Polartec 100 for long johns?

Be sure you are checking the p100 across the grain. Your math sounds right. I forget if the KW patterns have the little guide for checking stretch on the side of the envelope. Sounds cozy!

I'm a new sewer, so I can't comment on the stretch. I have, however, worn my fair share of long johns, and I wonder if fleece is a good material for them. I would worry about bulkiness and static electricity. Is Polartec 100 thin?

yes, that is why it is a nice choice for what she's making.

Thanks, Penny. Yes, it's across the grain. And you're right about the guide printed on the KS envelope. I don't have the long underwear pattern yet, but checked another pattern intended for knits and it's right there.

Doreen in Alabama

Sara,

Thank you for your input. I wasn't ignoring you earlier, our telephone went out. Again. Grrrrr.

Polartec 100 is not any thicker than waffle weave thermal fabric, if that. I think it's the lightest weight made. And although my daughter wears her jeans to fit, it isn't a skin-tight fit, so there'll be enough room.

I've sewn polar fleece quite a bit, and actually I did wonder about static electricity in the beginning, especially after learning that the use of fabric softener isn't recommended. But it never has seemed to be a problem. Have you had a different experience?

Just thinking about when I was a novice sewer. I began sewing for pay when I was in high school. Did what seems like hundreds of corduroy skirts, straight, with a kick pleat in back (the going thing for teenage girls back then). But one outfit really stands out in my memory. A lady in our church had me make her a fully lined dress and jacket out of turquoise wool crepe, with attached persian lamb collar and cuffs that she'd saved from something of her mother's. I had to alter the pattern's collar to fit. The outfit was beautiful and I was pleased to see her wear it many times before my family moved away to another town.

Doreen in Alabama

Doreen in Alabmaa

Ah! Never mind, then. I think I've used only Polartec 200.

Nope -- I've just noticed it has a lot of static electricity when I pull it out of the dryer.

it will line dry very quickly. I line dry all mine. You DO know no fabric softeners with fleeces, right?

No fabric softeners with anything, as far as I'm concerned. Just 'cause I'm lazy, not because I really care.

I didn't know that. How come? Sharon

it affects the wicking ability of the fibers, and the DWR treatment, if any.

And it seems to mess up the antimicrobial finishes so the fabric gets stinky faster when you wear it.

Mike

Last time I talked to the nice technical folks at Malden, they also mentioned they strongly suggest powdered laundry detergent... seems many of the liquids have a built-in fabric softener, and can accidentally compromise the wicking and dwr of the fabric.

Kay