The Benefits and Drawbacks of Minky Fabric
What is Minky fabric? Why is it a favorite fabric for baby blankets? Learn about its benefits and drawbacks. Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks of minky fabric. Keep reading to learn more! Listed below are some of the disadvantages of using minky fabric in baby blankets.
They are all very similar to minky but have their own unique qualities. However, if you are not sure if it’s right for your baby, consider buying one first.
What is minky fabric?
If you’re wondering what’s so great about Minky fabric, you’re not alone. Soft fabric has become incredibly popular, and nearly every major fabric retailer now sells at least one type of Minky fabric. It’s especially popular with baby blanket makers, and stores such as Minky Mamas carry nearly everything made with the material. Its high price tag does come with benefits though. Here are a few of its advantages.
First of all, minky fabric is luxurious and soft. It’s the perfect material for a quilt or other soft object. It comes in many different types, but there are some that are better for sewing than others. There are many advantages to using minky fabric, however. Not only is it warm and soft, but it’s great for next-to-skin comfort. Minky fabric can be difficult to work with, though. The material’s thickness makes it difficult to cut, and a rotary cutter is essential.
The softness of minky fabric makes it the perfect material for a blanket or outerwear for babies. The fabric dries quickly and is exceptionally soft against the skin. Minky fleece fabric is also incredibly easy to care for and resists stains. It’s an excellent fabric for baby products, including stuffed animals, clothing, blankets, and more. It can also be used as the backing of a quilt or for the topside of a blanket.
What is minky made of?
When you hear the word “minky”, you might wonder if it’s actually made of real mink fur. However, that’s not the case. Minky is a synthetic fabric made of petroleum and other chemicals that resembles microfibers. It is very soft, absorbing, hypoallergenic, and lightweight. While Minky is now manufactured around the world, the main producers are in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Asia.
One of the main challenges of sewing with Minky is the fact that it stretches when it touches your needle. The fabric can break the thread when it comes in contact with the needle, so using a rotary cutter is a better choice. Double pinning is also helpful. Pin the fabric in the middle and work outwards, pinching the edges to hold the stitch in place. Once you have secured the first row of pins, pin the second row of pins parallel to the first row. Alternate positions until the fabric are secure.
Another issue with minky fabric is its nap. It’s hard to cut through it without destroying its nap, so be careful. Another disadvantage is the fact that the fabric can only be dyed in a limited number of colors. Moreover, you can’t use regular dyes on it because they won’t dye it the same as a fabric made of polyester. Fortunately, manufacturers of polyester dyes have the experience necessary to ensure the durability of the fabric.
The benefits of using minky fabric
One of the greatest benefits of using minky fabric is its softness and warmth. This fabric is perfect for long, cold winter nights. It also doesn’t shrink, which makes it perfect for pairing with other fabrics that shrink. The important thing to remember when sewing with minky is to use sharp scissors or rotary cutters, and prewash the fabric before cutting it. Otherwise, it will shed along the cut lines.
The benefits of using minky fabric are numerous. These fabrics are made from microfibers that are composed of polyester. They are made by knitting varying-length polyester fibers together. While the appearance of the fabric may mimic that of mink fur, it isn’t made from natural animal fur. The unique manufacturing process of this fabric produces its softness and warmth. It’s also easy to clean. And, unlike other types of fabric, minky doesn’t stain or fade as other fabrics do.
Using a different material to make a minky bedcover is an excellent choice if you’re concerned about the environment. While polyester is an environmentally-friendly fabric, it is not completely biodegradable. It goes through a heavy chemical process to produce. It is also far less expensive than cotton. In addition to that, cotton made from FairTrade certified manufacturers is also a more socially conscious choice.
The cons of using minky fabric
The cons of using minky fabric are mostly cosmetic. Although the fabric is soft to the touch, it does not shrink as much as other fabrics. It can also be paired with fabrics that shrink. It is best to use sharp shears when cutting this type of fabric because it may shed along the cut line. It can also be very difficult to sew with. Therefore, you should know how to care for it properly.
Another con of minky fabric is that it is difficult to sew with. The pile on the front side is shorter than the pile on the back side. This makes it ideal for blankets, pillowcases, and robes. Minky fabric can also be used for a variety of colours. When sewing with this fabric, make sure to use a white thread to prevent bulk. Using a walking foot will make sewing easier for you and your machine.
Another downside to minky is its lack of eco-friendliness. Minky does not come from minks. It is a synthetic material made from the finest polyester fibers. It is also extremely susceptible to heat. Hence, the cons of using minky fabric are a concern for anyone who is looking for an environmentally-friendly material for a baby blanket. The pros outweigh the cons. When it comes to using minky, be sure to read the pros and cons.
History of minky fabric
Minky fabric has many names. In addition to minky, it is also called microfiber fabric or plush fabric. All of these terms refer to the same thing: 100% polyester microfibers knitted together. The length and density of the fibers determine the fabric’s thickness, pile, and weight. It is used to create soft, cuddly throw blankets and stuffed animals. Shannon Fabrics is a firm fan of minky fabric, and we proudly sell it.
When you use minky fabric, you can’t miss the fuzz that it will leave on your garment when you wash it. It’s also a great choice for paired fabrics, since it doesn’t shrink. However, you should be sure to use sharp scissors when cutting minky, since the fuzz may shed along the seam lines. When washing, use a gentle cycle and hang the fabric to dry. If you’re worried about shrinkage, you can wash it in the washing machine.
Baby products are another popular application for minky fabric. It’s safe for babies and is very warm, yet lightweight and airy. Unlike wool, minky doesn’t cause an allergic reaction. Minky blankets dry quickly, making them easy to clean and stain-resistant. This soft fabric is also very versatile. You can find it in a variety of colors and prints. It’s even durable enough for the outdoors!
How to care for and clean minky fabric?
How to care for and clean minky fabric is easy! The basic care steps include avoiding bleach, dry cleaning, and adding fabric softener to your wash. To keep your blanket looking as good as new, wash it separately from other items. Avoid detergents that contain dye or fabric softener as these can cause your Minky blanket to lose its luster and softness. Wash it on a cold, delicate cycle, and dry it flat without any heat.
To clean minky fabric, avoid adding any fragrances to the wash. Try using a small spray bottle, two cups of water, and a teaspoon of hair conditioner. If your minky blanket gets dirty, clean it frequently with your fingers, or with a boar bristle brush. To keep the fur soft, you can also use a mild detergent that is suitable for delicate fabrics. You can also tumble-dry the blanket on a delicate cycle in cold water without using any heat. Afterward, it’s important to avoid using any fabric softener.
Care for minky fabric after use: When washing and drying, it’s important to remember that minky is a knit material, which means it will stretch. Use a walking foot to feed the fabric more easily and effectively. The feed dogs should grip the bottom and top of the fabric. If you need to remove the basting spray residue, use a washing machine without liquid fabric softeners. Minky fabric should never be wiped with a towel, as it will ruin the luster of the fabric.
FAQ
Main minky fabric colors
- purple
- black
- green
- yellow
- blue
- white
- red
- grey
- pink
Main minky fabric brands
- Spoonflower
- Lunarable
- TELIO
- Robert Kaufman
- Fabric Merchants
- Ambesonne
- Sophia-Art
- APC Fabrics
- ben textiles inc.
- Cotton + Steel
- Michael Miller
- SanVera17
- eLuxurySupply
