How to Use Minky Fabric

A small baby blanket is an ideal starter project using minky fabric.

Minky fabric is plush and luxurious, similar to mink fur, and is available in many colors and prints. The super soft texture makes minky a popular fabric choice for blankets, burp cloths and bibs. Minky is slightly more challenging to sew, because it has a tendency to slip and curl. With care and plenty of pins, you will be able to complete your own minky project.

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Minky fabric
Backing fabric (cotton, flannel or satin)
Scissors
Straight pins
Sewing machine
Thread

Instructions

- 1
  
  Prewash and iron the backing fabric. Minky fabric does not shrink with washing, so it doesn't need to be prewashed.
- 2
  
  Lay the minky fabric and the backing material on top of each other with the right sides of the fabrics facing each other and the wrong sides facing out. Secure the fabrics to each other using straight pins.
- 3
  
  Trim the fabrics to your desired size. Use a pattern if necessary. Place straight pins approximately 1 inch apart along the edges of the cut fabrics. Minky fabric slips and stretches, so it's necessary to use numerous straight pins.
- 4
  
  Place the minky fabric on the sewing machine with the backing material facing up. The pins need to be removed as they approach the sewing needle, so place a pincushion nearby.
- 5
  
  Sew the fabrics together using a medium-length straight stitch. Since minky curls along the edges, use a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Leave an unsewn opening large enough to turn the fabric right side out.
- 6
  
  Remove the material from the sewing machine and trim the edges to a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
- 7
  
  Turn the fabric right side out. Fold in the unfinished edges along the opening and pin them together. Sew the opening shut with a straight stitch and a 1/4-inch seam allowance. For a professional finish, continue sewing the straight stitch along the edges of the entire project.