@ Shelly - I agree with what you are saying about your samples... I was there to see them. However, if you go back and look at the original pic you will see that there is a straight stitch where the material is turned then the zig zag is used as a back up.

I sew my own cage sets and totally agree that nothing really replaces being vigilantly watchful of holes in any material.

I see that. But, what I was meaning is that the length of each stitch on that zig zag is quite large, especially in comparison to the straight stitch. So, if a glider ever were to gain access to that stitch, it would be a hazard of them getting their toes caught.

Now, if the zig zag stitch length were the same as the straight stitch, I'd be more inclined to agree that it is safe. (But you know me, I'd have to go sew some fleece to see for myself! )

Actually, it's not 'quite large'. I zoomed and cropped the picture for better view. The straight stitch is so small and tight that using a seam ripper is nearly useless and hardly penetrates the seams. If that helps any. Either way, I'm not getting into a debate. What I was going to say last night but was not in the mood to argue, was that once reversed and rightside up, I make a tight, straight perimeter top stitch all around and over the inside zig zag stitch that technically 'locks' it in.

But...carry on.

Those tips are very important, without knowing that, the inside zig zag appears to be unsafe.

I'm not trying to debate or say that your stuff is not safe. I know your stuff is highly recommended, and your link is one I pass on to new glider owners to buy from. Sorry if I'm coming across like that. This post is just the opposite of what I was teaching new glider owners at the IL Gathering. I very well can be wrong, if I am, I need to know so I properly educate in the future. Just trying to learn.

shelly, I think the point is.. just like many products, there are ways to do things safely, the one you had.. and talked about maybe wasn't safe.. but the way Davie is describing it being done would be a safe way to do it. I am one of those people I would love to see more cotton and denim fabrics used, however I also would love to see them done in a safe manner..

For many years I have heard people scream that fleece was the safest material, I have seen it stitched improperly as well.. and my gliders get hung up on fleece much easier than they do on t shirt material, or sweatshirt material. I don't trim my gliders nails as much as some people but at the same time, their nails are not so long that they should get hung up on some of the items.

someone told me once that using fleece in their cage gives us the opportunity to tell when their nails needs trimmed.. but at the same time, I would much rather know that when they are on me, than in their cage and having them get hung up while I sleep.

the same thing with the sherpa.. some people deem sherpa as being unsafe for gliders nails, but at the same time, if the quality sherpa is used, although more expensive, it is much safer. the same goes for the fleece, if you use the cheap fleece, the quality of the product would be inferior as well.

Thank you Davie, for opening the door for other materials and ways to do things.

Ok, maybe I am the only weirdo in the room (usually) but I LOVE to sew cotton/fleece sets. (Cottons out/fleece in) I think they come out so much nicer than all fleece sets. I do not prefer to work with denim though. I would say that 99% of my pouches etc are cotton/fleece sets. It is also all I ever use for my gliders too.

My list keeps getting longer and longer. Now I NEED a cotton cage set....

It's all good, Shelly.

Krys you're not a weirdo, I think Aimee and I just have monotony syndrome. I think we get bored after 5 minutes. lol

What thread count would be high enough? If clearance bed sheets, 1000 thread count, is that ok?


Edit: well what is the lowest thread count option just for future reference.

You can find the medium to heavy weight cotton at the fabric store.

I love these. I thought we had to use fleece. Does someone make these?

I frequently use MainStays 200 thread count sheets for glider things including cage covers. It holds up really well, has a nice tight weave to it and I've never seen a glider snag on it. (and I'm not always the best about nail trims)

I want to say that no matter what stitching is used, no matter what fabric is used, no matter if you trim nails or not, pouches can become unsafe in one night.

My gliders who have NEVER chewed a pouch before...decided to chew a hole in a pouch that when I went to bed at 7:30pm was perfectly fine but at 2:30am had a hole in it the size of a quarter!

It was a fleece and flannel pouch and the hole was through both layers! And both layers had thread FROM THE FABRIC NOT THE STITCHING showing. And YES it was good quality fabrics. It was like they were really was just pulling it apart and fraying the material.

I tossed it and gave them a new one and they have not chewed again. Why did they this time?

MY POINT: while I agree that pouches need to be made correctly, even with the best pouches, sometimes things can still happen.