Felt fabric is one of the oldest and most versatile materials used in crafting, clothing, and home décor. But if you’re new to sewing, DIY projects, or textile shopping, you might wonder: what exactly is felt fabric made of? This guide will explain everything you need to know about felt - its fibers, types, uses, and where you can buy quality felt material.
Whether you’re looking for felt cloth fabric, felt fabric by the yard, or sourcing from a wholesale felt fabric supplier, this guide is packed with useful information to help you choose the right material for your project.
What Is Felt Fabric?
Felt fabric is a type of non-woven textile, which means it isn’t created by weaving or knitting threads together. Instead, fibers are compressed, matted, and pressed to form a solid, dense sheet of fabric.
This process gives felt its unique qualities:
- Soft yet durable texture
- Flexibility and easy cutting
- Minimal fraying along edges
- Ability to hold shapes
Felt fabric is widely used for crafts, hats, toys, decorations, clothing accessories, and even home furnishings. Its versatility makes it a favorite for DIY enthusiasts and professional designers alike.
Also Read: What is Felt Fabric, its Uses and Types
What Fibers Are Used to Make Felt Fabric?
The main characteristic of felt is its fiber composition. Felt can be made from natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or a blend of both. Understanding the materials used in felt helps you choose the right type for your project.
Wool Felt
Wool is the traditional fiber used in felt production. Wool felt is soft, thick, and insulating, making it ideal for clothing, hats, and home décor items. Wool fibers naturally interlock when pressed together, forming strong and durable felt fabric.
Benefits of wool felt:
- Breathable and warm
- Eco-friendly and biodegradable
- Excellent durability
- Can be dyed in vibrant colors
Synthetic Felt
Synthetic felt is typically made from polyester, acrylic, or nylon fibers. These materials are often cheaper than wool and are available in a wide range of colors and thicknesses.
Benefits of synthetic felt:
- Affordable and widely available
- Resistant to shrinking or stretching
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Comes in bright and consistent colors
Blended Felt
Blended felt combines wool and synthetic fibers to offer the advantages of both. This type of felt is durable, affordable, and easier to maintain than pure wool felt, making it popular for crafting and commercial uses.
How Felt Fabric Is Made
The process of making felt fabric is different from traditional weaving or knitting. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Fiber Preparation: Raw wool or synthetic fibers are cleaned, carded, and combed to align the strands.
Layering: Fibers are laid out in overlapping layers, often alternating directions to create strength.
Matting and Pressing: Moisture, heat, and pressure are applied to make the fibers interlock. For wool felt, steam or hot water helps the natural scales of wool fibers bind together.
Rolling and Fulling: The fabric is rolled, pressed, or kneaded further to increase density.
Drying and Finishing: The final fabric is dried, trimmed, and sometimes dyed to create felt cloth fabric or felt fabric by the yard.
The result is a dense, smooth, and resilient fabric that can be cut, sewn, glued, or molded without fraying at the edges.
Types of Felt Fabric
Felt fabric comes in different types, thicknesses, and densities depending on its use. Here are some common varieties:
Craft Felt
This is the most widely used felt for DIY projects, school crafts, and decorations. Craft felt is usually thin, lightweight, and easy to cut, making it perfect for creative projects.
Wool Felt
Wool felt is thicker and more durable than craft felt. It’s used in hats, slippers, coasters, and premium DIY projects. Wool felt offers natural warmth and strength, making it suitable for long-lasting items.
Industrial Felt
Industrial felt is designed for commercial or technical purposes. It is dense and heavy, used for padding, insulation, soundproofing, and furniture applications.
Needle Felt
Needle felt is made by matting fibers using a barbed needle instead of steam and pressure. It’s commonly used in sculptures, toys, and decorative arts, as it allows precise shaping of the material.
Comparison Table for Felt Types
| Felt Type | Materials | Texture | Durability | Best Uses | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wool Felt | 100% Wool Fibers | Soft, dense, natural | Very High | Hats, clothing, premium crafts, décor | High |
| Synthetic Felt | Polyester / Acrylic | Smooth, lightweight | Medium | DIY crafts, school projects, decorations | Low |
| Blended Felt | Wool + Synthetic Mix | Soft but firm | High | General crafts, accessories, commercial use | Medium |
Benefits of Using Felt Fabric
Felt fabric is popular because it offers many advantages over woven or knitted fabrics:
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No Fraying: Felt doesn’t unravel when cut, which makes it perfect for appliqué, craft projects, and decorations.
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Easy to Sew or Glue: Its dense texture allows easy attachment to other fabrics using glue, stitching, or embroidery.
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Versatility: Felt can be molded, shaped, or layered, making it suitable for home décor, costumes, fashion accessories, and DIY crafts.
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Durability: Felt resists tearing and stretching, providing long-lasting material for both hobbyists and industrial purposes.
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Wide Range of Colors and Thicknesses: Felt is available in multiple colors, textures, and densities, making it easy to find the perfect match for your project.
Common Uses of Felt Fabric
Felt fabric is one of the most versatile textiles available. Here are some popular applications:
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DIY Crafts: Felt is commonly used for making ornaments, garlands, bookmarks, coasters, and plush toys.
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Fashion Accessories: Hats, handbags, and shoes often use wool or synthetic felt for structure and style.
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Home Décor: Felt works well for table runners, wall hangings, cushions, and soundproof panels.
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Industrial Applications: Felt serves as insulation, padding, gaskets, and protective liners.
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Educational Materials: Teachers and parents use felt boards and felt shapes for learning activities and storytelling.
Felt Fabric by the Yard vs Wholesale Felt Fabric
When buying felt for larger projects, you have two main options:
Felt Fabric by the Yard
Buying felt by the yard allows crafters and designers to order specific lengths according to project needs. It’s ideal for personal projects or small-scale businesses. You can find felt in wool, synthetic, or blended forms, in multiple thicknesses and colors.
Wholesale Felt Fabric
If you need felt for large projects or retail, purchasing from a wholesale felt fabric supplier can save costs and ensure consistent quality. Wholesale orders often come in large rolls or bulk sheets, making it easier for businesses to meet production requirements without running out of material.
Both options give you access to high-quality felt, but wholesale purchases are typically more cost-effective for large-scale needs.
Tips for Choosing the Right Felt Fabric
When selecting felt for your project, consider these factors:
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Fiber Type: Decide whether you want natural wool felt, synthetic felt, or a blend based on durability, appearance, and budget.
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Thickness: Thin felt works well for crafting and layering, while thick felt provides structure and warmth for clothing or industrial use.
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Color Selection: Felt is available in thousands of colors. Check colorfastness if your project requires washing or exposure to sunlight.
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Intended Use: Consider whether the felt will be used for decorative, functional, or industrial purposes. This helps determine which type and thickness to choose.
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Supplier Reputation: Whether buying felt cloth fabric or wholesale felt fabric, choose a reliable supplier to ensure consistent quality, accurate colors, and proper fiber composition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Felt Fabric
Choosing Felt That Is Too Thin for Structured Projects
Thin craft felt is great for kids’ crafts but not suitable for bags, hats, or anything that requires stability.
Using Synthetic Felt for Projects That Need Durability
Synthetic felt may tear or stretch in long-term wear items. Wool felt is better for clothing and accessories.
Ignoring Colorfastness
Not all felt is resistant to fading or bleeding. If your project will be washed or used outdoors, choose colorfast or wool-blend felt.
Not Checking Fiber Composition
Low-quality felt may contain uneven fibers, reducing durability. Always check the percentage of wool or synthetic used.
Buying the Wrong Thickness
Each project requires specific thickness:
- 1–2 mm for appliqués and detailing
- 3–4 mm for crafts and décor
- 5+ mm for structure, padding, or industrial use
Skipping Supplier Research
Cheap felt can lose shape quickly. Always buy from a trusted supplier offering detailed specifications and consistent quality.
Read More: Felt vs Velvet: What is the Difference?
How to Care for Felt Fabric
Proper care extends the life of felt material. Here are some tips:
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Hand Wash or Gentle Cycle: Wool felt can shrink if washed in hot water, so use cold water and gentle detergent.
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Air Dry: Avoid high heat in the dryer, as it can distort the fabric.
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Avoid Ironing Directly: Use a cloth between the iron and felt to prevent damage.
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Store Flat: Keep felt sheets or swatches flat to maintain shape and prevent creasing.
These simple steps help preserve the texture, color, and structure of your felt fabric.
Where to Buy Quality Felt Fabric
If you’re looking for high-quality felt for crafting, fashion, or commercial projects, Ice Fabrics offers a wide range of options. From felt fabric by the yard to wholesale felt fabric, you can find wool, synthetic, and blended felts in multiple colors and thicknesses.
Ice Fabrics ensures each piece of felt fabric is durable, vibrant, and ready for your DIY, sewing, or industrial projects. With reliable quality and excellent selection, Ice Fabrics is a trusted source for both individual crafters and businesses sourcing felt in bulk.
Frequently Asked Question
Is felt fabric natural or synthetic?
Felt fabric can be both natural and synthetic. Traditional felt is made from natural wool fibers, while modern felt often uses synthetic materials like acrylic or polyester, or a blend of both.
What's the difference between wool felt and acrylic felt?
Wool felt is made from animal fibers and is denser, more durable, and naturally flame-resistant. Acrylic felt is synthetic, more affordable, comes in brighter colors, but is less durable and more prone to pilling.
Is felt fabric made from recycled materials?
Yes, some felt fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles (PET felt) or recycled textile fibers. Eco-felt is becoming increasingly popular for sustainable crafting and industrial applications.
Can felt fabric be made at home?
Yes, wool felt can be made at home through wet felting (using soap, water, and agitation) or needle felting (using barbed needles). Synthetic felt requires industrial manufacturing and cannot be replicated at home.
Why doesn't felt fabric have a weave like other fabrics?
Felt is a non-woven fabric created by matting and compressing fibers together using heat, moisture, and pressure. Unlike woven fabrics, the fibers interlock mechanically rather than being woven on a loom.
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