Emerald Cuddle 3 Extra Wide Solid Minky Fabric is a 100% polyester minky plush fabric from Shannon Fabrics, in a rich solid emerald green with a smooth 3mm pile. At 88/90 inches wide, it is best for seamless quilt backings, larger-than-life cozy throw blankets, and other big projects where standard-width minky would need a seam.
What Is Emerald Cuddle 3 Extra Wide Solid Minky Fabric?
Cuddle 3 is the smooth, short-pile minky many quilters already know as a quilt backing and blanket fabric. This extra-wide version is the same irresistibly smooth Cuddle 3 fabric, just wider, so one continuous piece can cover the back of most throw and twin quilts without piecing.
The color is Emerald, a saturated jewel-tone green that works as a bold solid or as a rich backing behind cotton quilt tops. Because it is a solid, there is no print to match or keep upright, and the short 3mm pile gives a soft, even surface rather than a long, shaggy texture.
The fabric is 100% polyester, weighs 480 grams per linear yard, and is made in South Korea. Sold by the yard, one yard gives you a piece roughly 88/90 inches wide by 36 inches long, and two yards give you about 72 inches of length at that same generous width.
How to Use It
Cutting: Minky plush is thick and has some give, so lay it out flat and smooth — do not let it hang off the edge of your cutting table, where its weight can pull it out of shape. Mark your cutting lines on the smooth back side, use a sharp rotary cutter or sharp shears, and expect a little pile fluff at the cut edges. Shake cut pieces outdoors or over a bin before bringing them to your machine.
Sewing: Pin or clip generously along seams, because plush layers like to shift as they feed. A walking foot, a slightly longer stitch length, and a steady, unhurried pace all help keep the layers even. When you use Emerald Cuddle 3 as a quilt backing, leave the usual extra backing allowance your quilting method requires, and remember that its width means most throw and twin tops will not need a backing seam at all.
Pairing tips: Pair this emerald backing with cotton quilt tops that carry green, jewel tones, black, cream, or holiday prints — the deep green makes light fabrics glow and gives darker tops a lush finish. Beyond quilt backs, Shannon Fabrics also suggests this extra-wide Cuddle for tablecloths, curtains, and whole-cloth throw blankets.
A Project to Try
Make a whole-cloth plush throw blanket — the fastest way to enjoy this fabric, with no piecing at all.
1. Order 2 yards of Emerald Cuddle 3 Extra Wide, which gives you a piece about 88/90 inches wide by 72 inches long. 2. Trim and square the edges, rounding the corners slightly if you like a softer finish. 3. For a single-layer throw, fold the raw edges under twice and topstitch close to the fold with a walking foot, or bind the edges with cotton binding. 4. For a warmer two-layer blanket, place the Cuddle right sides together with a second plush or favorite cotton, stitch around the edges leaving a turning gap, turn it right side out, and topstitch closed. 5. The result is an oversized, super cozy throw — generous enough for two people on the sofa.
Care and Handling
Care is simple: machine wash cold and tumble dry low, following the care directions given for this fabric. A lint roller helps clear away loose pile fluff from cut edges in your sewing area.
Store yardage folded or rolled in a clean, dry place. When you bring it out, smooth it flat and let it relax before you measure and cut.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I need for a throw blanket or quilt backing?
Because the fabric is 88/90 inches wide, 2 yards give you a piece about 72 inches long — enough for most throw blankets and for backing throw and many twin quilts in one seamless piece. Check your quilt's dimensions and add your usual backing allowance before ordering.
Does the extra width really eliminate the backing seam?
For most throw and twin quilt tops, yes: one width of this 88/90-inch fabric covers the back without piecing, which is the main advantage of the extra-wide Cuddle 3 over standard-width minky.
How do I wash Emerald Cuddle 3?
Machine wash it cold and tumble dry it low, as directed for this 100% polyester fabric. That gentle cycle helps the smooth 3mm pile stay soft and even.
Shop the Emerald Cuddle 3 Extra Wide Solid Minky Fabric per yard at Linda's Electric Quilters.
