Here are some helpful tips on how to sew minky fabric successfully so your soft and cuddly sewing project turns out perfectly! Before getting started, make sure you’ve checked out our cutting tips for minky fabric and learned about the tools that can make working with minky easier. With the right techniques, sewing minky doesn’t have to be a challenge!
How to pin minky fabric without slipping
Minky’s made from millions of ultra soft microfibers. This plush surface makes it slippery, so pinning your fabric layers well before sewing is essential. Place pins every 1/2 – 3/4 inch (approximately 1–2 cm) to keep the layers securely in place. While this may take extra time, it’s totally worth the effort to avoid uneven seams or misaligned pieces later.
Check out this video from our Youtube channel to see what impact pinning will have to your finished product:
Techniques for sewing minky fabric
When learning how to sew minky fabric, a walking foot is one of the most helpful tools. Minky’s slippery texture and stretch can cause the layers to shift as you sew, leading to uneven seams. A walking foot helps feed the fabric layers evenly, reducing slipping and stretching. Check out this video from our kullaloo Instagram channel to see the difference a walking foot can make:
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However, if you don’t have a walking foot, you can still achieve good results with careful pinning and sewing techniques.
1. Sew over the pins:
Some sewers (including me) prefer leaving pins in place while sewing and removing them after the seam is closed. For this method:
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- Insert pins perpendicular to the seam with the pinheads on either side of the seam line.
- Use thin or extra-fine glass head pins to minimize the risk of your machine needle striking a pin and breaking during sewing.
- Test this technique with your sewing machine first, as not all machines handle sewing over pins equally well. If your machine can do this smoothly, it helps prevent fabric from shifting (and is also much faster).
2. Remove pins as you sew:
If you’re not comfortable sewing over pins, insert them so you can easily remove them just before sewing over that section. Alternatively, place pins to the side of the seam line and sew carefully around them.
3. Hand-basting for precision:
For those seeking ultimate precision, hand-basting is a great option. Secure the layers with long, temporary stitches before sewing to keep everything firmly in place.
Tips for combining minky with other fabrics
When sewing minky with another fabric, such as cotton or jersey, place the less stretchy fabric on top. This helps stabilize the stretchy minky layer and prevents distortion while sewing. Let the machine feed the fabric layers without pulling or pushing – this ensures even seams and prevents puckering.