Help!

**Kellili** · 08-18-2010, 06:05 PM

I need to make a "nap mat" for Gavin. He is going to Mothers Day Out 2 days a week...starts the 31st. I got a mat, but I want to make a fleece cover for it. I'm basically just going to sew it like a pillow case and use velcro on the end so it can be easily washed. I'm going to attach a blanket to one side out of fleece too. I got some satin blanket edging, but how do you sew it on? Just a straight stitch that you can see or is there some trick to it? I'm a novice at this.

Any tips or advice will be much appreciated! I'll post a pic when I'm done.

**Momto5RN** · 08-18-2010, 07:02 PM

i would make sure you can do this- sometimes the reasons you see them in just vinyl etc is because state regulations require they be wiped down after each use for germ prevention .

**Kellili** · 08-18-2010, 09:23 PM

I can do it...he will be the only one using it...each kid brings their own. They showed me an example of someone else's. I'm sooo frustrated though. Every time I try to sew it, the bobbin thread mucks up underneath and the needle gets stuck. I can't figure out how to fix it. >.<

**angelbumpkin** · 08-18-2010, 11:14 PM

what about iron on fusible interfacing?

**frugalfranny** · 08-19-2010, 12:11 AM

Originally Posted by Kellili

I got some satin blanket edging, but how do you sew it on? Just a straight stitch that you can see or is there some trick to it?

Not sure I am 'real clear' on what you are doing.....

but put the SBE (satin bnklt. edging) on one side (RST) sew it........then fold it over to the other side and sew again. OR......if you think you can catch both sides you can iron the raw edge under and 'sandwich' the fleece......then sew. I am sure others will have other ways to do it too.

Not sure I would do the edging..........fleece does not ravel....so I would probably just leave it raw. (use a decorative rotary cutter, if you have one) Fleece stretches very easily when being sewn............use a longer stitch for 'give'......or you will be popping stitches when you use the blanket.

Originally Posted by Kellili

Every time I try to sew it, the bobbin thread mucks up underneath and the needle gets stuck. I can't figure out how to fix it. >.<

First thing..........rethread your machine..BOTH...THE UPPER AND BOBBIN....could have an error in the threading. If not fixed.......check your tension. Are you sure you are putting the bobbin in correctly...........unwinding in the right direction? Also.......some of the newer machines can be very picky about the thread...(mostly the digital ones)......if you are using a cheaper thread you might have to change.

Good luck and looking forward to the pics!!

**nuisance26** · 08-19-2010, 07:10 AM

~Are you using a fresh needle appropriate for fleece? The majority of my tension problems end up being that my needle needs replacing.
The stitching on blanket edging is usually seen. But many manufacturers finish fleece edges without any binding, just with a blanket stitch. This is really easy and fast to do by hand with heavy duty thread.futuregirl craft blog : Tutorial: Hand Sew Felt Using Blanket Stitch I'd probably go with hand stitching because I hate ripping out machine stitches after tension problems!

I just posted a nap mat tutorial in the Back to School Sewing Digest thread. Maybe the pictures, instructions and comments will help you with your project.
Can't wait to see it!~

**Kellili** · 08-19-2010, 08:10 AM

Thanks guys! I have bobbin problems, and I have no clue how to fix it, so I'm going to have my Mom look at it...she sews and should be able to help me figure that out. I know next to nothing about my machine...I'd really like to learn how to use it and sew. Maybe I can find a local class that's cheap. (after this semester of school...too busy now) How do you adjust tension and how do you know if it's too much or not enough?

**wjcalderon** · 08-19-2010, 08:34 AM

Sometimes, especially with fleece or other "furry" fabrics, the bobbin will collect a lot of lint and cause problems.
Remove the bobbin and use canned air to blow out any lint or fuzz.

**Kellili** · 08-31-2010, 09:28 PM

I did it! Turned out really well I think. I'm going to attempt to attach some pictures of it. I made the blanket part a little big so that when he's in it he can snuggle.