Updated at: 10-10-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

The correct sewing machine needle is required to make a winter fleece blanket. The fleece should not be harmed in any way while you are working on the project.

Sewing Machine Needle: Which One is for Fleece?

Fleece is the greatest fabric to use for making winter crafts out of sewing. It’s also quite easy to put on and take off. If you want a lovely stitch when sewing with fleece, you’ll need the right needle. When I was learning to sew, I didn’t give much thought to selecting the right needle for the fabric I was working with. For me, it had to be learned on the job. To get you started, here are three types of fleece-friendly needles.

1. Stretch Sewing Needles

Needles for stretch sewing machines need to be more circular than those for ordinary sewing machines. Due to its shank, this needle is ideal for embroidering patterns on elastic. You can use a 90/14 and an 80/12 to make faux fur and fleece.

2. Ball Point or Jersey Sewing Needles

Unlike a conventional needle, the ballpoint has a more rounded tip. This approach does not need chopping, but rather allows fibers to flow between each other. As a result, there is reduced risk of a fabric rip. If you use a ballpoint needle to sew microfleece, you must be careful not to skip stitches. 90/14 or 80/12 needles can also be used.

3. Universal Needles

Using a set of universal needles that you probably already have lying around, you can sew any type of fleece. With universal needles, knitting wool, cotton, and fleece is a snap due of the circular shape of the needles. You’ll need to adjust your needle size according to the fabric’s weight. The standard is 80/12, however you have the option of going with 80/11 as a general rule of thumb (the lower standard).

Here’s what you need to know before starting your next fleece garment:

1. Use “with nap” yardage requirements.

Fleece lacks a natural grain structure because it is a nonwoven fabric. While its outside appears brushed, it actually has a smooth finish and only moves in one way when activated. For consistency, adhere to the “with nap” yardage requirements while laying out the designs.

2. Fleece has a right side and a wrong side.

If you gently tug the fleece over a cross-grain edge, it will begin to curl towards the incorrect side.

3. A chief benefit is its raw edges do not fray, therefore seam finishes are not really necessary.

There is no real need for them, but rather a matter of personal preference and style.

4. Fleece fabric has a considerable amount of stretch, especially along the cross-grain.

For sewer workers, it’s both a blessing and a curse. You won’t have any trouble getting used to the seams, which is a relief. Stitching at the borders of cross-grains (like necklines) is critical since these regions are more likely to stretch.

5. Find ways to eliminate bulk.

Making every effort to keep the fabric as light as possible is critical while sewing with it. There are lining fabrics that can be used to line the collar and sleeves of the garment.

6. Fleece is hard on scissors and machine needles, so always use a new machine needle.

The best needles for sewing machines are ballpoint or microtex needles. A solution of alcohol can be used to remove any remaining fiber.

7. Use a good polyester thread and a slightly larger stitch length (3mm-5mm).

Straight stitching is enough for the overwhelming majority of seams. A little zigzag stitch should be used in armholes and other areas where the seam is likely to move around a lot.

8. Because of its bulk and stretchy nature, stitching seams can sometimes be a challenge.

Reducing the number of shifts is as simple as increasing the pressure on the presser foot or lowering the machine tension.

9. Keep your machine clean.

Make sure to carefully clean your machine after each project to remove any lingering fiber particles from the fibers of the fleece.

10. Best seam finishes include serged edges, which help to compact the fleece, thus reducing bulk.

Pinking stitched or overcast edges are also nice options.

11. Contain seam allowances and secure hems.

No iron crease will form if you use a heated iron. Therefore, the amount of extra fabric used for seam allowances and hems should be minimized.

12. Best seams include faux flat fell, lapped, or double topstitched seams.

In order to maintain the garment’s polished appearance, each one helps to reduce or manage bulk in the garment’s interior.

Conclusion

Now that’s a wrap! When it comes to sewing fleece, there are two needle sizes to choose from: an 80/12 and a 90/14, which we discovered recently. The best possibilities are ballpoint, universal, and fleece-specific stretch needles.