by pldc 24 Nov 2013

This has been dropped off to me as I have an order for 4 pairs of drawstring pants. This is minky fabric I have made one pillow before with Minky & I found it really slippery & difficult to sew. Not to mention how badly it sheds! I am looking for any tips to make it better & easier to sew. I have only a week to make them. I appreciate all the help that I can get.

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Comments (17)

by meganne 25 Nov 2013

Loralie if you must use your sewing machine you could place and pin the fabric between two layers of tearaway stabiliser which will help stop the slipping.
I would keep a vacuum cleaner handy, turned on, no nozzle just use the hose, place it strategically on your cutting table, but not so it will suck up the fabric (LOL!), then as you cut the fabric flick any fibers towards the nozzle.
Have fun. hugs n roses, Meg

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by pldc 25 Nov 2013

a very good idea my friend! thanks

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by kylasm 24 Nov 2013

I have to say when I've used faux fur, fuzzy fabric or minky the serger has been my friend. As suggested practice a little to work out the ripple situation. The serger makes the work go so quickly and you don't have to worry about shedding from the cut fabric. I love it when somebody says "ooooh, it looks just like clothes from the store". It really does finish it nicely. Have fun!

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by pldc 25 Nov 2013

I will try the serger thanks

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getEdited - SELECT

by dragonflyer edited 24 Nov 2013

I would use a serger...cut a bit bigger than the pattern seam allowance...serge the seam... Minke is stretchy so hopefully you have a differential feed control knob...the higher the setting the tighter and less ripple you get...take a piece and practice the settings...if you don't have a differential setting...make sure you don't stretch as you are feeding...let it feed itself to try to avoid the "wave"...once it is serged, you shouldn't have a fraying problem...I have made baby quilts with is using a serger and it works like a dream...

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by pldc 25 Nov 2013

I have made one pair & have had this ripple on the hem? I will try the serger to see if I have any better luck with maybe a rolled hem?

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by vickiannette 24 Nov 2013

I have never used this, but after reading the posts I am wondering if spray baste glue might stop it moving???

2 comments

by vickiannette 24 Nov 2013

ps You may need your sunglasses on, with this HiViz colour!!!

by pldc 24 Nov 2013

not sure what this is or what you mean sorry, how would this work? what am I spraying & where?

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by sewist1 24 Nov 2013

Wouldn't drawstring pants made from that fabric make the people look as big as houses? Is it for a fancy dress party?

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by pldc 24 Nov 2013

No fancy party? it is for the Santa Claus Parade & here it is COLD so these will help to keep them warm.

by sewist1 24 Nov 2013

O.K. I understand. I was hoping it wasn't for everyday wear.

by bevintex 24 Nov 2013

they sure won't get lost in the crowd and they will stand out in the snow

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by gerryb 24 Nov 2013

Show us the finished pants! After reading all the replies, I think I'll stay away from minky!!

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by pldc 24 Nov 2013

but it is so soft & so warm too. LOL I will show when I can & I hope for the best too

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by rachap 24 Nov 2013

Do you have a serger?If so, you can pin further in than you ordinally would and serge down the seam in a jiffy-take the pins out after you have the seam done. My other advice comes from experience;1.close your sewing room door to keep the fuzz in or it will be all over the house 2.keep one of those sticky rollers for lint handy!!

1 comment

by pldc 24 Nov 2013

Oh wow that is a very good tip thanks so much! I have a serger too but I find it ripples too much so I must be doing something wrong there?

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by capoodle 24 Nov 2013

Wonder if starching the whole piece would make it more stable and easier to work with. May even keep some of the shredding down. On slippery fabric I've cut long strips of tissue paper and pinned that on to help with the presser foot glide.

1 comment

by pldc 24 Nov 2013

That tissue paper may just be a really good idea better then wss. not even going to try to starch this as I can not wash it before I sent them to the client?

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by crosses 24 Nov 2013

Use a walking foot if you have one. It moves the fabric alot easier through the machine.

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by pldc 24 Nov 2013

Thanks that is another one to remember.

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by pldc 24 Nov 2013

Do I need to add stabilizer on either the top or the bottom of this fabric?

2 comments

by cfidl 24 Nov 2013

You certainly may. I am wondering if a liquid goo treatment would work.

by pldc 24 Nov 2013

not sure what a liquid goo treatment is?

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by lilylady 24 Nov 2013

pin, pin, pin, and when you think you have enough, pin some more. The pins work better across the material, instead of the long way. Don't take pins out until you are on top of them. Good luck!