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What is Minky Fabric?
Minky is an ultra-soft, stretchy knit fabric that is similar to fleece, but cozier. Minky, like fleece, faux fur, and velvet, has a “pile” – raised loops or strands of fibers that give the fabric a textured look and plush feel. The pile length in Minky fabrics can range from very short to ½ inch or longer.
This luxurious fabric is perfect for any sewing project that needs a soft and cozy touch.
What is Minky fabric made of?
Minky fabric is made from polyester fibers. These tiny synthetic fibers are knitted together to form the soft fabric we know as Minky.
When Minky fabric is knitted, the plush, fur-like pile is usually formed only on one side of the fabric. While there are double-sided Minky fabrics available, they are much less common and more difficult to sew.
When it comes to durability, don’t let the soft feel of Minky fabric fool you – the polyester fibers used to construct Minky are very strong. This makes it a very durable and long-lasting fabric, perfect for projects that will see a lot of wear and tear.
What is Minky fabric used for?
Minky fabric is most popular for use in blankets. It’s extremely soft and warm, making it great for a cozy blanket. Minky is a wonderful choice for baby blankets because the soft fibers are comfortable and won’t irritate a baby’s skin.
While blankets are the most common use for this fabric, Minky is versatile. It’s an interesting and unique option for home décor projects such as throw pillows or couch covers.
It can also be used in apparel sewing projects. Try sewing a fluffy Minky cardigan, vest, scarf, or hat. Minky is also a fun alternative to a regular lining in outerwear such as coats and jackets.
Types of Minky fabric
There are quite a few different types of Minky fabric available, making it easy to find the right Minky for your project.
Here are a few of the most popular kinds of Minky fabric.
• Smooth Minky:
Smooth Minky has a short pile that is all the same length across the surface of the fabric. This is a versatile option with a smooth feel, great for blankets, pillows, and more.
• Minky Dot:
Minky dot fabric also has a uniform, short pile length, but has raised circular spots across the surface of the fabric. These raised spots are formed by puckers in the fabric, not a difference in pile length. Minky dot has a unique, cutesy look and is a very popular option for baby blankets.
• Minky Rose Swirl:
Minky rose swirl has a slightly longer pile length than smooth Minky or Minky dot. The pile is swirled into what looks like a rose shape at regular intervals across the fabric. It’s a beautiful, elegant version of Minky fabric that is perfect for throw pillows and other home décor projects.
• Sherpa Minky:
With a look similar to a sheep’s fleece, but a softer feel, sherpa Minky fabric has a textured, wool-like appearance. The pile on this type of Minky is a medium length, making it a very warm fabric. Sherpa Minky is popular as a lining in coats and jackets. It’s also a great fabric for making stuffed animals.
• Shaggy Minky:
Shaggy Minky looks just the way it sounds – shaggy. This type of fabric has a long pile and looks very similar to faux fur. Anywhere you would use faux fur, you can use shaggy Minky. Elegant throw pillows, a luxurious couch cover, a cozy blanket – the options are endless.
What is the difference between Minky fabric and faux fur fabric?:
While some types of Minky fabrics can look very similar to faux fur, they are actually different fabrics. The backing – the non-plush side – of Minky is softer, stretchier, and more flexible than the backing of faux fur. While some faux fur fabrics are stretchy, they won’t have as soft and drapey a feel as Minky.
In addition, faux fur can be made from a variety of different materials, often from blends of acrylic, polyester, and other synthetics. Minky, on the other hand, is always made from 100% polyester.
How to care for Minky fabric?:
Another reason Minky fabric is so popular is that it’s very easy to care for. Minky fabric is machine washable and dryable. Simply wash your Minky on the gentle cycle with cool water. Once washed, it can be tumble dried with low or no heat. To preserve the life of your Minky fabric even longer, it can help to hang dry your fabric instead of tumble drying.
In addition, Minky fabric does not shrink or fade since it’s made from 100% polyester fibers. This means that there is no need to prewash before sewing with Minky. However, make sure to prewash any other fabrics that will be sewn to your Minky, especially quilting cotton or flannel.
