working with Minkee

[zenkitty]

I have heard all sorts of stories about sewing with Minkee, that it stretches and slips. Using a walking foot helps. But has anyone ever used some sort of stablizer with it? I am new to the stabilizer world...the fusibles, etc...so I don't know what works best. Would it make the mikee stiff? Also, if sewing it with cotton material, does that work well together? I am thinking of making a small quilt for a child, just simple squares, like a charm pack or layer cake...maybe a rag quilt.

Thanks.

[bakermom]

Re: working with Minkee

I've only used it on smallish quilts. It does stretch and you get a lot of fuzzies. i've had good luck both by hand basting (SharonSchalmers method) and with pinning- lots of pins close together -so it can't shift. If you're careful and make sure the back is very smooth before you start you should be fine, definately use a walking foot if you have it. It does make for a soft snuggly quilt when you're done.

[Chris48]

Re: working with Minkee

Hi! Know exactly what problems you face, have made several baby items with minkee. If using the minkee with the bubbles, ironing on a fusing stablizer would remove the bubbles. If using some of the other minkee fabrics, you would have do a test of peice of the fabric to see what the results would be.
I found machine-basting the pieces was the best option for the bubble minkee. I made some cute tag blankets and tag balls as baby gifts. Appliqued the baby's initals on the tag blankets. Also made a minkee/flannel rag-edge blanket for my GS. Take care, Chris

[Onetiredmomma]

Re: working with Minkee

Yes, I've worked with minky, and my first quilt was actually with the stuff. I would use the walking foot, but I'm not sure that you'd want to use a stabilizer, because ironing the minky makes it all wonky...I've actually stayed away from it because I find it pretty annoying to work with...
I know some people don't mind working with it, so there's got to be some trick.

[zenkitty]

Re: working with Minkee

wow...I never thought of basting it first. What a great idea. I think that would be the best way to go. I've always wanted to work with it, but wasn't sure how to approach it.

Thanks so much!!!

[zenkitty]

Re: working with Minkee

Has anyone ever used that spray glue on the batting and then sew the minky to it? Would that keep it from stretching?

Once the quilt is finished, does it stretch?

[craftyladysam]

Re: working with Minkee

I've got some minkee to make some baby quilts and I was told to use a lot of spray starch on it before you sew. Haven't made them yet. Glad to see some discussion about it. Thanks for any help you can offer. Sam

[tfrankum]

Re: working with Minkee

I have worked with it twice - once using a whole piece as a small baby quilt. I just backed it with flannel and it was pretty easy to work with. The flannel seems to hold on to it. I also did some applicae with the bumpy stuff. I just went really slow when sewing and it was pretty easy. Cutting it out was the worst part. However, one of the women at a local quilt shop recommended using the spray glue when quilting it. I just tacked mine, because sewing on it make lines that I didn't like. I was also worried about the glue and an infant. Wasn't sure how much would stay in the fabric. Like I said, if you are patient, it's not too bad to work with, and I'm not really a patient person.

[zenkitty]

Re: working with Minkee

Would I use a larger stitch sewing with minky (minkee)? And would the needle be different than the regular 80/12? Gosh...I'm so techincal, ain't I ??????

[zenkitty]

Re: working with Minkee

Here's a few tips I found on Youtube when working with minky. I hope this link works.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zc1zxgxsEc

[redwat]

Re: working with Minkee

I make small baby blankets both with cotton and flannel with Minkee. I use a spray adhesive to tac the two together before I sew. I dont use any batting on these. I dont know how to attach pic!?

[redwat]

Re: working with Minkee

I also use 1/2 inch seams, the Minkee tends to roll and it allows me to top stich it down.

[Onetiredmomma]

Re: working with Minkee

Wow, Zenkitty! Wouldn't it be nice if there were videos like that for all of our questions and concerns?! Oh, wait! We have Jenny!

[zenkitty]

Re: working with Minkee

hey..Maybe Jenny will do a spot on Minky. I know she did one just showing the arrival of the layer cakes and charm packs. I want to make a small lap quilt for my mom. She wants a cat, but she's 88 and I think a minky quilt would be better for her to pet and keep her warm. I think MSQC carries the animal (wild) layer cakes so I'll have to do a bit of ordering.

But I don't want a rag quilt. Not sure how to quilt it...maybe stitch in the ditch? I thought of using flannel for the back...or maybe cotton with cats all over it.

Too bad they don't sell pre-cut strips!