VIDEO: A Beginner’s Guide to Cuddle® Minky Fabric

In honor of National Sewing Month, our Cuddle® Ambassador, Ajaire Parello, covers all the Cuddle® basics, from explaining what makes Cuddle® minky fabric special and the differences between different types of Cuddle®, to recommended projects and uses, the sewing notions that work best with Cuddle® and more!

All the information is outlined here and in Ajaire’s video, but we’ve also created a convenient downloadable PDF to print out and keep handy for quick reference.

What is Cuddle® Minky Fabric?

Cuddle® is the Shannon Fabrics brand of minky. Minky is a polyester, microfiber plush knit fabric. Quality varies greatly between manufacturers and Shannon Fabrics works tirelessly to provided the highest quality minky on the market.

Here are a few different collections under our Cuddle® minky fabric umbrella.

What is Cuddle® 3?

Also called C3, smooth Cuddle®, flat Cuddle® and regular Cuddle®, this fabric gets its name from the length of the nap--Cuddle® 3 is made from 3mm fibers, giving it a flat, smooth appearance. It is wider than cotton and runs 58"-60" wide. You can find Cuddle® 3 in more than 100 colors and nearly as many prints.

Project ideas for Cuddle® 3

What is Cuddle® 3 90?

Also called Extra Wide Cuddle®, it is 90" wide and available in more than 50 colors.

Project ideas for Cuddle® 3 90

What is Cuddle® Dimple?

A textured version of Cuddle®, Dimple has raised dots and tends to stretch in both directions.

Project ideas for Cuddle® Dimple

What is Luxe Cuddle®?

Luxe Cuddle® has a 10+mm nap and comes in a wide variety of designs and colors. Solids include Seal (15mm), Shaggy (30mm), Sherpa (12mm) and more.

Embossed includes Luxe Cuddle® Hide (10mm), one of the most popular and is available in dozens of colors. Other Embossed styles are typically 10mm and include Glacier, Demi Rose, Heather, Marble, Luna, and Weave.

Print Luxe Cuddle® has more than one color and includes a variety of animal prints, such as Fawn, Giraffe, Wild Rabbit, Mountain Fox and Jaguar. Despite looking like fur, they are NOT faux fur.

Other Luxe Cuddle® prints include Paloma and Jupiter.

Luxe Cuddle® Mirage is an 80" wide Luxe that is great for throws and quilt backings.

Project ideas for Luxe Cuddle®

What is Digital Cuddle®

Very similar to Cuddle® 3, Digital Cuddle® is available in all-over prints and panels. Using sublimation, these fabrics have more colors and clarity than traditional printing.

Some designs are from Shannon Studio and others are licensed designs from Hoffman of California and other fabric manufacturers.

Project ideas for Digital Cuddle®

7 Tips for Sewing with Cuddle® minky plush fabric

Keep these simple tried-and-true tips in mind when sewing with Cuddle® minky plush fabric. Click here for more in-depth minky fabric sewing tips.

Mark fabric before you cut.
Cut minky fabric with the right tool.
Get rid of the Cuddle® dust before you start sewing.
Use double pinning to keep the fabric stable.
Lengthen your stitch and lower your pressure.
Use a 90/14 Stretch needle.
Use a walking foot.

Favorite Tools for Cuddle® Minky Fabric

Walking Foot
SCHMETZ 90/14 Stretch Needle
Clover Flower Head Pins
Polyester Thread (Mettler or Superior Threads)
Micro Serrated Scissors (Kai, Karen Kay Buckley, or Famore Cutlery)
OLFA SAC-1 or ESK-1 Knife
OLFA 45mm Rotary Cutter
Felt Tip or Ballpoint Pen
Clover Wonder Clips
Clover Jumbo Clips
ByAnnie Stiletto & Pressing Tool
ODIF 505 Basting Spray

Download: Sew Together Tuesday Cuddle® Minky Fabric 101

Click here or the “Download Now!” button below to download our Cuddle® Minky Fabric 101 printable tip sheet.

What is Digital Cuddle®

Very similar to Cuddle® 3, Digital Cuddle® is available in all-over prints and panels. Using sublimation, these fabrics have more colors and clarity than traditional printing.

Some designs are from Shannon Studio and others are licensed designs from Hoffman of California, Robert Kaufman and other fabric manufacturers.

Project ideas for Digital Cuddle®