What Is Felt: A Guide On Felt Fabrics, Types & Uses

What is Felt: A Comprehensive Guide to Felt Fabrics, Types & Uses

Felt is a versatile, non-woven fabric created by matting fibers together using various techniques such as needling, compressing, rubbing, rolling, and beating. This process entangles the fibers, forming a solid piece of fabric. Felt has been around for ages and was essential to nomadic populations in Asia and Europe for clothing, warmth, housing, and more. Historically, sheep's wool was spread on a rug, beaten for thickness, and rolled until the matting process was complete. Advancements in technology now allow felt to be made by machines using materials like wool, polyester, and acrylic threads. In today's craft industry, felt is predominantly manufactured using needle punching, where needles with barbs entangle fibers through heat and agitation, creating felt that is then dyed in various colors.

Types of Felt

There are several types of felt available, each with unique properties suited for different applications.

100% Wool Felt

100% wool felt is soft, durable, and perfect for making children's soft toys. Hand washing in lukewarm water is recommended as it can shrink. Here are some key features:

• Does not pill or ball.
• Thicker and more securely felted with stronger fibers, making it robust.
• Slightly elastic, allowing for manipulation and shaping.
• Natural wool is stain and water-resistant.
• Naturally fire-resistant.
• Anti-bacterial properties prevent mildew.
• Eco-friendly as wool is a sustainable resource.

The main drawback is its higher cost compared to other felts and a limited color range. PediFix® Self-Adhesive Felt Roll can also be a useful resource for specific applications.

View our range of 100% wool felt here.

Acrylic Felt

Acrylic felt is perfect for decorations, pendants, scrapbooking, and small projects that won't be handled extensively. Made from acrylic threads, its attributes include:

• Cheaper than wool felt.
• Bright and brilliant colors.
• Easy to cut, sew, and glue.
• Stain-resistant and colorfast.

However, it is not as soft as wool felt, can ball/pill, melts when exposed to heat, and does not cut as cleanly. View our range of acrylic felt here.

Polyester Felt

Polyester felt is suitable for sublimation printing, a process that transfers dye onto the fabric using heat. Acrylic felt is unsuitable for this application. View our range of polyester felt here. Learn more about wholesale polyester felt fabric

Wool Blend Felt

Wool blend felt is made from 35% wool and 65% viscose, a soft man-made fiber. This combination results in a versatile, soft fabric that is cheaper than pure wool felt. Ideal for both crafts and dress projects, it comes in a wide range of colors. Take a look at our extensive collection of felt materials here.

Top Tips for Working with Felt

Felt can be easily cut into any shape with sharp scissors. It can be sewn, stuck, cupped, embroidered, and embellished, making it incredibly versatile. For garment making, you can stiffen felt by adding fabric stiffener to water and washing the felt in this solution.

Sewing Felt Using a Sewing Machine

Sewing felt with a machine can sometimes cause the material to bunch up or the bobbin to clog. To avoid these issues, check the tension on your machine and use a size 10 or 11 needle with quality thread. Placing layers of paper above and below the felt can also prevent it from slipping. Jiatong can help with more tips.

How to Join Pieces of Felt Together

Common stitching techniques for joining felt include the overcast stitch, running stitch, and blanket stitch. Each has its specific use, whether for creating strong seams, removable connections, or decorative edges. View our range of felting needles here.

Gluing Felt

For gluing felt, use PVA glue that dries clear. Be generous, as felt absorbs glue. For temporary holds, a glue stick works fine. View our range of craft glues here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Felt

Where is the Arbee felt made and what is it made of?

We import felt from Italy, France, and China, in a range of materials like wool, polyester, and recycled fibers, offering various thicknesses, patterns, and colors. We are the largest felt importer in Australia.

What is the best needle to use for sewing felt?

Chenille needles are ideal for sewing felt, thanks to their large eye and sharp point.

How do I wash felt?

Felt should ideally be dry-cleaned. Hand washing is possible without excessive rubbing, though fibers can stretch and mat. For soft toys, lightly sponge with cool water and mild soap.

What is Wonder Felt?

Wonder Felt is an economical, multi-purpose fabric suitable for soundproofing, wadding, furniture protection, fabric art backing, home décor, and more. It's especially good for storing delicate items.

Take a look at our wide range of felt products here.

Happy Crafting,

Arbee