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7 Tips for Working with Quilting Cuddle

7 Tips for Working with Quilting Cuddle

Written by: 
Annie St Cyr
Published: 
Nov 7 2025 - 08:00

Say hello to Quilting Cuddle, the newest addition to Moda’s family of fabrics—created in partnership with Shannon Fabrics, the makers of the original Cuddle®. Designed specifically for quilting, Quilting Cuddle combines the look and feel you love from your favorite Moda designers with the irresistibly soft texture of Shannon’s signature minky.

Unlike standard Cuddle® (which is most often used for quilt backings), Quilting Cuddle® is made for piecing—and that changes everything.

With a low 1.5mm pile and very little stretch, it behaves beautifully under your presser foot. You can cut, piece, and press it much like a cotton—but end up with a quilt that feels like a hug.

What Makes Quilting Cuddle® Different?

Quilting Cuddle has the softness of minky but the stability of quilting cotton. It’s 45" wide and comes on a bolt, so you can plan your projects just as you would with any Moda fabric.

Sarah, from the Moda Inspiration + Resources team, shared some of her favorite discoveries while working with Quilting Cuddle in our latest video tutorial. From cutting tips to clever clean-up tricks, here’s what she’s learned (and loved) about this cozy new fabric.

Sarah’s Top Tips for Working with Quilting Cuddle

1. Use a ¼" Seam—No Adjustments Needed

Because of its low loft, Quilting Cuddle pieces together beautifully using a standard ¼" seam. You can use your quarter-inch foot just as you would with cotton, and seams nest cleanly without bulk.

2. Keep the Mess Under Control

Yes, there’s a little “Cuddle dust” when cutting—but it’s easy to manage! Sarah’s pro tip: cut your pieces, then toss them in the dryer on no heat for about 10 minutes. Most of the loose fibers will shake off and land in the lint trap instead of on your sewing table.

She also recommends keeping a small hand vacuum nearby or rolling a lint roller along the edge of your cutting mat to tidy up quickly.

3. Stabilize with Cake Mix Papers

This is Sarah’s secret weapon! When sewing smaller pieces or working with bias edges, Moda Cake Mix Papers are perfect stabilizers for Quilting Cuddle. Simply sew through the paper as usual—it helps keep your pieces stable and prevents any stretching. Once the block is pieced, just tear away the paper like you would for cotton.

It’s an easy, low-tech solution for crisp seams and accurate angles.

4. Cut Single Layers (Unless You’re Using AccuQuilt)

For most projects, cut Quilting Cuddle one layer at a time using a rotary cutter or micro-serrated scissors. But if you’re using an AccuQuilt, you can safely cut two layers at once, right sides together, with the backing facing the blade.

5. Press from the Back Side

Always press on the backing (the smooth knit side) with low heat. A little steam is fine, but use a light hand—no heavy pressure needed. A stiletto (like the byAnnie Stiletto) is great for guiding seams without stretching.

6. Use the Right Tools

  • Needle: 90/14 Stretch Needle

  • Thread: 40 or 50 wt Polyester

  • Interfacing: Pellon SF101 Shape-Flex (for buttonholes or structured seams)

  • Batting: Low-loft polyester or blend

  • Pins/Clips: Flower head pins or Wonder Clips work beautifully

If you have a single-hole throat plate for your sewing machine, swap it in—it helps prevent fabric from dipping into the feed dogs.

7. Mix and Match with Cotton

Quilting Cuddle pairs beautifully with quilting cotton! Sarah loves using it for appliqué shapes, borders, or even entire blocks mixed in with cotton prints. The contrast in texture adds so much visual (and tactile) interest to your quilt.

Bonus: How to Wash and Care for Quilting Cuddle®

Machine wash on cool with a gentle detergent. Skip fabric softener and dryer sheets—they can coat the fibers and reduce softness. Tumble dry on no heat for about ten minutes, then hang to finish drying.

Sew, Quilt, and Create with Confidence

Whether you’re piecing a full quilt top, adding soft texture to appliqué, or making stuffed animals, Quilting Cuddle offers softness and structure in one.

Its low pile means your seams stay flat, your blocks stay crisp, and your finished projects look as good as they feel.

Featured Collections

The first Moda x Shannon Fabrics Quilting Cuddle launch includes beautiful designer collections featuring 10 print SKUs paired with gorgeous panels:

Each collection combines Shannon’s signature cuddle texture with the artwork of Moda’s beloved designers—so you can quilt with fabrics that feel like pure comfort, inside and out.

Get the Free Tip Sheet

Download the Quilting Cuddle® Tip Sheet PDF — a handy guide filled with recommended notions, interfacing options, and bonus care instructions.

Then head to your local quilt shop to see the new Quilting Cuddle® collections in person, or visit modafabrics.com for more inspiration.

Because quilting should feel every bit as cozy as it looks. 

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