Cuddle® fabric has quickly become a favorite among quilters, sewists, and anyone who loves the idea of wrapping themselves in a cloud. Made by Shannon Fabrics, Cuddle is a line of ultra-soft, plush polyester fabric that’s perfect for quilts, baby blankets, stuffed animals, robes, and so much more.
If you’ve been thinking about diving into the world of Cuddle — or if you’re already hooked — here are some expert tips and product recommendations to help make your Cuddle sewing experience even smoother (and snugglier!).
🧵 What Makes Cuddle® Fabric So Special?
Cuddle isn’t your average fabric. It’s thick, velvety, and full of loft — giving it that cozy, luxurious feel everyone raves about. It comes in dozens of colors, textures, and prints, from solid Luxe Cuddle® to embossed, striped, or even digital prints.
Some of the top reasons we (and our customers!) love sewing with Cuddle:
• It’s super warm without being heavy
• It’s easy to wash and holds up beautifully
• It adds a layer of professional finish and “wow” factor to your quilts
• It’s a comfort magnet — kids and adults alike can’t resist it!
🛏️ Batting Matters — Use Thermore for the Win
When making a Cuddle quilt, your batting choice can really affect the finished feel. We highly recommend Thermore Batting — a lightweight, ultra-thin polyester batting that provides warmth without bulk.
Thermore helps maintain a smooth appearance beneath plush fabrics like Cuddle, and it quilts like a dream. You can pick up a pack at Linda’s and experience the difference it makes!
👉 Bonus Tip: If you end up with leftover pieces of batting (and let’s face it — we all do), use Heat Press Batting Together Tape to fuse them into a usable size. No waste, no mess!
🪡 Tools That Make Cuddle Easier to Sew
Cuddle is fabulous, but it does require some specific tools and tips to help you avoid frustration:
✔️ Use a Ballpoint or Stretch Needle
Cuddle fabric has a bit of stretch, so a ballpoint or stretch needle is key. It slides between the fibers instead of piercing them, helping prevent skipped stitches and keeping the pile from poking through to the top.
✔️ Use a Walking Foot
If you’re sewing layers (especially Cuddle + batting + backing), a walking foot will help feed everything through evenly without bunching or stretching.
✔️ Pin More Than You Think
We know — it’s tempting to save time — but with Cuddle, more pins = less shifting. Place them every 1–1.5” and consider using long flower-head pins or clips to keep thick layers in check.
🧵 Longarm Quilting with Cuddle? Here’s How:
Yes, you can quilt with Cuddle on your longarm — and it turns out beautifully when you load it correctly. Here are our top tips:
• Load with the selvages on the sides, or running parallel to your machine head. This gives your backing more stability and stretch control during quilting.
• Use Thermore batting to avoid unnecessary loft and bulk.
• Use longer basting stitches at the start of your quilt to hold everything in place while you settle into your design.
Cuddle fabric is one of those materials that turns a regular quilt into an irresistible comfort piece. Whether you’re making a gift, a baby blanket, or a quilt you’ll keep forever, Cuddle adds that extra something that makes people reach out and say, “Ooooh, what is this?”
At Linda’s, we stock Cuddle fabrics, Thermore batting, Heat Press Batting Tape, and all the tools you need to create your softest quilt yet.
