Understanding Fleece

[temom]

I've been thinking about this question, and not really able to articulate my confusion. I love fleece, it is so warm and cozy. I've made a few tie blankets and a no sew poncho for my daughter (all before I bought my sewing machine). The blankets still look great, the poncho is full of little pill balls. I would like to make more fleece ponchos and jackets, but I am clueless about all the different types of fleece, and how to discern what is a good material and what isn't. Does anyone know of a place that I can go to become educated about fleece, so I can make good fabric choices that I will be happy with?

[LeapFrog Libby]

Theresa,
I cannot sit here much longer(my back is showing out), but if you will search the old SWN archives, this was discussed at length at one time, and someone spelled out what kind of fleece to buy so it would not 'pill'.. They spelled out differences between arctic, and polar, and seems there was a third one.. (senior moment) I cannot think of that type..Go up in the corner and search for 'no pill fleece' or just 'fleece' and you should find it..

[temom]

Thanks a bunch, Libby. I'll do that right now. I hadn't even thought of trying the archives. Hope your back feels better very soon!

[Bama]

Hancock's has a fleece that's labeled "anti pill" fleece.

[temom]

Bama, I was looking at Hancock's on-line fleece on sale this weekend. We don't have a Hancock's for many, many miles, but with the free shipping, I'm definately looking!

[bridesmom]

I have found with the fleece at our local Fabricland, that it pills very easily. I think sometimes you have to go with a better quality fleece to get a better quality garment. But I haven't a clue as to how you tell the quality of the fabric by looking at it - but I did find a good link in the archives http://swn-archive.sew-whats-up.com/archive/t-20705.html There's a few good ones in the archives. YAY Bob, for saving us the archives! Here's another one http://swn-archive.sew-whats-up.com/archive/t-15202.html.