I need some help with sewing the ultra cuddly fleece fabric from Joann's. How do you prevent it from stretching when you stitch it to anther fabric other than buying the walking foot, which is expensive?

It's been awhile so I hope I remember my details correctly. I had some iron on 'small dotted' adhesive that comes on paper and is used for applique that I put on the sturdier fleece then placed it the sturdier on the wrong side. I then placed the fleece's wrong sides together and pressed the sturdier fleece (on top) to the fluffier fleece. One of the pieces was cut an inch or so bigger so I could fold it over the smaller piece of fleece tucking under 1/4-1/2 inch to act as the binding. Then I stitched it in place with a walking foot. I hope I make sense..I have even used batting that has the same adhesive. I hope I make sense. I have been up since 4am and it is 10pm.

2 comments

by esansom 29 Jan 2014

Thanks for responding after such a long day. Yes, that does make sense. I'll have to check the dotted adhesive out. I have recently decided that I enjoy applique designs, so I'll e able to use the dots for both. Stella

by teddybear117 07 Feb 2014

Been meaning to add to my comment after I got some sleep ...but kept forgetting. what I was too tired to remember was the word 'fusible'. Fusible batting, duh, I can't believe I couldn't remember that. I used that when making crib mattress pads.

Besides all the great tips below you could make the stitch length longer and if you can adjust your foot presser tension that will help and by all means prewash. I stitched two together at Christmas time and was surprised at the difference in size after they were washed and dried and was able to trim them to the same size.

1 comment

by esansom 23 Jan 2014

Thanks for the washing info!! I am making changing pads for babies so I always prewash. I hadn't thought about the stitch length and presser foot tension so I appreciate those helpful hints!! Stella

Purchase a Roller Foot for straight sewing ie hems etc & a Teflon Foot for any fancy sewing ie scallops etc. Both are low priced items, and should be available from your local Machine shops. A Serger is great for 'joining seams' ie legs, 'bag pockets' side seams etc. The roller is great for sewing in elastic as it holds everything in place whilst sewing. I have used both for many years. These do a better job than the walking foot as they are faster & far easier to use on curved areas. Type in Roller/Teflon Foot on E-bay & you will find heaps. Happy sewing, Margaret

1 comment

by esansom 23 Jan 2014

Thanks for the excellent advice on lower cost presser foots and how to search for them online. Look forward to trying your methods!! Stella

I cut strips of tear-a-way and pin it on top and bottom of seam and then tear away after stitching. Works for me every time. Best of luck. Hugs, Barba

1 comment

by esansom 23 Jan 2014

I have plenty of tear-a-way. So I will try the top and bottom method also. I have several projects that need completing. Thanks so much for helping. Stella

Using a serger/lockmachine gives nice seams, but when using a sewing machine I put strips of tear-away under the seam and pin. That works well too.

1 comment

by esansom 23 Jan 2014

I don't have a serger/lock machine, but I do have tear-away so I'll also try this method. It sounds like something I can do. Thanks for replying. Stella

Some good suggestions here...you might also try easing up on the pressure for the presser foot...

1 comment

by esansom 23 Jan 2014

I have a new machine and I'll have to learn how to do this and try it. Thanks for answering. Stella

Did you quarter the fabrics when you pinned them together. That can make a big difference to how they stitch together too as it is easy to accidently stretch while pinning.
Don't pull your fabric. Ease/guide it through the stitching process.
I learnt it the hard way as I had always pulled my cotton fabrics taut as I sewed, it doesn't work on stretch fabric.
I sew on stretch all the time now and no bubbles of stretched bits.
Good luck.

3 comments

by greysewist 20 Jan 2014

Regarding the term 'quarter the fabrics' -do you mean like with armholes and waistlines, marking them at quarterly intervals with pins so that any gathering or stretch is spread out evenly?

by Patricia109 21 Jan 2014

That is correct.

by esansom 23 Jan 2014

I always pull. Thanks for telling me that is part of the problem. I will try your advise. Stella

Always sew with the more stable fabric on top and the stretch fabric underneath.

1 comment

by esansom 20 Jan 2014

Thanks, I had not thought of that. I was sewing with the cuddly fabric on top!!

Don't know if this will work, but you may put some strips of iron on stablizer along the sides so it doesn't stretch? Give it a try on a scrap.

3 comments

by esansom 20 Jan 2014

Thanks or the tip! I didn't think of that. I don't have any to try it with. What kind do you use?

by hart 20 Jan 2014

I used wash away wonder tape, worked great. My granddaughter was doing the sewing and she said it really helped.

by haleymax 21 Jan 2014

You might try using tissue paper (sheets) cut into strips and use on top and bottom and pinned together.

Pin and I lift up the front of the foot with my fingernail a little and sew slowly. Mostly I avoid stretchy fabs if I can. Good luck.

1 comment

by esansom 20 Jan 2014

Thanks for helpful tip! I will try that with the presser foot. If I had known this fabric would be so stretchy I would have avoided it also.

pin, pin, pin. Thats about all you can do.

1 comment

by esansom edited 20 Jan 2014

I thought I had pinned enough but apparently not. I will pin more. Thanks for the encouragement!!