Fleece Switching to Fleece! A Few questions!

[KristenMatejka]

Okay, so after about almost 5 years of having guinea pigs I have finally made the decision to switch to fleece! I just went out and bought my fleece for the liners and pads for high traffic areas, and now just waiting for my new sewing machine to arrive!!

I have two 2x6 cages and in each cage I have four girls! Just wondering if I should use one or two layers of uhaul pads? I am using two layers of fleece. So it will a reversible design so I dont get too bored....

I'm hoping my girls love it because they love the beds I have made for them! Still figuring out what measurements I need and still a bit confused about the instructions on some of the threads but I'm sure I will get it all sorted out.

 

[PeeweesPiggyPalace]

Are you sure you want to use two layers of fleece? You will get more use out of them if you make them separately. I personally use 2 layers of uhaul pad under my fleece. The uhaul pads are sewn together and fleece is fitted.. Not sewn to the fleece. Seems to wash and especially dry completely. let me know if I can help..

 

[KristenMatejka]

So would that be like just sewing the fleece together to make the liner and then seperately placing the uhaul pad underneath without sewing it to the fleece? I considered it and that would be easier for the actual sewing process. I could just sew two pieces of the uhual pad together under the liner and keep it seperate.

 

[PeeweesPiggyPalace]

So would that be like just sewing the fleece together to make the liner and then seperately placing the uhaul pad underneath without sewing it to the fleece? I considered it and that would be easier for the actual sewing process. I could just sew two pieces of the uhual pad together under the liner and keep it seperate.

Yes.. Exactly.. Plus you want to make sure your liners dry completely.. I personally love the way the liners fit

 

[KristenMatejka]

I've seen alot about allowing a little bit for seam allowance. For the part of the liner that will cover the floor of the cage should I add an extra inch or so for the seam allowance?

 

[KristenMatejka]

From my understanding of how to use fleece...I need to wash it a few time before actually cutting anything or sewing it to make sure it is able to wick properly as well as it does shrink a bit.

And Also, for example my cage, grid wise, is 28 by 84 inches. Should i measure the bottom part of the coro base itself or go by the measurements of my grids? I just have them zip tied together, no connectors. I have my cages on metal shelving.

 

[PeeweesPiggyPalace]

From my understanding of how to use fleece...I need to wash it a few time before actually cutting anything or sewing it to make sure it is able to wick properly as well as it does shrink a bit.

And Also, for example my cage, grid wise, is 28 by 84 inches. Should i measure the bottom part of the coro base itself or go by the measurements of my grids? I just have them zip tied together, no connectors. I have my cages on metal shelving.

Yes.. Wash and dry 3 times (should be perfect) Make sure NOT to use fabric softener or dryer sheets.. Go by the coro size. I use 1/4 seam allowance for each piece.. You can use more.. Just depends on how you sew

 

[PeeweesPiggyPalace]

Another suggestion......when you are washing the fleece for the final time, add a good bit of vinegar to the rinse cycle. It will help to strip the waterproofing out of the fleece.

I love fit and neatness, so I originally made my liners exactly to fit the dimensions of the cage. I will do it differently in the future. Yes, it looks very neat, but piggies have a way of backing up to the side of the cage to use the toilet. Invariably, the poops and pee end up down between the cracks and seep into the coroplast, even with the puppy pad liners.

I suggest that you make your liners an inch larger than the measured dimensions. That will take care of the aforementioned problem, plus allow a little extra for possible shrinkage. I try to have at least a half-inch seam allowance because I find it difficult to sew a straight seam and need to allow a little extra for error.

Have you thought about going up and over the sides with your fleece? Makes for no poo creeping down the cracks oh... And I thought the vinegar was for smell..? I've never used it to strip my fabric and it wicks perfectly.. Hot water and a hot dryer seem to do the trick for me..

 

[KristenMatejka]

I am going to make the parts that go over the side walls of the coro and wrap under it to make sure the fleece is secure. Just got to make sure I do it correctly. Probably going to have my grandmother help out with the first one. I just bought over 7 yards of fabric today from Joanns.

 

[KristenMatejka]

Here is a picture of some of my fleece....Got it from the sale at Joann's. Going back tomorrow after I cash my paycheck to get more before the sale is over!

 

[KristenMatejka]

I don't have a smart phone but my boyfriend does that lives with me. Does the app cost anything?

And thank you very much for the info! Now that I'm finally getting a sewing machine I know I'll be making TONS of stuff for my girls! I have 8 <3 <3 <3

 

[KristenMatejka]

Bump

 

[KristenMatejka]

Okay, So I got the furniture pads... Should I wash them first before sewing them to the fleece? Also, do I need to wash all of the fleece around 3 times before sewing and cutting?

 

[PeeweesPiggyPalace]

Okay, So I got the furniture pads... Should I wash them first before sewing them to the fleece? Also, do I need to wash all of the fleece around 3 times before sewing and cutting?

Yes.. Wash the uhaul pads.. You will notice the smell when you remove them from the bag and the do shrink. I personally wash and dry my fleece 3 times before I cut and sew. I've also heard people using vinegar to strip the fleece and for smell.. Though I do not.. Have fun sewing can't wait to see what you create!!

 

[KristenMatejka]

Thanks so much! My sewing machine got delivered today and I am super excited! going to wash it all tonight and cut out the pieces and sew it all tomorrow!!!

 

[KristenMatejka]

I made one of the fleece liners and a few pads for the high9 traffic areas and one big pillow bed for them!! I am going to post photos soon! just put it all in the cage and the girls are zooming around popcorning everywhere!

 

[KristenMatejka]

 

[KristenMatejka]

Thank you! My boyfriend picked it out too! The pigs are loving it!

Just a question though, how many times should** i vaccumn the poopoos out? Every day? That's what I'm thinking.

 

[Jacksthemouse]

Um, not sure if this is the place for it but it's about fleece questions.. so yeah

Is it absolutely necessary to have a sewing machine to prepare the fleece? They're kinda costly, and I don't really have a lot of storage space- at least not for storing heavy stuff like that. Plus I don't want to get one just for the sake of doing this.. it seems a bit wasteful. I'm really bad at textiles so I don't know what else I'd be able to hold onto it for :/ Isn't there a simpler way? Even if it's hand-stitching (again, I'm not that great at it, but if it's straightforward enough I think I'll learn).

 

[PeeweesPiggyPalace]

Thank you! My boyfriend picked it out too! The pigs are loving it!

Just a question though, how many times should** i vaccumn the poopoos out? Every day? That's what I'm thinking.

I sweep mine (I don't want to scare my piggies) twice a day.. If not 3 times.. Just depends on how may piggies and how "messy" they are