When Minky (Minkee - two spellings, same product) has been mentioned in posts some of you have asked about what it is and how difficult is it to sew with. Here is a tutorial that is a simple blanket (Minky and cotton sewn back to back and then turned and top-stitched) that should answer some of those questions.

http://icraftblog.blogspot.com/2009/...-tutorial.html

From experience in using Minky as backing fabric for three quilts, it is well worth the effort. The quilts were all long armed quilted and the long armer said they are easy to quilt. I did experience the slippery, slidey part of the Minky when putting the binding on the finished quilt. But, the quilts are superbly soft and cuddly.

Love this totorial I have some minky, but I was not sure if I could deal with it. This totorial is wonderful. I have book marked. Thank you for sharing. :thumbup:

thanks!

Thanks for the info!

I have found sewing around the edge stableizes it and makes it easier to work with.

Thanks for the info!

I have used Minkee on several throws too. It's been my experience though, that when you wash them, don't use fabric softener. It seems to mat the fibers on the longer Minkee types. But that's just me...

That might explain why my grandson's quilt is all matted on the back after multiple washings. I have backed many baby quilts with minkee and have given the quilts as gifts. I don't usually get to see the quilts again as they are in new homes (hopefully being loved on). But I recently saw my GS's quilt and was sad to see the state of the back on it. BTW, I do have a walking foot and don't have to use that many pins. I wonder if you could use good ol' school glue or a glue stick instead of all the pins.

Your tutorial was great!!! Good luck with your etsy store.

Echobluff said "I have used Minkee on several throws too. It's been my experience though, that when you wash them, don't use fabric softener. It seems to mat the fibers on the longer Minkee types. But that's just me..."

someone told me if you iron minky that has the little raised bumps , the bumps flatten out.

I use minky in a lot of projects. My tip to go with your very good turtorial is " when you stich the two fabrice together, put the minky on the bottom. This way the feed dogs will keep it fron puckering"

Yes, that is true! A cool iron is ok, but not the hot/cotton setting! I found that out the hard way on the first quilt I ever made. So, if a person was to use my glue idea, they wouldn't be able to heat set the glue, but would have to let it dry naturally.

I use this same method to make flannel crib blankets. Start with 3 yards good quality flannel, (cut in 2 1 1/2 yard pieces. I machine embroider in the four corners of one panel, then sew the two panels together right sides facing. Turn and then machine stitch a border around the edges and they turn out beautiful.

I will have to go look at minky.. I don't believe I have ever seen it!

I used this method with two minkee fabrics and turned the blanket into a quillo. To keep the layers together, after reversing the fabrics, I tied the layers quilt-style every 10 inches with 1/8" satin ribbon. It came out well and my grandaughter loved it.

Thanks so much. Your tutorial was well done.

I think the key is to sew your minky on to a different type of fabric. My last project involved making minky flowers. I cut 2 flower shapes and then had to sew the pieces together right sides together. It was a mess! I tried using lots of pins (I always do) and finally hand basted it before sewing on my machine and it still slipped. Grrrr.... I may try some more flowers with a different fabric on the back. Thanks for the tut.