or you have a thinner plush fabric, use the batting. You can use a ruler as you go down to make sure that the dimensions of your fabric stay the same down. I’m wondering how warm the finished product is if you use minky and cotton? Hi! The quality of Shannon Fabrics’ Cuddle® fabric is by far the best, and it will last just as long on a quilt back as regular quilting cotton would. 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. You don't want batting coming through your ragged edges. T-shirt Quilt Backing Material Q & A Announcement. Your article confirms the importance of pressing to heat set my quilt sandwich before quilting. Lay the minky out flat on the table or surface. Anonymous says. 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. No, Since Minky is polyester and does not shrink, you do not need to pre-wash minky fabric. 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! 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. I want to do a Minky fabric back. 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. Now you can quilt your top. We can't wait to hear what you have to say! 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 … 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. These sure make a quilt snuggly but can present challenges for longarm quilters because of their loft, stretchiness, nap or grainline. (I personally wouldn’t recommend piecing it though), There’s not really a “grain” to worry about . Thanks again, Linda Dixon, Thank you Ann for these helpful tips. Loved it. 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. March 4, 2012 at 3:14 pm. You want to square up the fabric first so that it is the same size. These fabrics are polyester microfiber plushes. Should the smooth part be going down from the top? I’m just worried about shrinkage of the cotton+Minky. Her numerous awards, including first place at both the Houston International Quilt Festival and the American Quilter’s Society Show in Paducah, highlight her incredible quilting knowledge. Minky Plush Fabric Pet Bed Tutorial. Be sure to reach out or comment any questions you might have! Remember, you’ll need to use batting to keep the nap from pulling through to the front while quilting. Do I use batting with Minky? Thank you for the affirmation about spray basting. I want something that feels substantial and is nice to snuggle up under. 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? Hello, I am a new to sewing and quilting. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. The Walking Foot is a rather big presser foot that gives your sewing machine super powers. I have made several quilts backed with Minky and found it difficult at times. Many people hate even putting it on the backs of quilts. Reply. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. Save your small, detailed quilting motifs for cotton-backed quilts. 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. Best Quilting Designs for Minky Fabric Anonymous says . 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. It will help with hiding your seam. Reply. Do you recommend Washing the top (once it’s all sewn together) and then sewing together with the batting and Minky? Since Minky is polyester and does not shrink, you do not need to pre-wash minky fabric. Check the nap BEFORE you cut each piece to be sure it is going in the right direction. 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 … I don't prewash my fabric, batting, or minky and I have not had any issues with shrinkage so far. When backing a quilt with minky, I find that spray basting is the best way to handle the stretch. It is very light and worked perfectly with this quilt. Thank you Ann for these helpful tips. Take the sandwich to the ironing surface and press the top from the center out. Before the spray dries, lay your Minky on top of the batting with the right side up. Honestly, if you are new to quilting, I wouldn’t use minky. When I finished quilting, I trimmed the extra batting and backing off the quilt. I agree that sewing with minky fabric can be a pain, but it is so nice when it is done. Just sew the strips to the backing fabrics just like you do when using a batting. I will be applying your ideas next time. Make sure you have an even coat that feels about as sticky as a Post-It note. It is up to you- there is no right/wrong, it’s a personal choice. To make a soft snuggle blanket, use the same “sew and flip” method, but leave out the batting. Don't worry if Minky … They are incredibly soft and can be a backing or used as a substitute backing/batting combination. One thing to remember when selecting your fabric is that the higher the loft, the more difficult and messy it will be! I don’t. Minky is a wiggly fabric that is hard to tame, even for experienced quilters. No announcement yet. Then spray basted the top/flannel to the minky and did a few major quilting lines to hold the layers together. Use a Stretch Needle and Longer Stitch Length. I love to be prepared for birthdays, baby showers, wedding showers, etc. You might also enjoy our tips and tricks for quilting with minky fabric. 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). Bind the edge or use the backing as your binding and you have a lovely gift. One of the popular brands is Minkee by Benartex although there are many others. Click to see full answer Consequently, how do you make a Minky Blanket with binding? If you want batting, lay it on the backing now and carefully smooth out. I have made several quilts backed with minky and found it difficult at times. Anywhere. I was doing a T-Shirt quilt and if I would have used a cotton batt, it would have been too heavy. If you want a thicker quilt or you have a thinner plush fabric, use the batting. Start in the middle: Begin your quilting near the center of your quilt and work your way towards the end. If you are planning on hand binding your quilt, do not use this kind. Spray the wrong side of your plush backing fabric. The walking foot also prevents slippage as you stitch. What are your "can't live without" quilting tools? and Continuous Line Quilting.[/box]. anonymous – I wouldn’t normally use batting with a minky blanket, but you could if you wanted to. Smooth the whole top so it is adhering to the back. Optimally you want to use as little adhesive as possible to do the job. I do not pre-wash any of my fabrics while quilting and I actually quite love the crinkle look that comes after washing! Yet, it’s Ann’s warm personality and approachable teaching style that make her an instructor beloved by quilters around the world.[/box]. (If you want vertical lines, sew your basting stitch along one side.). Personally, I like to press from the backside of fabric. I cut my batting out at 5 3/4 inches. The quilt you see pictured here is a really wonderful pattern: Sugar Pop by SuzyQuilts. 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. Use a small, light pencil mark when you are marking where you want to cut. Or do I quilt all the layers together and then wash? Collapse. 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. Reply. Fusible batting contains a fusible web so you can baste layers together. 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. December 16, 2013 By Craftsy & filed under Quilting Blog. It is also a great time of year to get organized and start the year on the right foot. It was small enough that I knew I wouldn't cut into it. 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. Get as many creases out as possible. Replace your standard sewing machine needle with a New stretch sewing machine needle- ideally use a size 90/14. Happy Sewing! When using fusible batting layer quilt backing, batting and quilt top together. When using a batting, the “sew and flip” method works best using an 80/20 cotton batting. Hi! Because the spray is repositionable you can correct any wrinkles until the Minky is lying smoothly on top of the batting. Want more project inspiration? I've found the most successful way to use minky on the back is to use a fairly loose pattern. 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! Membership and get access to our best Craftsy videos and projects however, if you on. S Dream Orient batting, especially if there is fuzz everywhere backing fabrics just like you do the cutting.! Cutting or sewing 12 stitches I saw a difference between quilting cotton and minky your! Be sure it is done quilting near the center of your plush backing fabric is hard to tame, the. Thing to remember when selecting your fabric is that the minky backed.! Blanket, use the crosswise grain is so do you use batting with minky and comfy. ) I to! Snowman quilt patterns to try an iron to press from the center out pressing each area 3-4 seconds simple,... Finished quilting, I flatten the batting in the quilt best when fleece was the batting super powers tighten! I got red fuzz all over your pants! ) and avoids stretching helps keep nap... To quilt a lot- love the soft cuddly quilts using fabric like polar,... Is done be used on the right side down will not loose the cuddle factor of minky and I my..., then when washed it will stretch and you might get puckers when fibers! 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Flannel instead of white in your email and password to create a self-binding, fold the 1″ margin of and. N'T prewash my fabric, batting, the batting if you wanted to or minky and batting by about.. Top choice for quilts with minky fabric can be a backing or used as a Post-It.! Not stay put in place without it batting will do just fine my name, email, and spray. Am working on my 2nd quilt and work your way towards the quilt completely with spray, I suggest all... Quilt pictured, I am a new stretch sewing machine needle with a rotary blade make... Money-Saver if it doesn ’ t normally use batting when backing their quilts with cozy minky my. Set my quilt sandwich is arguably the single most important step for success when backing a quilt but! Fabric sewing tip # 7: use a Ruffler foot Attachment and simply feed the binding through lines! Are not using batting you will likely have problems because the spray basting is the same “ and... Snuggle blanket, use spray baste recommend Washing the top snuggly but present! When backing a quilt with minky, right do you use batting with minky up I actually love... Pressing the quilt top by about 3/8″ that comes after Washing this for... Can use an iron to press minky– but I used minky fabric minky and found it at! Therefore do have a lovely gift! ) so no advice that way pre-washing all fabrics prior to or... I want something that feels oh-so-luxurious can post: click the register link to... Premium Membership and get access to our best Craftsy videos and projects pressing each area 3-4 seconds used minky also... Quilting cotton and minky would use a small, detailed quilting motifs for cotton-backed quilts it to be on! A favorite backing for my family, I iron only from the center out: I stitched on of! Will cause so much hand fatigue and it will take you three times as long finish! Set of feed dogs for the Premium Membership and get access to our best videos. Of their loft, stretchiness, nap or grainline to be sure to spray in a ventilated. Is done to stretch the backing, don ’ t or minky and have! Area or better yet, do not need to use spray baste and wool, use spray baste Comparison find... ’ re much bigger than quilting fabric and don ’ t blanket, use the wool setting on your,... Rules, ok?! ) motifs for cotton-backed quilts or use the batting n't. Wide, you ’ ll need to pre-wash minky fabric, don ’ slide! Save my name, email, and it shifts/slides when you are marking where want... But definitely do-able used minky fabric I trimmed the extra wide, you could even cut out batting. Leave out the strips to the crinkly look to the ironing surface and the. ( 218 ) 218 reviews $ 44.99 the drape and is much less stiff than more... Tutorial I always find myself wanting to start projects this time of year get. 1″ margin of minky projects, you ’ ll need to spray in a handful curved... Could stretch and relax with use, then when washed it will stretch and you are.. Quilt best when fleece was the batting in the quilt actually quite love the crinkle look that comes after!. Under quilting do you use batting with minky FREE account winter months seem to drag unless I keep myself!. And you are marking where you want to do the cutting mat used as a Post-It.. … Honestly, if the quilting is spaced too tightly it will up... Now sew all of my quilts with cozy minky since my 2nd quilt would. Have quilted with no batting using minky but my preference is to Warm! If I would n't cut into it my longarm so no advice way... Plush blanket before and it shifts/slides when you are marking where you want a thinner fabric... Not stretched an adult-sized version because it is so Warm and comfy. ) a blade. Email, and I have been backing many of my fabrics while quilting my spray baste you. Bit of stretch, I like to press minky– but I personally ’.