If you've ever sewn with Cuddle® fabric, you already know why it is so universally adored. Its incredible softness, beautiful texture, and luxurious feel make it perfect for blankets, pillows, scarves, and so much more. But because Cuddle® fabrics have a plush pile (that’s the nap) and slight stretch (because it’s a knit fabric), a few simple machine adjustments can make all the difference in achieving professional-looking results when using a serger or overlocker on your projects.
Today I'm sharing four simple tips I use when working with Cuddle® fabrics on my BERNINA L890 serger. These quick adjustments help create smooth seams, reduce stretching, and produce beautiful results every time.
One of the most important factors in successful Cuddle® sewing is selecting the correct needle.
For the BERNINA L890, I recommend: SCHMETZ ELx705 SUK 90/14 needles
These needles are specifically designed for serger use and feature a slightly rounded point that slides between knit fibers rather than cutting the fibers. This helps prevent skipped stitches and creates smooth seams.
Here's why I like them for Cuddle® fabrics:
• Reduced skipped stitches
On the BERNINA L890, I increase my stitch length from the default setting to approximately 3.5 to 4.0 mm. I change this when I notice that my fabrics need a little encouragement to travel under the needle successfully. One of the things I do when using my BERNINA L890 is feel the way the fabric is feeding and observe the quality of the stitch that is produced. All the different types of Cuddle® fabric are thicker than quilting cottons (including the low-pile Quilting Cuddle®!), and so I need to remember to override the default settings that are programmed into the machine for each stitch.
One adjustment many sewists overlook is presser foot pressure. When a presser foot presses too firmly on a thick fabric like Cuddle®, the fabric may curl up over the foot and get caught by the needles, essentially sewing your fabric to the presser foot. Too much pressure can also prevent the fabric from feeding evenly during the seaming process, causing bunching and creating unwanted excess bulk.
The presser foot pressure adjustment is a quick and easy manual adjustment on the BERNINA L890. All you need to do is look at the top of the machine, find the presser foot pressure lever, and switch it to 1 - that is the lowest pressure foot pressure setting.
A quick test on a scrap piece can help you dial in the perfect setting before starting your project.
One adjustment many sewists overlook when using a serger or overlocker is differential feed.
The differential feed controls how the fabric moves through the machine. Because Cuddle® fabrics have some stretch (remember that they are a knit fabric!), lowering the differential feed can help prevent stretching and rippling along the seam.
For most Cuddle® sewingprojects, I adjust my differential feed to 0.70. If you start out with your differential feed at the default setting and notice that your fabric is bunching up, rippling or getting wavy, adjusting the differential feed can correct the issue and give you much more consistent seams.
A quick test on a scrap piece can help you dial in the perfect setting before starting your project. Keep a few
After making these simple adjustments, the resulting seam is smooth, balanced, and professional-looking.
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Things to look for: Flat seam appearance
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Whether you're creating a blanket, pillow, scarf, garment, or another cozy project, these three adjustments can dramatically improve your results when sewing Cuddle® fabrics on the BERNINA L890.
SERGER PROJECT PHOTO: Alaina Serger Tote, Pattern by Gail Yellen gailpatrice.com - Fabrics: Quilting Cuddle® in Echoes of the Range Running Wild Black and Solid Black, using Wonderfil Accent 12 wt thread for decorative coverstitching and Wonderfil Softlock thread in the needle for Flatlock seaming
Serging Cuddle® fabric doesn't have to be intimidating. With the right needle, a slightly longer stitch length, decreased presser foot pressure, and a simple differential feed adjustment, your BERNINA L890 can create beautiful, professional-quality seams with ease.
The next time you're working on a cozy Cuddle® project, take a few moments to make these adjustments before you begin. Your seams will be smoother, your fabric will feed more evenly, and you'll spend less time troubleshooting and more time enjoying the sewing process.
Happy serging and happy cuddling!
P.S. Want to learn even more about sewing with Cuddle® fabrics? Join us at a Cuddle® Up with BERNINA event! These hands-on educational events are held throughout the United States and are taught by experienced Cuddle Ambassadors who love sharing tips, techniques, and confidence-building projects using Shannon Fabrics Cuddle® and BERNINA machines. Whether you're brand new to sewing with Cuddle or looking to expand your skills, you'll leave with practical knowledge, inspiration, and plenty of cozy project ideas. Check with your local BERNINA dealer or visit the Cuddle® Up with BERNINA event page to find an upcoming event near you!
(Photo - Cuddle® Up with BERNINA class at High Country Quilts in Highlands Ranch, Colorado | June 2026)