Sewing With Fleece: Essential Techniques

Class Preview

Discover how to sew fleece as you create warm, wonderful accessories and outerwear. Note: Pattern not included.

Getting Started

Meet pattern designer Pattie Otto and dive into the warm, fuzzy world of fleece. Pattie shares advice on choosing the right kind of fleece for your projects, from light layers to heavy-duty wind-blocking and moisture-repellent varieties. Get tips on laying out, marking and cutting out fleece and practice by starting with a simple beanie pattern.

Construction Basics: The Hat

Get a handle on stitching fleece by sewing up your beanie with a sewing machine or serger. Learn about the importance of stitch length and how to reduce the bulk in your seam allowance. Follow Pattie’s tips for tackling darts and hemming your beanie in a variety of ways. You’ll have a fun accessory to wear or give as a gift in no time!

Making Mittens

Follow along with Pattie as you try your hand at sewing cozy fleece mittens with a ribbed cuff. Learn tips for sewing both mittens at once, making the process speedy and efficient. Pattie shows how to reduce the bulk in the thumbs — especially important for tiny toddler hands — and how to tackle stretchy ribbing and keep your mittens snug and warm around your wrists.

The Pullover

The Cascade Mountain Pullover pattern is included with your class. Pattie demonstrates how to prepare your pattern pieces with staystitching and stabilizer tape at the seams to prevent stretching while you sew. Then learn Pattie’s foolproof technique for inserting an exposed zipper perfectly every time. No more zipper phobia! Finally, Pattie walks you through the final construction of your fun and fashionable pullover!

The Jacket

If you prefer a full-zip fleece with in-seam pockets, your included pattern can easily be converted with Pattie’s guidance. Learn how to choose and modify a zipper and install it, matching your yoke seams perfectly. Then follow along as Pattie shows how to attach the collar and topstitch for a professional finish.

Finishing the Pullover & Jacket

Finish your jacket by inserting the super-easy drop-shoulder sleeve, hemming and topstitching. You can even add ribbed cuffs to the sleeves for a snug and warm fit. When your jacket or pullover is finished, you can have fun adding embellishments such as embroidery, decorative edging or fuzzy trim.

Variations & Caring for Fleece

Pattie shares lots of fun pattern variations you can try, from adding a hood to your pullover, turning it into a vest or adding trims such as fold-over elastic or snap closures. Finally, learn how to care for your fleece garments and accessories so you can enjoy them for years to come!