Sewing With Fleece | My Top 10 Tips & Tricks

[@maurashahar2967]

Dear Jan! It is funny how fate works for us! Before retiring, my plans were sewing, knitting, painting and so on, all the hobbies I loved and did not have enough time for. Since then, 8 years ago, my interests have switched in the direction of the kitchen and all the rest has been put “in storage”. I still have all the materials, but did not have the motivation. Your video has reminded me of all the beautiful things we can do with sewing and it has motivated me to try again. Also, I appreciate that you are concise in your explanations and I don’t have to put you on double speed to be patient enough to watch….😂 So, thank you very much and now that I have subscribed, I will keep watching your uploads!

[@JanHowell]

I'm so excited you are sewing again. Thanks for the kind note. Glad you found me and hope you find new things to try.

[@surgicaltechcrafter2169]

Thank you..I can not tell you how valuable this is for someone that just started sewing.

[@JanHowell]

glad it was helpful

[@maryboykin5571]

Thanks!

[@JanHowell]

Thank you so much!

[@marcamp5450]

Excellent tips. And I LOVE your hair. ❤

[@angelikakopek]

I don’t know how I have never come across your channel but I’m so glad I did🥰 thank you!!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome! Glad you found me.

[@johnlorton-n2u]

The Hump Jumper..wow..i never heard of it, and..i love that u showed the cerial box alternative. Coolness!

[@JanHowell]

Thank you!

[@toomanythoughtsinmyhead]

I didn't know that about using the lightning stitch with fleece that needs to stretch. Thanks!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@replenish.1985]

Holy cow!! Thank you for the lesson, I’m trying to make a pillow case with fleece and you made me feel like I could actually do it. ❤

[@paulawhaley5354]

I am just starting my sewing journey as I want to make fun garments out of fleece. I know next to nothing right now, just ordered my sewing machine yesterday and don't even have it, but am prepping and learning so much from you! Thank you!!

[@JanHowell]

Wonderful! I am so excited for you!!!!!! Have fun sewing

[@abeal49]

I have been making kids' footed pajamas with fleece for over 10+ years. It's so easy to put the zipper in since there is no need to worry about finishing the edges: cut the front in one piece, put the zipper face down on the wrong side laid down from the center of the neck down one of the legs. Stitch the zipper down one side, across the bottom, and back up the other side. Flip the piece over and snip all the way down over the teeth and it's done

[@JanHowell]

awesome, thanks for sharing

[@Ehoge]

I love this tip and loved the video ❤

[@dale3404]

Genius!

[@donnakimball3822]

I wish I had had you 20 yrs ago. Lol these are so helpful.

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@emilygreatbatch7256]

I just came across Jan’s channel and have picked up SO much useful information. I can’t wait to watch them all! As a brand new sewer, I really appreciate her friendly, intuitive approach and have already learned so much!

[@JanHowell]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@libbyannstew8775]

You are a gifted teacher Jan; you cover every question that might come up. I’ve learned so much. Thank you.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@libbyannstew8775]

I’m about to make a neck warmer for my grand daughter. This is even more helpful now that I can apply what you’ve taught to an actual project! Thanks again!

[@jacqueliney6309]

Well done! You’re an excellent teacher and host.

[@JanHowell]

Thank you so much!

[@eileenfb1948]

Thank you Jan. I especially like the suggestion to use fleece as a binding.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@lucilledaub5991]

Great tips

[@JanHowell]

Thank you!

[@ameliabowler4876]

Thank you! I was just about to cut out a pattern when I decided to consult with some wiser people (like yourself) and sure enough, I had rotated a pattern piece against the nap. You saved the day!

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mckeon1960]

Thank you so much. I was having a problem with wadding, a little thicker, so the hump junk definitely helped and learned all about fleece great video

[@JanHowell]

Glad it helped

[@vickyls8132]

I learn so much with each lesson, Jan. Thanks! Been sewing since I was 6...I'm 64! Never thought to use fleece as a binding!

[@JanHowell]

Thank you. You are so welcome

[@UniversalEngineer]

Yes! The idea of fleece as binding--FANTASTIC! Thank you!!! ❤

[@veemcg3682]

Hello Jan I'm Vera in Northern Ireland and I am a new subscriber having just enjoyed watching your video about using fleece. You are a very good teacher and I love your calm quiet voice and manner so I can learn from you. Thank you and God bless you.

[@JanHowell]

You are so kind. God bless you!

[@ruthirwin8222]

Im from Northern Ireland too im also enjoying this as ive never sewn with fleece

[@veemcg3682]

@@ruthirwin8222 Ruth I've never sewn with fleece either but I want to try.. I like to try to learn about it first so I don't waste money . I've always sewn by hand but trying to sew with very basic machine now. Good luck with your sewing. PS I'm in limavady in North West.. cold and miserable outside but thanks be to God nice and cosy in the house

[@gwynt909]

I used to use a big thin button as a hump jumper until i obtained one. All good advice. My second fleece project was a reversible jacket which is perfect for our south African winters. I make socks, hats, gloves and scarves from fleece.

[@JanHowell]

I like the button idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@edianeh]

This was so helpful for my first project. Thank you!

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful

[@dianneunderwood8456]

As a "mature" sewer, I too appreciate your tutorial on fleece. Have not worked with it often (aside from altering a pullover hoodie into a zip front model) and it is great to have more knowledge to overcome the anxiety of working with something different. And I also very much liked your fleece binding. Thank you for taking the time to make this and look forward to checking out your other videos!

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful and I hope you can find other helpful information here.

[@goodintentions1302]

I'm planning on making fleece binding to put onto my 100% wool blankets that don't have any binding. I'm glad to see I'm not thinking wrong! ☮️💞🙏

[@lucilledaub5991]

I love your gentle voice n your teaching skills.

[@JanHowell]

Wow, thank you!

[@wendyhazelgrave3085]

WHAT A BRLLIANT IDEA ESPECIALLY USING THE CEREAL BOX AS A FREEBIE IDEA. THANK YOU

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome.

[@blulou49]

Love the hum jumper tip! 👏

[@JanHowell]

So glad!

[@elaineinoregon2727]

Thank you thank you thank you! Just starting fleece pajamas for my girls and most of this information I didn’t know so you’ve saved my bacon!!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@momijiyamanishi4548]

Good info! Farther the word farther has to do with distance further has to do with ideas.

[@JanHowell]

You are correct

[@sandiedickson6104]

Great tips for sewing fleece, especially the one about finding the right side. Many thanks Sandie

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@3catmom]

Oh my goodness!! Thank you, so glad I found you. My project would have been ruined

[@JanHowell]

Glad I could help! Glad you found me too.

[@pamelalc63]

How great ! Thank you so much! I will let you know how my first project comes out.

[@RoeRoe123]

You're just a wealth of knowledge and a wonderful teacher. I just found you and I'm binge watching you 🤗 My newest addiction 😳 At least it will be cheap because I'm a scrappy old lady. Thanks for you wonderful tutorials!

[@JanHowell]

You are so kind! Thank you

[@daisybuchanan5378]

Thanks Jan ! I sew fleece hats and teddy bears and this was so helpful. I also remove the metal plate and use disposable mascara wands to clean the fluff out from inside my machine.

[@JanHowell]

What a great idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@RhinoDNA]

A thousand Thank You’s for making this video! I am an experienced seamstress and for lack of knowledge about sewing with fleece, have never tried. I can now see a beautiful red fleece swing coat in my future...and soon!

[@debbielagrone404]

Me too! Thanks Jan!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome! The coat sounds wonderful. Let me know how it goes.

[@katieg2161]

I was wondering about nap. Just today I cut out pieces for a reversible hoodie. It’s my first time working with fleece. It’s just sheer luck I cut out all the pieces one way. Thanks for your tips!

[@JanHowell]

So glad it ended well. I've wasted so much fabric not cutting on the nap hoping to save fabric.

[@carolkeller2636]

Thank you for your very well explained tips with options (for when you don't have the money to spare!) ; )

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@shirleylum2198]

Love the cereal box idea. Thank you, it's always good to do a refresher even though I've sewn many years with knits.

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful.

[@dodieroach5634]

This is one of the most useful tutorials Ihave seen! Thank you so much!

[@JanHowell]

You're very welcome!

[@LaughSewCreate]

Thanks Jan. This was an excellent video. You explain things so well and always have clear videos!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@bridgetjones8339]

I’m getting ready to make a fleece caftan. I found this at the perfect time. Thank you!

[@JanHowell]

Wonderful!

[@jeanbishop-greentree2628]

Thank you for your great tips. I have bought fleece and using it for the first time these tips are very welcome x

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@marionlacey1986]

Just found your channel Jan - thank you for these great tips! Greetings from South Australia. 🐾🦋

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome! So glad you found me all the way from South Australia. Love it!

[@SparkyOne549]

The black button on the back of your foot is for going over thick seams. It makes the foot less rigid so it can go over the hump.

[@JanHowell]

Thank you!

[@tfm4580]

I love your cardboard humpjumper idea, and all the others as well, thank you!

[@JanHowell]

Thank you!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@TaDarling1]

I have a Husqvarna epic 95q and that little grey device with the pinhole came with the machine to help remove the needle when changing it, but it is also identical to a sewing tool known as a jean-a-ma-jig which helps sew over bulky humps of fabric. I know that Amazon, Hobby Lobby, Joann Fabrics and Walmart all sell it.

[@JanHowell]

Great tip!

[@devinfarrelly3768]

Thanks Jan- I’ve seen hundreds of fleece hats for kids and all your tips have come in handy ! I use a mini vacume to suction lint out of my machine.

[@JanHowell]

Thanks for sharing

[@Cyrilmc222004]

Thank you so much Jan, another really really awesome video, full of great advice and tips, and I’ve recently brought two of those hump jumpers, which I saw on a KZbin video too. So useful. Thank you so much for sharing all your wealth of knowledge and expertise too. Please stay safe and well too xxx Mags

[@JanHowell]

Yes, those hump jumpers are so nice to have.

[@dianecrews6130]

Thank you so much. I just found you and I'll be watching from now on

[@JanHowell]

Thank you. You are so welcome

[@lalagamma4452]

Great information TY Jean. Positive Healing Vibes and prayers for everyone in Ian's path! You can hear those tropical storm weather outside our place. Be safe💕🐞 Namaste 🥰

[@teresarichmond7752]

Great tips! I love your teaching style! You are great at explaining things and you are easy to listen to. Thank you!

[@JanHowell]

Thanks. You are so kind!

[@eieikhine6558]

Hi Jan, I’m newbie and learning from your channel, like your Tip video. This video is great and I actually want to know between right side and wrong side for the plain color fabric. Thanks for answering it. 😊

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MaryB-hv8vk9yi5r]

Thank you for these tips

[@patriciamoller3060]

Thankyou as always for great information, please , any ideas how about backing a quilt , the dos & don'ts, ( from Australia ) , thankyou

[@JanHowell]

Thanks Patricia! That's a great topic for another video. I will be doing some basic quilting tips here shortly. Stay tuned and thanks for watching.

[@markushubergmailcom]

I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness prosperity love and peace 🤍✨all over the world 🙏🌍 I'm originally from Hamburg Germany, currently living in Key West Florida✨✨and you where are you from if i may ask?

[@CordulaPrice]

Thank you 😊

[@JanHowell]

You're welcome 😊

[@Schatzie301]

Thanks so much for these tips. They were all great but one in particular stood out for me. I didn’t know about the lightning stitch for fleece and have been just using a straight stitch on slippers. Fortunately they were just for me but in the future I will certainly take your advice. BTW, I just subscribed!

[@JanHowell]

Wonderful!

[@lindahines7294]

You are one of my favorite channels. Great fleece advice - one year I made 11 “man-throws” (extra long) for my tall kids and grandkids. And I love making the flannel self binding receiving blankets for baby gifts. There’s nothing more satisfying than turning that thing inside out and seeing a perfect frame with mitered corners around the blanket!! So cool 😎 Thanks Jan! From Fort Worth, Texas

[@JanHowell]

That is awesome! Isn't sewing fun!

[@markushubergmailcom]

I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness prosperity love and peace 🤍✨all over the world 🙏🌍 I'm originally from Hamburg Germany, currently living in Key West Florida✨✨and you where are you from if i may ask?

[@lindahines7294]

@@JanHowell Yes. So much fun! I wish I were sewing right now instead of working on financial planning and budgets! Ugg!

[@sandramichaud8033]

Great info. Concise and clear.

[@JanHowell]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@markushubergmailcom]

I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness prosperity love and peace 🤍✨all over the world 🙏🌍 I'm originally from Hamburg Germany, currently living in Key West Florida✨✨and you where are you from if i may ask?

[@mrgarner4796]

Fantastic tips! So glad I found your channel. Thank you!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome. So glad you found me too!

[@liedjesuitmijnrugzak9845]

Thank you sweet Jan🧡

[@JanHowell]

You are so kind! You are so welcome!

[@hadassahsoddsandends]

Brilliant! Thank-you. I have sewn all my life, but this is my first fleece project (I'm a senior). This is very helpful. Do you have a video about adding a feaux silk lining to the top a fleece poncho so that it slides more easily on the shoulders?

[@JanHowell]

I'm sorry but I don't.

[@veevee111]

Jan, I may have already commented on one of your videos, or maybe it was on another channel. Anyway, the black button on your presser foot is a leveler for the bulky seams so the tool for the "hump" isnt necessary. Just sew up to the bulk, raise the presser foot and press the black button simultaneously until it engages. Lower the foot and sew slowly. The button will disengage on its own as it gets past the bulk. If the button doesn't engage initially, take a stitch and try pressing it again and proceed.

[@JanHowell]

Yes, it works great. But not all have that machine or feature.

[@loregomezz]

super helpful! thnks for sharing

[@JanHowell]

Thank you. You are so welcome

[@MrsJWife]

Thank you, very knowledgeable and a quick video. ❤️

[@JanHowell]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kaliyuga2758]

Thank you so much for this. Very informative and helpful video.

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jetta8420]

Love your sewing tips!

[@JanHowell]

Thank you!

[@SBL1932]

What a great refresher or a beginner tutorial.

[@JanHowell]

Glad you liked it!

[@JesusisKing222]

These are so very helpful! Thank you! Im going to search to see if you have any suggestions for sewing with both fleece and cotton fabric together (in a blanket)

[@JanHowell]

I do have a video just for this. Check this one out. It talks about minky fabric and fleece with flannel. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqHbqWemhMSJl8U Let me know if you have any further questions.

[@JesusisKing222]

@@JanHowell thank you for responding! I have fabric panels that i wanted to back with fleece. Instead of my usual batting quilt sandwich. These panels are oddly sized so i will need to sash some. I was hoping to use fleece for the sashing and the back-will it work? I would fmq to secure

[@susanbhatt3128]

Excellent video, thank you Jan

[@JanHowell]

You are welcome!

[@rachaelsooklall1208]

Thank you Jan for these amazing tips!

[@JanHowell]

you are so welcome

[@thecheshirecrafter4522]

Incredibly helpful, thanks for sharing.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@Mickey-jn8hz]

Some people have suggested to use fleece in quilts as it is cheaper than batting. My question is, since I live in Florida and the weather is very warm, will that not make my quilt too warm? What I could use instead?

[@JanHowell]

There are all types of batting that you can by that would be a lot cooler. I would recommend a cotton batting.

[@ripley275]

What a helpful talk, thank you! I will be making my son a fleece blanket but he doesn't want it tied, so I thought I would sew right sides together and turn, then top stitch, using zig zag to sew AND top stitch, will probably round the corners and feel like I should tack down the middle in random places but not sure if I should do this with the sewing machine or by hand making a small X with embroidery thread. What are your thoughts? I'm wingin it here, have only done the tied ones. The top is a "luxury fleece", the bottom is not. OMGosh, I'm so nervous!

[@JanHowell]

I would do the small x method myself. Let me know how it goes.

[@debsamuels7626]

Thank you so much, this is really helpful 😘

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@patriciastowers344]

Thank you so much. Do you have any tips for lining fleece? Thank you.

[@JanHowell]

Depends on what you are making. If a blanket, you can use flannel or knit.

[@patriciastowers344]

I'm going to try making a coat with Luxe Fleece, would I use the knit with it as well?

[@JanHowell]

@@patriciastowers344 For a coat lining, I would recommend a woven fabric like flannel or you could use knit as well.

[@patriciastowers344]

@@JanHowell Thank You 😊

[@sharongallagher3443]

Helpful tips.

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@elenabrown3515]

Thank you!!! it was the information, I was looking for, blessings

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@fortierdawn]

Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge. I had no idea about most of these tips.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome.

[@notesfromleisa-land]

Jan, fantastic video on sewing with fleece.

[@JanHowell]

Glad you liked it!

[@markushubergmailcom]

I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness prosperity love and peace 🤍✨all over the world 🙏🌍 I'm originally from Hamburg Germany, currently living in Key West Florida✨✨and you where are you from if i may ask?

[@Nonchalant213]

Awesome video!!!

[@JanHowell]

Thanks!

[@doloresw]

Also the presser foot you have in this video also has that small black knob with a spring on it. If you lift the presser foot and press in the knob into the circular hole next to it it will also help to level the presser foot and ill pop out once it geeta past a thick seam.

[@JanHowell]

Yes, it works great, but not all have this machine.

[@dauntiekay2768]

Great video and some excellent tips!

[@JanHowell]

Thanks so much!

[@AleciaRichards-r1s]

Hi Jan, for double layered fleece/minky baby blankets, what stitch and length would you recommend please? 🌼

[@JanHowell]

On a regular sewing machine, use a small zigzag stitch or lightning bolt sitch with the width 1.5 and length 1.5

[@banddwenz1412]

Love the video. Do you need to increase the length or width of stretch stitch?

[@JanHowell]

Yes, I think I go over that. It is good to lengthen the stitch a bit.

[@marietteforget7804]

Thanks a lot!🌺🌸

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@cynthiacox6648]

What can I do sewing a baby blanket with Minky on the back wrapped around 2” towards the front for binding. It keeps pushing outward and having trouble with feeding it threw ? I’m looking for a new machine I have a brother nothing fancy, what type of sewing machine would you recommend I’m still learning trying to teach my self. Thank you so much I really appreciate you taking time to showing us

[@JanHowell]

Ya, Minky is quite tricky to sew on even for those of us who have sewing a while. Fleece and flannel is much easier. Here is a link to a video where I show some tips for sewing blankets with plush fabric. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqHbqWemhMSJl8U

[@confidentlilbean]

Hi Jan! Thanks for all these tips 🙏🏼 I’m desperately trying to figure out how to successfully work with fleece, as I want to make baby blankets. I find that the fleece always stretches and shifts while sewing (despite low pressure foot pressure), so U was wondering if I should maybe cut it half an inch shorter than the cotton fabric to compensate for the stretch? Any help would be greatly appreciated ☺️

[@JanHowell]

Are you trying to sew fleece and woven fabric together, or two pieces of fleece. You'll want to make sure if sewing two pieces together that the stretch is going the same way. If you want to tell me more of what is going on, I could better assist.

[@confidentlilbean]

@@JanHowell thanks so much for trying to help! Yes, I’m trying to see together a piece of fleece and a piece of woven fabric, and it’s NOT going well 😅

[@debrahsimpson3750]

Great information!

[@JanHowell]

thank you

[@goose1173able]

The lil black button on the presser foot will level out the foot and sew over humps as well.

[@JanHowell]

Yes it does. Not all machines have that option.

[@NoVideosHere00]

What brand and model sewing machine are you using in this video?

[@JanHowell]

This is a Babylock Verve

[@bluestar.8938]

Great. Thank you : )

[@JanHowell]

My pleasure!

[@marjohnsmusings3222]

Thank you

[@JanHowell]

You're welcome

[@dc5600]

Thank you!! This video was so helpful. Instead of long pins have you tried wonder clips?

[@JanHowell]

Yes I have, I use them all the time! Aren't they wonderful! I have a new fleece project coming out this week, stay tuned

[@andreasanford8814]

Hi Jan, I have just begun using the lightning bolt stitch you suggest for using on the stretch for fleece. Is there any need to secure the ends of this stitch? It doesn't seem that I can backstitch using this stitch on my machine. It seems very secure without backstitching at the ends. I have already learned a lot from your sewing videos and patterns, thank you! My daughter was happy to receive a handmade fleece headband that fits her in the XL size!

[@JanHowell]

No need. You are so welcome

[@bonnierivers5721]

I really learned a lot from your video especially the tips about sewing the bulk parts. I have just question. I like to make baby blankets using fleece that with a printed side and plain side. And bind it with Satin double folded binding. Do you have any suggestions on using the machine blanket stitch instead of the zigzag stitch to attach the binding. It looks so beautiful but I am looking at making it even better. Thank you

[@JanHowell]

I think it may not work as well. Try it on some scrap pieces first. That would be very nice though. Love satin binding

[@ms.originalnaturehairandma8123]

That was so helpful thank you❤

[@JanHowell]

You're so welcome

[@susanreusser4374]

Thank you so much great info!!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@dijones9217]

Fantastic tips …thank you 💐

[@JanHowell]

My pleasure 😊

[@juliehenderson1672]

Thank you!

[@JanHowell]

You're welcome!

[@debrahsimpson3750]

Beautiful

[@JanHowell]

thank you

[@marthahumphrey3849]

Very informative. My question is how does one get a straight edge. It is generally so wonky when purchased.

[@JanHowell]

I think I explain it in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqHbqWemhMSJl8U if not this one, try this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/apWZgqF5gqqlg7c