Quilting with Minky

I'm quilting away on my niece's quilt whenever I can. Because this sweety needs a quilt from her auntie, doesn't she?


It's a bit hard to see the quilting on these pretty prints, but it's the feathered flower from my latest video post.


The new thing I'm doing with this quilt is backing it with a minky-type fabric. So far it's working well. It's pin basted pretty securely, but I do have to watch the minky edges to make sure they're not curling under and getting stitched to the back. I probably should have used a thinner batting with the minky instead of my usual Hobb's 80/20.


It feels a little different as I move it under the machine. I think it depends on how I'm moving it, as this fabric is combed down (is that the term?) in one direction, giving it a bit of a nap. Not causing a particular problem, just feels different.


It feels incredibly soft and still shows the quilting pretty well on the back. I suspect after washing, the fuzz will pop out from under the stitches and hide the stitches though. I've heard that it can leave a ton of fuzz behind as you cut and sew it. I haven't had this problem, though I had exactly what I needed as it came from the store. I'm sure I'll get fuzz once I trim the excess.

Have you used Minky as a backing before? How has it worked for you?

14 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing about the minky. I have 2 new nephews to make quilts for and minky is so soft and cuddly!

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  2. I love Minky for backing, even for my own snuggle quilts. It does make a fuzzy mess when you cut it. If I have a helper handy when I'm cutting I have them hold the vacuum hose nozzle right behind my scissors. If it hits the bare floor, that fuzz dances off to all corners of the room.

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    1. I think I'll keep my daughter nearby with the Dust Buster (hand help vac)!

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  3. I love minky backings. I use both Warm and Natural/White and Hobbs 80/20. I do find it a little easier with the Warm and White. I use a lint roller with each cut I make along the quilt and on the cutting mat to help keep the fuzz contained.

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    1. It's been working wonderfully so far and it is soooo soft!

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  4. It worked a treat the two times I've used it. A panel for the front, no wadding and minky on the back. 3 years and lots of washes later and it's still soft a beautiful. Very messy when cutting but it doesn't shed when sewn up. Love it for little ones.

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    1. I thought about leaving the batting out. Maybe I'll have do this again without it.

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  5. I love the texture of the minky....just be carful not to stretch it, especially in the wrong direction.

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    1. Definitely no stretching allowed! That would be some serious wonkiness, I'm sure.

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  6. My only problem for minky for baby and toddler quilts is the fiber content. 100% cotton burns to ash, while synthetics melt. If there ever was a fire, a synthetic fabric can cause more skin damage than cotton......

    Just a thought. I'm not sure if minky is fire retardant....

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    Replies
    1. I think some minky is treated for sleepwear, but this wasn't. Said so on the selvedge. That's one of the reasons I wish I had a thin 100% cotton batting on hand.

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  7. Replies
    1. She is isn't she?! And such a happy baby! I told my sister that she needed to cry a bunch and have a few diaper blow-outs so that I wouldn't come home wanting another! She didn't cooperate, but I think I'll forgo another baby....

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    2. I am having a terrible time trying to move the quilt for fmq. I have used a quilt top with thin cotton batting (mistake)and minky on the back. I am using machingers gloves. I have tried with feed dogs both up and down, but it won't budge. I would be so grateful for any suggestions.
      Thanks.

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