Felt vs Fleece: Which Fabric Is Right for Your Project?

Choosing between felt and fleece for your next project? These two popular craft fabrics look similar on the shelf, but they're made differently, feel different in your hands, and excel at completely different tasks. Whether you're making a no-sew blanket, cutting shapes for a classroom project, or sewing a cozy jacket, this guide breaks down every difference between felt and fleece so you can pick the right one.

What Is Felt Fabric?

Felt is a non-woven textile made by pressing and matting fibers together using heat, moisture, and pressure. Unlike most fabrics, felt has no warp or weft threads — it's a solid sheet of interlocked fibers. This gives felt several unique properties: it doesn't fray when cut, it holds its shape firmly, and it can be cut into intricate shapes without hemming.

Traditional felt is made from wool, but most craft felt sold today is acrylic felt or a wool-acrylic blend. Acrylic felt is affordable, comes in dozens of colors, and is easy to work with for beginners.

• Construction: Non-woven (fibers matted together)
• Common fibers: Acrylic, wool, polyester, or blends
• Thickness: Typically 1.6mm (standard) or 3.2mm (thick/stiff)
• Stretch: None — felt does not stretch
• Fray resistance: Excellent — cut edges stay clean
• Drape: Minimal — stiff and structured
• Sold as: By the yard (bolt) or pre-cut sheets (9×12 inches)

What Is Fleece Fabric?

Fleece is a soft, knit synthetic fabric with a brushed surface that traps air for warmth. It's made from polyester fibers that are knit into a fabric, then brushed on one or both sides to create the characteristic fuzzy, plush texture. Polar fleece was invented in 1979 by Malden Mills (now Polartec) as a lightweight alternative to wool.

Modern fleece comes in several weights and varieties — microfleece (ultra-thin), polar fleece (standard mid-weight), and Sherpa fleece (heavy, textured). Anti-pill fleece is the most popular choice for blankets and garments because it resists those annoying fiber balls that form with wear.

• Construction: Knit fabric with brushed pile on one or both sides
• Common fibers: 100% polyester (most common), sometimes recycled polyester
• Weight: 100 GSM (micro) to 300+ GSM (heavy polar)
• Stretch: Moderate two-way or four-way stretch
• Fray resistance: Good — minimal fraying, but edges can curl
• Drape: Good — soft and flexible
• Sold as: By the yard, typically 58–60 inches wide

Felt vs Fleece: Complete Comparison Table

Which Is Warmer: Felt or Fleece?

Fleece is significantly warmer than felt. The reason comes down to construction: fleece has a brushed pile surface that creates millions of tiny air pockets. These air pockets trap body heat and create insulation — the same principle that makes down jackets warm. The thicker the fleece, the more air it traps, and the warmer it is.

Felt provides some insulation due to its dense fiber structure, but it doesn't trap air the same way fleece does. Thick wool felt (3mm+) can be quite warm, but standard 1.6mm acrylic craft felt offers only light warmth. If your project requires warmth — blankets, winter garments, outdoor accessories — fleece is the clear winner.

Best Uses for Felt

Felt's unique properties — no fraying, stiff structure, and precise cutting — make it ideal for projects where shape-holding and detail matter more than softness or drape.

Crafts and DIY Projects

• Felt ornaments: Christmas ornaments, hanging decorations, garlands
• Appliques and patches: Cut shapes and sew or glue onto other fabrics
• Quiet books: Interactive children's activity books with felt pages and pieces
• Felt flowers: Realistic or whimsical flowers that hold their shape permanently
• Puppets and stuffed animals: Easy to cut, glue, and hand-sew

Education and Classroom

• Flannel boards: Felt sticks to felt, making reusable teaching boards
• Alphabet and number sets: Durable, easy for small hands
• Shape sorting activities: Cut geometric shapes in different colors

Costumes and Cosplay

• Armor and accessories: Thick 3.2mm felt is rigid enough for cosplay armor, crowns, and props
• Character details: Eyes, patches, badges cut from felt with no hemming needed

Home and Practical Uses

• Furniture pads: Thick felt protects hardwood floors from chair and table legs
• Coasters and trivets: Heat-resistant and absorbent
• Storage organizers: Stiff felt makes structured bins and dividers
• Pool table surfaces: Specialized billiard felt covers playing surfaces
• Pin cushions: Holds pins securely without fraying

Best Uses for Fleece

Fleece excels at projects where warmth, softness, and comfort are the priority. Its stretch and drape make it behave more like a traditional garment fabric.

Blankets and Throws

• No-sew tie blankets: The most popular fleece project — cut fringe on two layers and tie knots (see our no-sew blanket guide)
• Baby blankets: Soft, washable, hypoallergenic, lightweight
• Pet blankets: Durable, easy to wash, won't snag on claws
• Stadium blankets: Warm, portable, affordable

Clothing and Accessories

• Fleece jackets and pullovers: Lightweight warmth for fall and spring
• Scarves, hats, and mittens: Quick sewing projects with excellent warmth
• Jacket linings: Adds warmth without adding weight
• Loungewear: Pajama pants, robes, slippers

Home Decor

• Throw pillows: Soft, cozy pillow covers
• Draft stoppers: Roll fleece into a tube for door/window insulation
• Pet beds: Washable, soft lining for dog and cat beds

Felt vs Fleece for No-Sew Projects

Both fabrics work for no-sew projects, but in different ways:

Sewing Tips: Felt vs Fleece

Sewing with Felt

• Needle: Universal needle, size 80/12 for standard felt, 90/14 for thick felt
• Stitch length: 2.5–3mm (standard)
• Thread: All-purpose polyester thread; embroidery floss for hand-sewing details
• Cutting: Use sharp fabric scissors or a rotary cutter. Felt cuts cleanly with no fraying.
• Pinning: Use pins sparingly — pin holes are permanent in felt
• Seam finishing: No finishing needed — raw edges look clean
• Pressing: Use low heat and a pressing cloth. Acrylic felt can melt at high temperatures.
• Best stitch: Blanket stitch (hand sewing) or straight stitch (machine) for a clean look

Sewing with Fleece

• Needle: Ballpoint or stretch needle, size 80/12 or 90/14
• Stitch length: 3–3.5mm (slightly longer to prevent puckering)
• Thread: All-purpose polyester thread or woolly nylon in the bobbin
• Cutting: Rotary cutter and mat give the cleanest cuts. Mark on the wrong side with chalk.
• Pinning: Pin within seam allowances; use clips instead of pins on thick fleece
• Seam finishing: Not strictly necessary (minimal fraying), but zigzag or serge for a clean look
• Pressing: Do NOT iron fleece directly — it will melt. Use a press cloth on very low heat, or finger-press seams.
• Handling stretch: Use a walking foot to prevent the fleece from stretching and shifting under the presser foot

Care and Washing

How to Care for Felt

• Washing: Hand wash in cold water with mild detergent. Wool felt will shrink and felt further in hot water or a washing machine.
• Drying: Lay flat to dry. Never put felt in the dryer — heat causes shrinkage and distortion.
• Stain removal: Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap
• Storage: Store flat or rolled (not folded — felt can develop permanent creases)
• Pilling: Felt may pill with friction. Remove pills with a fabric shaver or razor.

How to Care for Fleece

• Washing: Machine wash cold on gentle cycle. Turn inside out to reduce pilling.
• Detergent: Use liquid detergent (powder can leave residue in the pile). Skip fabric softener — it coats fibers and reduces softness.
• Drying: Tumble dry on low or no heat. Remove promptly. High heat will damage polyester fibers permanently.
• Anti-pill care: Wash with similar fabrics (avoid rough items like jeans or towels that cause friction pilling)
• Static: Fleece generates static. Use a dryer sheet or hang dry to avoid cling.

Price Comparison

Standard acrylic felt by the yard typically costs $3–$8 per yard, making it one of the most affordable craft fabrics available. Wool felt is more expensive ($15–$30+ per yard) and primarily used for heirloom crafts and millinery.

Anti-pill polar fleece runs $5–$12 per yard depending on weight and brand. Print fleece and licensed character fleece tend to be on the higher end. For blanket projects, fleece offers excellent value — a single yard (58–60 inches wide) covers a generous area.

For budget-conscious crafters, acrylic felt gives you the most fabric per dollar. For blanket and garment makers, fleece's combination of warmth, softness, and machine washability justifies the slightly higher price.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Felt When:

• You need to cut intricate shapes without hemming (ornaments, appliques, letters)
• Your project requires stiffness and structure (crowns, masks, organizers)
• You're doing a children's craft project (easy to glue, safe for kids to cut)
• You want a wide range of solid colors for color-matching
• The project won't be washed frequently (decorations, display items)
• You need a budget-friendly fabric for large-quantity projects

Choose Fleece When:

• Warmth and comfort are the primary goal (blankets, jackets, scarves)
• The item will be worn against skin (soft, non-irritating)
• You need machine-washable durability (baby items, pet beds, everyday throws)
• You want a fabric with drape (clothing, pillow covers)
• You're making a no-sew tie blanket
• Lightweight insulation matters (outdoor activities, layering)

Shop Felt and Fleece at EOVEA

EOVEA carries both acrylic felt fabric (1.6mm standard and 3.2mm thick) and premium anti-pill polar fleece by the yard in a wide range of colors. All fabrics are sold as continuous cuts (no seams) and ship fast from the USA.

Need bulk fabric for production, classrooms, or large projects? Visit our wholesale page for volume pricing. Free shipping on orders over $150.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is felt warmer than fleece?

No. Fleece is warmer than felt because its brushed pile traps air for insulation, similar to how down jackets work. Felt is denser but doesn't create the same insulating air pockets. For warmth-focused projects like blankets and winter accessories, fleece is the better choice.

Can you use felt for blankets?

Felt is not ideal for blankets. It's stiff, doesn't drape well, and most craft felt shouldn't be machine washed frequently. Fleece is the standard choice for blankets because it's soft, warm, machine washable, and available in wide bolts (58–60 inches). For no-sew blankets specifically, fleece is the only practical option.

Does felt fray when you cut it?

No. This is felt's biggest advantage over most fabrics. Because felt is a non-woven material (fibers are matted together, not woven), cut edges stay perfectly clean with no fraying, unraveling, or hemming needed. This makes felt ideal for cut-out shapes, appliques, and intricate designs.

Is fleece the same as felt?

No, they are completely different fabrics. Felt is a non-woven material made by pressing fibers together, resulting in a stiff, smooth sheet. Fleece is a knit fabric with a brushed pile surface, resulting in a soft, stretchy, plush material. They differ in construction, texture, warmth, stretch, and best uses.

Which is easier to sew: felt or fleece?

Both are beginner-friendly, but felt is slightly easier because it doesn't stretch or shift under the presser foot. Felt stays exactly where you put it, making it forgiving for new sewers. Fleece requires a bit more attention — you may need a walking foot to prevent stretching, and a ballpoint needle is recommended to avoid damaging the knit structure.

Can you mix felt and fleece in one project?

Yes, and it's a common combination. Many crafters use felt for decorative elements (appliques, shapes, letters) sewn or glued onto fleece blankets, pillows, or garments. The felt provides clean, detailed shapes while the fleece provides the soft, warm base. Just note that felt is hand-wash only while fleece is machine washable, so consider how the finished item will be cleaned.

Related Fabric Guides

• What Is Felt Fabric? Types, Uses & Buying Guide
• What Is Polar Fleece Fabric?
• How to Sew Felt
• Fleece vs Minky: Which Is Softer and Warmer?
• Best Fabric for Tie Blankets

Shop all fabrics at EOVEA Fabric — premium craft fabric by the yard with fast USA shipping.