I've never used minky- any tips?
 

Hi friends,
With a baby granddaughter on the way I am of course thinking of baby quilts!
I've heard a little about minky for backings but have no experience using it.

I plan to machine or maybe hand quilt it.

Any tips? TIA

Susie

I love Minky backed quilts and make a lot of them. Tips- smooth don’t stretch, use a new sharp needle, use a big ( open) quilting design. I usually just do large swooping waves, curls, meandering. I do use batting which helps keep it from sliding around but we live in a cold climate. Some people do not use batting- it’s up to you.

When you cut into it use a vacuum cleaner along the edges to get rid of the fuzz.

I love minky backed baby quilts. I live in Maine and only make minky backed quilts during the summer months when I can cut, shake, and layer the minky, quilt flimsy, and batting outside on my picnic table due to the shedding. So I have to plan ahead.

DogGramma .... Does that stop it?
Or does it keep shedding, until you get the seams enclosed inside the finished quilt?
Thanks!

I read a great tip in a quilting magazine about working with minky. Before cutting the minky, wear a robe over your outfit. The robe should be the silky-like, shiny material. Now the minky won't stick to your clothes and saves you from using a lint roller.

Congratulations on the news of your baby granddaughter!

I've made a few minky baby/lap quilts recently and had great experiences after receiving excellent advice from others here on the QB..

- consider pre-washing your cotton fabric (if you don't already) as minky is poly so it won't shrink as much as the cotton will
- I used batting in mine but others suggest you can omit batting if you'd like a thin quilt
- yes, vacuum cut edges right away to minimize the mess and definitely have a lint roller handy!
- I spray basted one and simply pinned the other (closely) and both quilted beautifully
- I used a 90/14 Topstitch needle
- I used Bottom Line thread (poly)
- Quilted with a walking foot on my Juki DSM

Both minky quilts finished beautifully and they definitely make the best baby quilts! Super soft and snuggly but I wouldn't want to wrestle around anything larger than a lap quilt on my DSM as minky is certainly heavier.

Good luck and I'm looking forward to seeing your pictures!

Thanks so much to all who chimed in! I cannot wait to get started :)

I probably won't hand quilt it afterall. Sounds a bit bulky for that.

Minky
 

All great tips. You can throw in the dryer on air fluff or low for a few minutes instead of vacuuming. For those who embroider their quilt blocks use cutaway and a topper. I also use an ballpoint needle but the other may work as well. Walking foot is a must. Serge your “sandwiches” if you have one.