Replies

1. 
   Teaf5 | Sep 17, 2006 09:06pm | #1

   Yes, polar fleece works fine for jackets without interfacing; I've made three of them, and all look and wear great.  I just read an article in a current sewing magazine showing a number of ideas for fleece jackets, including finishes without facings.  Sewing with fleece is a bit like sewing with felt; you really don't have to worry about a lot about seam finishes, but if you do anything, it looks good.  Definitely an ego-booster type of fabric!

1. 
   Ra | Sep 19, 2006 02:01am | #3

   Thanks for your help.  Do you remember which magazine?

   I got a couple polar fleece books out of the library and went through my Sewing w/Nancy books, but cannot find where I saw that turn over as a trim.  It's not showing up in the Threads index either.

   I made a fleece pullover when I first got my serger, so am not concerned about sewing on fleece.  And the pattern's an Ultra EZ Vogue, so there's not much to it.

   These days, I'm trying to sew up sophisticated stuff and avoiding "that dorky homemade look".

   Thanks for your enthusiasm, hope to start on the fitting muslin tonight.

    

1. 
   Teaf5 | Sep 21, 2006 03:34am | #4

   The fleece article is on page 64 of the Oct. 2006 issue of SewNews.  I love Threads Magazine but need to subscribe to something else for my niece's school fundraiser, so I read both from cover to cover!

1. 
   Ra | Sep 30, 2006 01:43am | #5

   My computer's been down, sorry to be slow to thank you.  There's a current pattern out that has the exact detail I've been looking for. 

1. 
   woggy | Sep 30, 2006 01:53am | #6

   Just curious - what is the patterna and number?

2. 
   Ra | Oct 16, 2006 03:52am | #9

   Vogue 9057

2. 
   MaryinColorado | Sep 18, 2006 04:22pm | #2

   If this willl be your first pattern using fleece, I would use a pattern that specifies fleece the first time.  There are lots of them out there that give you hints about the fabric.  I think pattern layout would be the main concern as it stretches, possibly only in one direction or possibly more in one direction than the other.  Sometimes the edges are even left raw, maybe cut with a curved rotary cutter for fun.  Fleece doesn't ravel. 

   You will want to brush out the machne often as it fuzzes up the tensios quickly.  The grandkids make scarves and mittens on the serger with fleece.  I have used universal needles but you may need to use one for knits, depends on the machine and fabric.

   Hope this helps. nancysnotions.com has lots of info and cute patterns for fleece.  The major pattern companies have patterns.  I have made a hooded winter coat without any interfacing except in the buttonholes but next time I would put some where the buttons are sewn on.  It might need interfacing or some form of support to keep a zipper nice and straight.   Mary

3. 
   mem | Oct 04, 2006 04:52am | #7

   I have seen two sided fabric pulled appart at the edges and the raw edges turned in to between the two layers and then slip stitched back together This looks beautiful and ver professional.

1. 
   Ra | Oct 16, 2006 03:55am | #10

   Thanks.  I think that's two sided that's bonded.  This seems to be woven or knit into the same backing from both sides.

4. 
   ctirish | Oct 05, 2006 03:02am | #8

   hi, all the info sounds great, I would just add - if you are using real Polartec 200 fabric. It is made by Malden Mills in Malden Massachusetts, they have a web site, patterns and you can call them at their store with any questions. 

    The website is www.maldenmillsstore.com  They have a FAQ section that answers a lot of questions. 

1. 
   Ra | Oct 16, 2006 03:57am | #11

   Yes it is the real thing.  I justified buying it because at the time there was talk of them going out of business.  I never thought of checking their website -- thanks.

1. 
   ctirish | Oct 16, 2006 04:18am | #12

   With all of this chat about Polartec, I drove up to Malden Mills on Columbus Day. I had never been there before. What a place, it is in the mill with the sky high ceilings so it seems enormous. They have everything spread out in different areas by type. I spent the first hour walking around to look at the fabrics and colors and prints. They have more prints in the store than on the website.  I have been using fleece from Fabric place, Hancock's and Jo-Anns and i had forgotten about the huge difference.  You know, you have been sewing with it.  I bought so much fabric, the 200, some 300, some of their polar dry, some of their fabric for bad weather coats. It is just amazing.. And I got some adorable prints - the staff is incredible. They were getting ready to cut some fleece to make mittens and I just fell in love with it, so they gave it to me to purchase.  Now, all I need in some energy, I am just so tired this weekend.  jane