I need sewing tips, etc. for cutting and sewing a baby blanket using just the minky type fabric for the front (lt blue) and back (white). I wasn't planning on any batting as I wanted it to be rather floppy and drapy. Would this be OK?

If I just sew around the edges with right sides together and then turn it rightside out, top stitch around the edges about 1/2 inch or so, would it turn out OK do you think? Or do you have any other suggestions? And do you think a little quilting to hold top and bottom in place would be necessary or would it be ok without doing any quilting stitches?

Lots of questions but know there are lots of good answers out there too. Thanks a bunch.

It should work. I quilt mine, and then rotary cut the edges with a fancy blade. The main thing is to not stretch it.

I like minke, but I, too, would like some tips on how to work with it! It's beautiful fabric!

My tip. When you cut the fabric have a lint roller near by. Sometimes it makes a small mess.

A WALKING FOOT! That is my only tip. It stretches a BUNCH.

So I would say once you lay the right sides together pin pin pin and then add a few more pins, then use the walking foot to sew it around the edges.

Yes it causes a bunch of lint but I wouldn't worry about it until you are all the way done, then just drag the vacuum out to clean up, don't try do sweep it cause it just flies every where!

Good luck.

This fabric makes a huge mess, but that's what vacuum cleaners are for! Also, if you are going to not use batting but do as you suggested, make sure to tie the quilt together so it holds its shape. Either that, or you could just put some whip stitches in it instead so they don't show, and more important, there's nothing for the baby to pull on later. I did this once for my 4 yr old niece - patchwork on the top, and fleece as the back, and I whip-stitched every place the sashing crossed. 81 crosses as it was a full size quilt. But wait, there's more...I then stitched a 1/4" pink ribbon on it and tied a bow, then stitched the bow in place and fray-checked both ends so it stayed in place, and didn't come apart. Eighty - one of these suckers. It was adorable, don't get me wrong, but still...a major pain in the rear!

Would someone please explain what minke fabric is? I've heard of it, but never just what it is. Is it a sort of chenille?

It is like fleece, but it is much, much softer and stays soft. I find that fleece looses its softness over time.

I love working with minkee! It stretches a lot in one direction and not much in the other. What I do is use the 505 basting spray and it stays put. If you are worried about the spray being in a baby quilt, then wash it afterwards.

If you are using just two big pieces and sewing them right sides together, then turning, I would then use a pretty decorative stitch - like a small heart of flower, and tack it down in several places just so it holds it shape.

Thanks for all the advice!

Oh so soft!! :-D

Here are some tips that I saved:

Use a walking foot to prevent slippage.
When sewing Minkee to another fabric, place the Minkee on the bottom.
Pin the edges at 1 1/2" intervals.
Minkee stretches on the width, but is stable parallel to the selvage edge. If you're sewing right angles, start with the side that runs parallel to the selvage.
If you're piecing Minkee, be aware of the direction of the nap on the soft, textured side when cutting. Depending on the project, you may want your nap to all smooth out in the same direction, for example in a garment; or you may not mind if they are random as in a pieced quilt.

I like the idea of using small decorative stitches to tack it down in several places. Thanks for the tips.

Good tips - thank you!

I always use my walking foot to sew anything that feels like Minky. Really, it's the only way to do it.

I have some of the fluffy stuff that is like minky, but longer fibers. I could just live in the stuff. Hmm, wonder if I could make some jammas and where it to work? LOL