Acrylic Felt vs Wool Felt: A Complete Comparison for Crafters
Choosing the right felt fabric can make or break your project. The two most common types — acrylic felt and wool felt — have very different properties, price points, and best uses. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to make the right choice.
What Is Acrylic Felt?
Acrylic felt is a non-woven fabric made from synthetic acrylic fibers. It's manufactured by pressing and matting fibers together with heat and pressure, creating a smooth, uniform textile. Acrylic felt is the most widely available and affordable type of felt, making it the go-to choice for crafts, school projects, and decorative work.
At EOVEA, we carry acrylic felt fabric in 1.6mm thickness (40+ colors) and thick felt at 3.2mm for heavy-duty applications — all sold by the yard in 72" width.
What Is Wool Felt?
Wool felt is made from natural animal fibers (sheep's wool) through a process called felting — using moisture, heat, and agitation to interlock the fibers. It's denser, heavier, and more expensive than acrylic felt. Wool felt is prized for its natural texture, durability, and premium feel.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Acrylic Felt | Wool Felt |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3–$8 per yard | $15–$40 per yard |
| Color Range | 40+ vibrant colors | Limited, muted tones |
| Thickness | 1.6mm or 3.2mm | 1mm–5mm |
| Width | 72" (EOVEA standard) | 36"–72" varies |
| Washability | Hand wash, air dry | Dry clean or spot clean |
| Fraying | No fraying when cut | No fraying when cut |
| Stiffness | Light to medium | Medium to stiff |
| Pilling | May pill with friction | Minimal pilling |
| Eco-Friendly | Synthetic (petroleum) | Natural, biodegradable |
| Durability | Good for light use | Excellent long-term |
When to Choose Acrylic Felt
Acrylic felt is the better choice when:
- Budget matters — Acrylic felt costs 3–5x less than wool felt
- You need specific colors — 40+ vibrant, consistent colors available
- Kids' projects — Affordable enough for school projects and mistakes
- Large quantities — Wholesale pricing makes bulk projects affordable
- Decorations — Holiday ornaments, banners, and seasonal decor
- Quick crafts — Easy to cut, glue, and sew with basic tools
- Washable items — Can be hand washed (wool felt cannot)
When to Choose Wool Felt
- Heirloom projects — Items meant to last decades
- Jewelry and accessories — Premium look and feel
- Natural/eco preference — Biodegradable material
- Stuffed animals — Higher quality, no pilling
- Professional work — Artisan crafts for sale at premium prices
Acrylic Felt Thickness Guide
Not sure which thickness to choose? Here's a quick guide:
| Thickness | Best For | Shop |
|---|---|---|
| 1.6mm | Crafts, decorations, layering, applique, school projects | Acrylic Felt 1.6mm |
| 3.2mm | Industrial, padding, heavy-duty, structure, insulation | Thick Felt 3.2mm |
Can You Mix Acrylic and Wool Felt?
Absolutely! Many crafters use acrylic felt for the base or backing of a project and wool felt for visible details and accents. This gives you the budget-friendly base with premium-looking details. For example, an acrylic felt banner with wool felt letters combines the best of both.
The Bottom Line
For 90% of craft, school, and decorative projects, acrylic felt fabric is the practical choice. It's affordable, available in more colors, washable, and easy to work with. Save wool felt for special projects where the premium look and durability justify the higher cost.
For a deeper dive into acrylic felt, read our complete acrylic felt fabric guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is acrylic felt as good as wool felt?
For most craft projects, acrylic felt performs just as well as wool felt at a fraction of the cost. Wool felt is superior for heirloom-quality items and professional artisan work where premium texture matters.
Does acrylic felt shrink?
Acrylic felt does not shrink when washed in cold water. However, avoid hot water and high heat drying, which can distort the fabric. Wool felt, on the other hand, shrinks significantly with heat and moisture.
Which felt is better for kids' crafts?
Acrylic felt is better for kids' projects — it's more affordable (so mistakes don't cost much), available in bright colors, and easy to cut and glue. It's also machine washable, unlike wool felt.
How wide is acrylic felt fabric?
EOVEA acrylic felt comes in a standard 72" width (6 feet), which is wider than most wool felt. This gives you more fabric per yard and reduces waste on larger projects.
Related Fabric Guides
- Acrylic Felt Fabric 1.6mm
- Thick Felt Fabric 3.2mm
- Acrylic Felt: The Ultimate Guide
- 15 Easy Felt Craft Ideas
Shop all fabrics at EOVEA Fabric — premium craft fabric by the yard with fast USA shipping.