Not Sew Simple Fleece Blanket with Satin Binding

I've moved on to my second project (as in the one after the first - click) from a Sew Simple I got some time late last year - a fleece blanket.  The project looked like one of the easiest in the magazine.  Simply cut a rectangle of polar fleece to the size you want (I think I did a yard and half), sew two pieces of satin binding together, then apply the binding to the fleece...voila!

I learned pretty quickly that my project was not sew-simple afterall...at least not for my newbie-sewing-skills.  For one thing, the polar fleece was a slippery thing, indeed!  I couldn't quite get the edge of the fleece exactly to the fold of the binding.  Every time I'd slide the fleece in, it would wiggle itself out ever.so.slightly.

Secondly, the binding was difficult to press.  I melted the first edge of binding trying to press the edge down 1/4 inch.  Luckily, I only burned off an inch and was able to cut away a new edge.  I turned the heat down, but the lower heat didn't help the pressed folds stay-put.  But, the most aggravating thing about this project was how the binding slipped while you were sewing.  You should just see the first edge I did.  It's terrible.  I think 1/4 inch of the binding slipping along the way towards the back, leaving the edge oddly shaped and slightly twisted.  And the mitered edge after that...wow...it's really bad.  Quite embarrassing, actually.  

I plugged along, though, and learned a lot of lessons along the way.  Although the one edge is pretty off-kilter, I think the fleece blanket turned out pretty good for only my second time (click for first) applying binding.  Besides, this is a present for a small boy...he'll probably tear this up in no time anyways, right? :)  Hopefully, he'll get lots of good use out of it before then.

Comments

[april ortiz]

It turned out cute! Just say you meant to do that. :-) When I tried the fleece it kept wanting to grow. Happy Week.

[Sarah]

I have to tell you that I considered myself a pretty experienced sewer, and polar fleece + satin binding = nightmare.

If you should feel like you need to do it again the best way is to sew the binding to the front ONLY of the fleece first, then use an invisible thread and sew it to the back.

Like binding a quilt, but without the handsewing the back of the binding on step.

[Thimbleanna]

Well, it looks great from here. I think fleece is REALLY tricky -- it stretches. They make you think it's simple, but it's not. But now you know that LOL!

[BumbleVee]

But, what a cute little assistant you had to help you!

And a little boy will be cozy and warm... the more important thing...

[Gail Sciortino]

Gah, after wasting 2 hours tryin to get the fleece IN the binding far enough, I quit, and am surfin the net to see HOW to do this...Glad to see others with the same issue..I bought the package of satin binding, now I think it will be eaiser to make some cotton binding and apply it the way I do to a quilt!

[Quilt]

I think it is quite nice and cute. I know that fleece is always a little tricky. I think you have done an amazing job. :)

[Peggy Grow]

You need a walking foot when dealing with those aggrevating slippery fabrics. Here's a link to my wonderful, fantabulous sewing teacher, Leslie, showing how to put one on your machine and how they work.
http://www.glitzkrieg.biz/noteworthy_notions.html#walkingfoot

[viagra online]

that's so cute and comfortable looking that by now i just think in sleeping!

[Performance Fleece Sweatshirts]

seems warm blanket, isn't it?

[Everyone Loves To wear Fleece]

I like your writing. I have gotten some good information here.

[RKK]

So glad I found this site... My sewing skills are a bit rusty and I have never worked with fleece. Your posting with additional comments have addressed all my concerns and fears. I was beginning to think my skills were dustier than I thought! Thanx everyone for posting!

[Fleece Blanket]

Thanks for the info on your site. Not only is the blanket you have there really nice and well made, but I would even take the dog. Very cute!

[Fleece Blanket]

This is a very useful article. I do not think that I would have the patience to make a fleece blanket like this. You did a very good job. I am sure that the child that you made it for will like it.

[Christine Martin]

I think you saved me! I was just about to purchase satin binding for my fleece blanket. Maybe now I'll try fleece binding (hard to find) or cotton.