How to Use Cuddle® Minky Fabric on a Cotton Quilt

This week on Sew Together Tuesday, our National Educator Teresa Coates takes you step-by-step through how to use Cuddle® minky fabric on a cotton quilt. It's one of our most-requested videos!
Learn More:
Cuddle® minky plush fabric: bit.ly/2HYzNAh
Luxe Cuddle® minky plush fabric: bit.ly/2J6bZuQ
Digital Cuddle® minky plush fabric: bit.ly/305zpWq
Visit our Store Locator to see where to buy our fabric: bit.ly/2Pv8SNA
Shannon Fabrics blog: bit.ly/2YGC7kn
Shannon Fabrics Instagram: bit.ly/2UpIFAB
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[@yayaglass]

To make my quilt sandwich, I roll the top and batting layers evenly on 2 separate pool noodles. Lay the backing down, spray the 505 on about the first 1-2 feet, starting closest to the bottom. Take the batting pool noodle, align the bottom edge of the batting, keeping in mind the overage of the backing, where I need it. Press and roll the batting to cover the 505 area, spray more and continue to unroll the batting. Next, do the same thing with the quilt top noodle. The noodles, as you unroll, keep each layer taught and smooth. This is helpful for any size over a baby quilt size. I get my noodles for a dollar each at Dollar Tree. They also have $1 mops with a metal pole that unscrews from the mop head and slide perfectly inside the noodle for more support! Hope this helps!

[@katemehlchadwick]

Thank you! Great tip.

[@marym2811]

Thank you, especially about putting a mop handle in the pool noodle. I've never tried this method as I didn't see how it could work because every noodle I've seen is bent. But I can see it if there is a mop handle keeping it straight.

[@sharoncook2533]

Great explanation! Thanks! I will absolutely use this method! Off to the dollar store for the mops! 😄🧵😁

[@yayaglass]

@@sharoncook2533 Another tip: When I begin to roll either the batting or quilt top onto the noodle/pole combo, I take a bit of care to make sure the edge is straight, then use straight pins to hold it in place, then roll.

[@mratzelster]

I wish you could explain how to then use a traditional binding out of cotton for the edge of a quilt top and cuddle backing. I would be using the shorter pile cuddle.

[@galememeeof6688]

The tomato cuddle with the fluffy binding looked so much like Christmas. You could put fun Christmas quilt blocks on the front. Cozy Christmas with hot cocoa and the family on the couch.

[@abbyrehkugler3340]

Unfortunately, this was zero help in how to set up a full size quilt using milky...

[@tinavalentine-bellefeuille3239]

Love these videos and you're absolutely correct that once I did one quilt with the cuddle backing, I wanted to do them all that way!! And my customers love them!! 😀

[@heatherbulwinkle3490]

thank you so much for the info on how to do this! beautiful quilt! :)

[@jodygrindstaff825]

Love your video....Just can't hear you and my volume is turned up 100% had to use closed caption to get the details haha! I Never tried spray adhesive -always end up using ten million pins to keep it from shifting. I also Luv using Minky for all my baby blankets and quilts! Everyone Loves Them!!!

[@texasmimi1954]

I am absolutely loving these videos, thanks so much for sharing all these great tips and techniques on working with all the different types of Minky! I'm making quilts for twin grand neices and I think this will be the perfect way to finish them. I have a question though, would it be possible to increase the volume on your videos? It's often difficult to hear you even with my volume all the way up.

[@ShannonFabrics]

Hi Lynn, We will work on this for the next video. Thank you for your feedback. So glad you are enjoying them! Best, Ellen

[@texasmimi1954]

@@ShannonFabrics 👌🏼😊

[@karenhickey3377]

LOVE this! I’m getting ready to use minky for a quilt back. It will be my first minky backing!

[@allergiesrusdb]

I LOVE using Shannon Fabrics cuddle on the back of my quilts, and my clients quilts! EVERY memory/tshirt quilt client prefers luxe cuddle Hide on their quilts! I have been longarming with it for about 5 yrs now. My Bernina Q24 stitches through like butter! The only tip I have is to load the longarm with the cuddle seam horizontal. If the seam is run vertical, that built just builds up as you longarm through the quilt. I’ve HAD to load this way for just a couple of quilts. While I didn’t have any issues, it’s not the preferred way to load it. I haven’t needed to use a ballpoint needle in my longarm, but of course if your machine isn’t stitching correctly, I’d recommend trying that of course! (Any domestic sewing I always use a ball point/jersey needle). Thanks for your tutorials Teresa!

[@emeryd7424]

I've been nervous about finishing off my current quilt but now I'm ready to go! Thanks!!

[@marietteforget7804]

Thank you very much! 😎🌸

[@PinkRibbionJayGee]

I love this have to try this

[@ErikaSantiago-cg7ht]

Thank you❤

[@dmac7596]

Thank you so much!! You have a great video here - I will be back as I am new to using cuddle and minky fabrics. I like this video so much! I have envy over your set up there behind you - wow!

[@jmbaus]

Thank you, this video was very helpful.

[@jenniperkins4260]

Thank you so much. You are awesome explaining

[@gailpells8033]

Teresa, I'm making a wedding quilt with a cotton top and a Cuddle back (Luxe?). It's the kind that looks like a real sheep's fleece, very nubby. I'm considering 2 ways to finish, with and without a binding. If I don't bind it, but just turn it inside out, should I topstitch it?

[@ShannonFabrics]

Yes, if you sew it together and turn it, you will want to topstitch 2-3" in from your outer seam to secure it nicely. --teresa

[@gailpells8033]

THANKS! I did that, but even with double pinning there are big uneven folds, and now I feel like I've ruined the blanket and have to rip it out, but I tried and it's SO HARD to see the stitches. I'm bummed...

[@deborahsnyder9199]

What about free motion quilting on cuddle. This video wS very helpful. Thanks

[@marietteforget7804]

Hi Teresa and everybody reading this. I’m about to use Cuddle Luxe Hide for the backing of a quilt and I need to sew 2 big pieces to make it large enough. Since it’s cuddle, should the seam allowance be 1/2 an inch? Thanks for answering me and have a great day! 🌸🌸

[@ShannonFabrics]

You can absolutely use the Hide with a 1/2" seam allowance, just make sure your nap is going the same way on both pieces. You can also find Luxe Cuddle Mirage 80 which has a similar look but is 80 inches wide. It's a beautiful backing for a quilt!

[@marietteforget7804]

@@ShannonFabrics Hi Teresa and thanks a million for answering so fast! I love your tutorials! Have a great day! 🌸🌸

[@joy1151952]

Can you bind the cuddle quilts with cotton fabric rather than a minky type fabric?

[@lindagillespie6556]

Pretty

[@tobythompson55]

When you send a cotton top & cuddle backing w poly batting to a longarm quilter, do you spray the layers together w 505 spray before you give it to the longarm quilter?

[@giodrakes]

I wouldn't, since the quilter has to load the layers separately in the long arm machine. However when in doubt, ask the person doing the quilting, and they can tell you how to do it best for them. Most of them ask for 4-6 inches extra back all the way around, but I can't remember if they need extra batting as well.

[@lindamcclellan8434]

Beautiful

[@noramurdock2569]

Can I use cotton for the binding?

[@johoppe5242]

When quilting with long arm do you leave additional binding and cuddle past cotton quilt to to attach to long arm?

[@ShannonFabrics]

Yes! You leave 4-8" extra backing, just as you would if you were backing it in Cuddle. --teresa

[@nessamargaret]

Does the basting spray wash out after you’re completely done?

[@pegthomas3783]

Yes. I’ve never used it but this question was answered in a different video I saw.

[@dottiedavis9522]

What type batting do you recommend for small throw?

[@ShannonFabrics]

I recommend using your favorite batting when combining cotton with Cuddle®. I use a blend batting most often with cotton front quilts, but polyester batting when it is Cuddle® on both front and back. --teresa

[@creativitybycarilyn6634]

I wonder if you prewash cotton and flannel when mixing with Cuddle or Minky? Does mixing the fabrics cause an issue with different shrinking and make it puckered up in the laundry???

[@ShannonFabrics]

Yes, it's best to prewash any flannel that you are mixing with other fabrics. Quilt shop quality cottons do not shrink much, so it's your choice to prewash or not. The difference in shrinkage is minimal. --teresa

[@StephanieRichardson-w5m]

Can you use this backing with a cotton quilt top without using any batting - for a more lightweight blanket?

[@ShannonFabrics]

You absolutely can! You might get a little more of the fibers from the back coming to the front, but that's not a dealbreaker! --teresa

[@inthegardenwithdanica1924]

Did you prewash the cuddle fabrics? Do they shrink at the same rate as the cotton? I recently made a crib quilt with minky backing and didn’t wash it first. I’m hesitant to wash it now fearing it will shrink uneven!!

[@ShannonFabrics]

You can prewash it to avoid any bleeds, but Cuddle is made with polyester so it does not shrink. If you made a crib quilt, the small amount of shrinkage in the cotton should not make a difference. Wash in cold water and dry on low heat. -teresa

[@inthegardenwithdanica1924]

@@ShannonFabrics thank you!!

[@maxiedoodle]

I'm about to use cuddle as a quilt back on a king sized quilt. A simple question that I have yet to find an answer. I'm stitching two 3.5 yard pieces together. I will be using a walking foot, increased seam allowance and stitch length After sewing the seam, do I press it open? Cool iron and pressing cloth?

[@ShannonFabrics]

I have pieced Cuddle for the back of the quilt and do not iron it. Because it is a knit, it doesn't keep a press. I've found that the seam opens up on its own well enough to simple sew the seam then use it as backing. --teresa

[@maxiedoodle]

@@ShannonFabrics THANK you 😊

[@lindafrantz4913]

I love using minky for a quilt backing. I’d like to make a quilt as you go where I would sandwich the squares separately then sew the 2 squares together making an inch seam. On the front it would make a sashing. Just wondering if it would work or would it be too thick? Has anyone ever done this?

[@ShannonFabrics]

I think if you used a flat Cuddle (Cuddle 3), it would work okay, but I'm not sure how easy it would be for your machine to sew. If you try it, let me know! -Teresa

[@lindafrantz4913]

Ok. Just waiting for some stores to open. I have a gray but, I really want black. I have other colors but, I didn’t purchase enough yardage. There for baby blankets.

[@bellaannecgoff2335]

❤️❤️❤️

[@kutepookie]

Hi! I’m new to your channel. Would I be able to hand quilt cuddle backing or must I use a machine? Thank you

[@ShannonFabrics]

You can and I've known a few people who do. If that is your preferred method of quilting, give it a try! --teresa

[@carolmclean812]

When combining cotton block with minky back, which thread is recommended cotton or polyester?

[@ShannonFabrics]

Whenever using Cuddle, whether with cotton or not, we recommend using a polyester thread such as Metrosene from Mettler or So Fine! from Superior Threads.

[@bekahkeller9077]

Can you use your self-binding technique to bind the quilt?

[@ShannonFabrics]

Yes! Look for our How to Make a Self Binding Cuddle Strip Quilt video (kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoO5cqqHbdp0kJo). You'll use the same technique for quilting the front to the backing, then finishing with the Self Binding technique. -teresa

[@msklvr5078]

Are minky and cuddle interchangeable terms to use for this fabric, or is minky different than cuddle??

[@ShannonFabrics]

Minky is a type of fabric and Cuddle® is the Shannon Fabrics brand of minky.

[@maejunejanome8956]

@Shannonfabrics When using a virgin top, batting and a Cuddle3 back, what is the best needle type and size? I want to pierce the cotton, but not tear the Cuddle. What thread? I always use cotton in my quilting (top thread and bobbin). Could I use cotton top thread and poly bobbin? I am using a serpentine stitch.

[@ShannonFabrics]

We recommend using polyester thread whenever working with Cuddle fabric. You can use a size 12 or size 14 needle when quilting, whatever you would normally use for the patchwork top. --teresa

[@AvivaHadas]

Are Minky & cuddle synonymous?

[@mjaffer6763]

Hello, did I miss watching how corners were mitered?

[@ShannonFabrics]

Hi, Please check out our other videos on a self binding blanket. That will explain more about corners.

[@joycehermans7959]

Is there a nap to cuddle to consider when you quilt it up?

[@ShannonFabrics]

There is a nap that runs top to bottom on the fabric but it does not really affect how it quilts.

[@donnarichey144]

What kind of needle would you use for minky fabric? Thank you.

[@ShannonFabrics]

You'll want to use a 90/14 Stretch needle.

[@donnarichey144]

@@ShannonFabrics Thank you

[@barbbusarello9786]

Hi, do you have to use the spray adhesive?

[@ShannonFabrics]

You do not have to but it holds the fabric much smoother than you can get without it. -teresa

[@maryipock5631]

Why does lower thread pull by right out of minky material After sewing

[@ShannonFabrics]

Make sure that you are backstitching and check the tension on your machine. This is not a problem unique to sewing with minky. It is likely how your machine is sewing it. Check out your machine's handbook to find out how to adjust and check the tension. -teresa

[@maureenstahl8060]

How do you keep the money fibers from poking through and showing up in the stitches on the quilt front?

[@maureenstahl8060]

Typo.... Minky fibers

[@ShannonFabrics]

Sometimes they do pop up and show, but if you use a similar color for the back and front, as well as matching thread, you'll never notice. Personally, it doesn't bother me and I just wash it to get them out a little and enjoy the softness of the minky backing. (-Teresa)

[@ethelleathers9479]

can you use a decative stitch on minky

[@ShannonFabrics]

Yes you can, though bigger motifs will appear better on the fabric. Small intricate stitches will get lost in the nap of the fabric. --teresa

[@jessicaeddy1673]

Where do you get the stilleto?

[@ShannonFabrics]

You can get the stiletto directly from ByAnnie.com --teresa

[@cherylanon5791]

What is Cuddle fabric made out of? Is it recyclable or sustainable, I'm a little worried about micro-plastics in everything.

[@ShannonFabrics]

It is 100% polyester.

[@LisaLisa-zl9vu]

If using minky for back of a quilt do I have length of grain going up and down? So are the selvages laying to the sides of the quilt ?

[@ShannonFabrics]

The selvages should be on the side and the nap running top to bottom.

[@jmbaus]

Please increase the volume, your voice is very low.

[@lindawhite5006]

Please speak louder and try to stop saying "OK, OK,OK..." Otherwise I do love your very informative videos!

[@tobythompson55]

When you send a cotton top & cuddle backing w poly batting to a longarm quilter, do you spray the layers together w 505 spray before you give it to the longarm quilter?

[@ShannonFabrics]

Most long arm quilters will want the pieces separate, but please reach out to your quilter and ask what s/he would prefer.