Sewing with Cuddle and Minky
Thank you to everyone who joins us on our weekly livestreams and gives us the opportunity to spread a little inspiration and information!
In Week 37 we showed off projects we made using Minky fabrics from Michael Miller Fabrics and in Week 42 we focused on sewing with Cuddle Fabrics with Teresa Coates and Shannon Fabrics.
In this blog, we’ll recap some of the projects we sewed using these fun fabrics and share a handful of tips for working with these soft plush fabrics.
What Shannon Fabrics has to say about their Cuddle fabrics collection:
“This is the fabric that started it all! What began as a line of high-quality minky fabric in solid colors, our Cuddle® collection has expanded to include not just our wide range of solid colors, but embossed minky fabrics, fun and unique prints, minky fabric with metallic sparkles and even double-sided minky fabrics.”
For lots of helpful tips for working with Cuddle and other plush fabrics, we recommend Teresa’s Ten Tips for Sewing with Cuddle Fabrics blog post and video.
What Michael Miller has to say about their Printed Minky fabrics collection:
“Super soft polyester fabric — great for a variety of projects! Our printed Minky has a lower loft, is easier to cut, sew, and piece. It’s durable and will not shrink after washed. Our Minky fabric stretches very little horizontally across the grain and has NO vertical stretch. This makes it easier to cut and sew smaller pieces for intricate projects. This special quality is why our Minky is a superior fabrication.”
Bosom Buddy
We designed Bosom Buddy specifically for our #SewPink Initiative*, our annual event to promote breast cancer awareness.
If you, or someone you love, have had surgery for breast cancer -- or other treatments that affect the chest or stomach area — this soft, comfortable cushion will be so appreciated.
This simple project makes wearing a seat belt more comfortable:
- Spreads the pressure of the belt over a larger area
- Can be worn on shoulder or lap portion of the seat belt
- Features double layers of foam padding
- Simple to attach/remove from seat belt
- Sleeve wraps around belt for easy adjustment
- Helpful for shorter individuals who find seat belts hitting them in the neck
- Washer and dryer safe (depending on materials used)
Bosom Buddy measures: 14"H x 6½"W
Featured fabric: “Sparkle Glitter”, and “Playtime” Cuddle by Shannon Fabrics
Tips for using Minky or Cuddle with this project:
We really enjoyed sewing this project in Cuddle fabrics, even using the plush fabric to bind the raw edges. This results in a seat belt cushion that feels extra soft against the neck and chest.
To make this project even easier, Annie wrote specific instructions to complement the original pattern. Download the PDF below to get specific instructions for modifying the Bosom Buddy pattern to use Minky or Cuddle fabrics.
BOSOM BUDDY WITH PLUSH FABRICS INSTRUCTIONS
Baby Travel Accessories
Quick and easy to make, these fun projects are easy to make and perfect for shower gifts for any new parent.
1. Piddle Pad/Playmat — Babies will love the soft, cushiony feel of this changing pad/playmat made with Soft and Stable. Parents will appreciate the convenience of a pad with pockets for carrying diapering supplies which can be folded to fit into a diaper bag and launders easily.
2. Bottle Carrier — Designed for on-the-go feeding, the Bottle Carrier holds most sizes of baby bottles. Carrier features a zippered closure plus a top handle and side strap with swivel hook closure. Soft and Stable gives good insulation to the bottle. Add a freezer gel pack for added cooling.
3. Pacifier Pouch — The Pacifier Pouch with zippered closure carries pacifiers or small toys in elasticized inner mesh pockets and has a strap for easy attachment to stroller or other bags.
Piddle Pad/Playmat: 28½”H x 28½”W when open
Bottle Carrier: 7½”H x 3¾”W x 3¾”D
Pacifier Pouch: 3¾”H x 3¾”W x 2”D
Featured fabric: “Make A Splash” by Michael Miller Fabrics
Tips for using Minky or Cuddle with this project:
We used plush fabrics for the Piddle Pad in this project. For maximum softness for the baby, use the plush fabric for the lining AND for the top of the inner pocket as we did on the “I Want a Monster” model. A 1-yard piece of 58”/60” wide plush fabric will be enough for both of those pieces.
We used cotton fabric for the exterior of each Piddle Pad and plush fabric for the lining side with Soft and Stable in between. On the “I Want a Monster” model, we pieced the exterior of the pad and quilted the pieces together as directed in the pattern. On the “Make A Splash” model, we longarm quilted the fabrics together for the pad.
We made the inner pocket for the “I Want a Monster” model using plush fabric stabilized with fusible interfacing for the exterior and cotton fabric for the interior. For the “Make A Splash” model, we used cotton fabric for both sides of the inner pocket.
We recommend using a 90/14 stretch needle and increasing the stitch length to about 3.0 to 3.5 when sewing with plush fabrics.
We used leftover quilted fabric from other projects for the Pacifier Pouch and Bottle Carrier.
Baby Bibs
Make mealtime fun and cleanup simple with these easy-to-make bibs.
Each pattern includes instructions for texturizing fabric using Bosal Stitch & Steam and adding appliqué using fusible thread to accent the bibs.
For the models shown, we skipped the texturizing and applique steps and made the bibs with plush fabrics.
The Toddler Bib (about 9" wide and 11" long when worn) features stabilized fabric and an extended shoulder piece.
The Itty Bitty Bib (about 7" x 7") may be made in two versions: a cute ladybug bib with texturized wings or a simple bib with a texturized inserted strip.
Featured fabric: “Make A Splash” by Michael Miller Fabrics and “Playtime” Cuddle by Shannon Fabrics
Tips for using Minky or Cuddle with this project:
We made these bibs using plush fabrics. Since Cuddle fabric has such a soft, cuddly texture we knew it would make great bibs.
To make them quick and easy, we skipped the applique and inset strips and just used the bib templates in the pattern to cut a Toddler Bib and an Itty Bitty Bib.
We used fold-over elastic to bind the Itty Bitty Bibs — quick and easy! And we used Cuddle to bind the Toddler Bib and make the ties, cutting 1¼” strips on the crosswise grain of the fabric. We cut those strips to the lengths listed in the pattern and attached them as directed in the pattern, allowing the fabric to extend beyond the edge of the bib at the top to make the ties. Please refer to Shannon Fabrics’ blog for tips for binding using Cuddle fabrics.
Siesta Fiesta
This stylish lightweight mat with a comfy removable pillow is your perfect beach, poolside, picnic, or starry night companion.
The quick roll-down design means you’ll be set for R&R in no time! An adjustable/detachable strap and convenient closure straps make carrying a breeze.
The zippered pillow cover allows easy laundering and also serves as a secret place to hide keys, phone, and more.
Portable and perfect to take anywhere, the set is machine washable and rolls up quickly for easy storage.
From naps and reading sessions by the pool to evening stargazing or concerts in the park, you’ll find lots of uses for the handy set.
Child size: 50"H x 20"W with removable 6"H x 20"W x 3"D pillow
Adult size: 62"H x 24"W with removable 7"H x 24"W x 4"D pillow
Featured fabric: “Rainbow Dino” and "Good Vibes Only" by Michael Miller Fabrics
Tips for using Minky or Cuddle with this project:
We used plush fabrics for the interior (lining side) of the mat for this project and cotton fabrics for the exterior. We had our longarm quilter quilt the fabrics for the project and then cut the mat and pillow pieces from the quilted fabric.
We used coordinating cotton fabrics for the binding, straps, and pillow insert.
Every Day Every Way
This versatile convertible bag will take you from diapers through sporting events, and everything in between!
Good-looking and hardworking, just like you, it makes the perfect bag for the organized parent.
Whether you carry the bag on your back or by its handle, or use the stroller straps or detachable adjustable carrying strap (with shoulder pad), you’ll find this handy bag offers style and convenience when you pack up diapers, wipes, bottles and toys, as well as a few things for you.
Deep exterior pockets on front and back as well as expanded slip pockets on each side hold keys, sunglasses, magazines, bottles, and more.
Inside organization includes a full zippered mesh pocket for extra clothes and toys and handy bellowed dividers which expand to hold bottles, wipes, diapers and more.
Optional buttons on bottom reduce wear. Instructions also include a handy washable changing pad.
Finished: 12”H x 12”W x 4”D at top, 12"H x 15"W x 7"D at bottom
Featured fabric: “Make A Splash” by Michael Miller Fabrics and “Luxe” Cuddle by Shannon Fabrics
Tips for using Minky or Cuddle with this project:
We used Minky fabric quilted with cotton fabric and Soft and Stable for the changing pad for the Make A Splash model. We bound it using cotton fabrics.
For the pink and white mat pictured, we used hot pink Luxe Cuddle combined with white embossed Cuddle with Soft and Stable between the layers. Since we decided to skip the quilting, we cut all three pieces to the finished size of the changing pad. We sprayed Odif 505 basting spray to the back of the white embossed Cuddle and smoothed it onto the Soft and Stable. We then stitched it in place, sewing ⅛” from the edge. Next we spray basted and smoothed the pink Luxe Cuddle to the other side of the Soft and Stable and sewed it in place. We then followed the pattern as directed, except that we bound the edges with a 1¾” strip of Cuddle. We sewed it first to the pink side of the mat and then folded it over to the white side and stitched along the raw edge with a serpentine stitch. Please refer to Shannon Fabrics’ blog for tips for binding using Cuddle fabrics.
Out And About
Carry everything you need for a day trip in this handy knapsack.
This compact and feature-rich backpack is sized to work well for adults as well as children. Just adjust the lengths of the shoulder straps (as directed in the pattern) to make it perfect for everyone, from 4-year-olds to 90-year-olds.
You'll love the way the zippers extend all the way to the bottom of the main and front compartments for full access to each section. The compartments open wide, making it easy to pack and find items. No more digging around inside a pack!
The bag also features lots of zippered and slip pockets to keep small items organized and separated. Cell phone users will love the optional hidden pocket, which is perfect for keeping a phone available for quick access, yet out of sight.
SMALL: 11½"H x 6" to 10"W x 2½" to 3¾"D with padded strap extending to 26"
REGULAR: 11½"H x 6" to 10"W x 2½" to 3¾"D with padded strap extending to 34"
Featured fabric: “Make A Splash” by Michael Miller Fabrics
Tips for using Minky or Cuddle with this project:
We used Minky fabric on the underside of the straps on this bag to make it soft and comfy for wearing.
Changing Station
Clutch: 9"H x 11½"W x 2"D when closed, 15½"H x 11½"W when open
Pad: 22"H x 22"W when open
This compact kit is perfect for changing babies on the go.
The attractive wallet-style clutch unfolds into a large, padded changing pad with plenty of pockets to store all the essentials. Two large zippered mesh pockets hold several diapers, baby wipes, and even small toys to keep baby entertained. An outer zippered pocket holds personal items and a handy flap closes the folded clutch keeping everything contained.
The extra-large baby changing pad is fully padded to provide comfort for your little one. The pad can be removed for easy laundering or to allow the clutch to be used separately.
Drop it in any bag, strap it to your wrist, or clip it to your stroller and you're good to go.
Featured fabric: “Make A Splash” by Michael Miller Fabrics
Tips for using Minky or Cuddle with this project:
We used plush fabrics for the interior of the changing pad in each of these models. We used coordinating cotton fabrics for the bindings on each model.
Thanks for taking the time to read our blog! You can catch our other live streams at www.ByAnnie.com/live. We livestream on Facebook and YouTube every Wednesday at 2pm Mountain Time and look forward to engaging with you there!
Let us know in the comments below what topics you’d like to see Annie cover next!
----Happy Stitching!
