Minky, Velour & Sherpa - absorbers with stay dry effects

The use of these fabrics can be confusing.  They are absorbing fabrics, but they are generally used for their stay dry effect.  They are not stay dry in the same way as suede cloth or microfleece.  But they do have a stay dry effect, and that effect preforms well enough that they are worth using as a staydry layer. 

Sherpa is alone in this group as it is a super absorber.  4 layers would give you a soaker that both absorbs and has stay dry effect.  Its stay dry effect is very different then the others as its the pilling from washing that leaves the top feeling dry.  Also its 100% cotton.  

Minky on the other hand is 100% poly.  It absorbs about the same as flannel but some minky's are lofty and so it would be way to thick as an absorbent set of layers.  Also being 100% poly having many layers of Minky would be a laundry nightmare.  Then there is cost, it would be a pricy choice.  However as a super soft topper or lining with stay dry effect it will be a fabric you fall in love with. 

Velour (cotton,  hemp, bamboo-rayon).  These generally have a poly backing to add durability.  Without it these fabrics will not last.  So what you have is a fabric that would absorb well but the poly backing interferes with that making it not the best absorber but it does have a stay dry effect and is nice and soft.  The pile of this fabric is why it preforms the way it does.  This is why we see it as a topper or lining inside a diaper. 

So there you have it, sometimes a fabric breaks the rules, understanding this can help with your fabric choices. 

How Do I Learn My Fabrics

I was fortunate that I grew up learning to sew.  I've been sewing since I was 3.  My first project was a small pillow.  The back was blue flannel.  The front was 4 squares quilted together.  2 blue flannel, 2 yellow flannel. 

My mom made sure I knew what fabric I was using. What thread and what techniques.  But most haven't had this experience.  So what should you do? 

When you buy fabric write down what is what.  Pin a little label in the corner. 

At home keep fabrics labelled, by bins, shelf or tags.

Keep a book.  Put in fabric swatch, name, care instructions, what you did.  What you liked and didn't like.  A sewing journal of sorts. 

Learn techniques on line such as YouTube and sewing groups. 

Read up on fabric uses on line.  For my contribution here is my fabric reference page (link). 

This might all seem like extra work but I believe you'll enjoy it in the end.  Also you'll become very proficient at your fabric and sewing knowledge which will make you a better seamstress with better outcomes.  It will also save time cuz you won't be needing people to identify mystery fabric for you.  Which by the way can be inaccurate without touching and seeing it in person, or inaccurate due to insufficient knowledge of some who answer. 

Sew on and enjoy lol