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cathyvv 01-16-2013 10:26 AM

I've done that, too!

asimplelife 01-16-2013 10:28 AM


Originally Posted by tate_elliott (Post 5786817)
When you use fleece as the backing, do you bind it in the traditional way or use another method?

Tate

I've done traditional binding and also have folded the fleece over for self binding following this tutorial. She used batting too which I don't so skip the part about having to trim the batting! It was kind of awkward the 1st time I did it because the fleece is a bit stretchy but when I was finished I loved the look of it and will do it again.

http://vickiwelsh.typepad.com/field_...-backing.html#

asimplelife 01-16-2013 10:31 AM


Originally Posted by JoanneS (Post 5790355)
Fleece doesn't need to be washed first. The only down side is that it stretches while you are quilting UNLESS you use spray adhesive to baste it. I've had great success that way. I use fleece as the backing for baby quilts, and I machine quilt them.

I second this - spray baste is a MUST! I had puckers when I carefully pin basted because I wasn't sure how the spray would stick the 1st time I did it. My top stuck to the polar fleece easily using 505 and I had no puckers at all.

wraez 01-16-2013 11:03 AM

I have NOT tried fleece, now I'm giving it some thought, thank YOU.

I really do like using flannel as batt especially for grand kids quilts, it has a nice hand, comfy cozy.

GrannieAnnie 01-16-2013 12:10 PM


Originally Posted by QuiltingByCourtney (Post 5790337)
wow I am so happy I read this thread, I've always heard of people using it but now I want to try it, I want to make a large queen size quilt and use fleece as batting & backing...I wonder though, some spoke of bulk on seams on the back....I wonder if you would be able to tell at all once its on the bed?

This suggestion may wake the quilt police but what the heck---------here goes---------------
Since fleece does not fray, you can lay about 1/2 to 3/4 inch edge of one piece over the edge of the piece you're attaching it to. Right sides up. Then loosely zigzag the edge showing. Turn the piece over and zigzag the other raw edge. I did that for a fleece blanket and you almost have to look for the seam. I've done that more than once since the blanket. Since it's only two thicknessed rather than 3, there's almost no lump.

cricket_iscute 01-16-2013 01:02 PM

I've used fleece backs and tied quilts for homeless people. I have sometimes used batting also, sometimes not, depending whether the shelter had heat at night or not.

What I wonder is:

--how it would be if I used a normal cotton top, fleece for batting, and a normal cotton backing or

--what would happen if I tried to QAYG with fleece as a back and sewing strips (for string quilts, for instance) in a flip and sew method directly on top of that. Would it be hard to sew those fleece-backed blocks together?

--Do you have problems with fleece getting into your machines?

Pam S 01-16-2013 02:55 PM

This thread has got me thinking. I have several fleece throws that were given to my chilldren through the years - they have princesses or cartoon characters on them. Been washed a zillion times so they're not going to shrink anymore - some of the pics haven't even faded or pilled so they're made of good stuff. The kids are now teens and early 20s. They don't want them anymore. Think I could use them as batting?

Suziuki 01-16-2013 03:05 PM


Originally Posted by QuiltingHaven (Post 5785722)
I have made several with fleece. Since it is polyester which does not shrink, I preshrink the top fabrics and then cut and piece them. Then sew them together. Makes a nice warm quilt with not as much weight as a quilt with the cotton batting.

I was always told to wash my fleece before using it for anything, even though poly does't shrink fleece can shrink because the fabric gets stretched a little as it is rolled on to the roll and you need to wash it to relax the fibres.

McKayzie 01-16-2013 03:11 PM

I've never thought of using fleece before now and I think the idea is brilliant! I live in Canada and could use the added warmth on the back of my couch quilt.
Here is a great site I found on using fleece for a quilt back...
http://quiltersdiary.com/quilts-with...fleece-fabric/

KLTQuilts 01-16-2013 03:27 PM

Do you suppose we could use those fleece blankets (the fleece throws) that are marked down soooo cheap at the after Christmas sales? We were in Sears yesterday and they were selling for $3.99 - Holiday prints & colors (Disney ones going for $9.99)and I had a brief thought about picking up a couple for some smaller quilts . . . hmm :)


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