Everything You Need to Know About Working with Acrylic Felt
Acrylic felt fabric is one of the easiest materials to work with — no hemming, no fraying, no complicated tools. But knowing the right techniques turns good projects into great ones. This guide covers cutting, sewing, gluing, and shaping felt for any project.
Essential Tools for Felt Crafts
| Tool | Why You Need It | Budget Option |
|---|---|---|
| Sharp scissors | Clean cuts without tearing | Any sharp craft scissors |
| Rotary cutter + mat | Precise straight lines, multiple layers | Skip for simple projects |
| Fabric glue | No-sew bonding | Hot glue gun works too |
| Embroidery needles | Hand stitching details | Any sharp needle |
| Chalk or erasable marker | Marking patterns on felt | Light pencil marks |
| Pins or clips | Holding layers together | Paper clips in a pinch |
| Templates | Consistent shapes | Cardboard cutouts |
How to Cut Acrylic Felt
For straight lines
Use a rotary cutter with a metal ruler on a cutting mat. This gives the cleanest, most precise edges. For strips or geometric shapes, this method is significantly faster and more accurate than scissors.
For curves and shapes
Use sharp, thin-blade scissors. Dull scissors will crush and tear felt instead of cutting it cleanly. Dedicated craft scissors or fabric scissors work best.
For multiple identical pieces
Stack 2–4 layers of felt and cut through all layers at once. Pin or clip layers together to prevent shifting. For more than 4 layers, the bottom pieces will be less accurate.
Pro tip: Templates
For repeated shapes (like flowers, stars, letters), create cardboard or plastic templates. Trace around them with chalk, then cut. This ensures every piece is identical.
How to Sew Acrylic Felt
Hand sewing
Felt is perfect for hand sewing. Popular stitches for felt:
- Blanket stitch — Decorative edge stitch, great for stuffed items and applique
- Running stitch — Simple, fast, good for seaming
- Whip stitch — Invisible seaming, ideal for 3D shapes
- Cross stitch — Decorative, adds texture
- French knots — Small dots for eyes, flower centers, details
Machine sewing
- Needle: Universal 80/12 or 90/14
- Stitch length: 2.5–3.0mm (slightly longer than normal)
- Thread: Polyester all-purpose thread
- Foot: Standard presser foot works fine
- Tip: Use a stabilizer underneath thin felt to prevent puckering
How to Glue Acrylic Felt
No-sew methods are popular for felt crafts, especially with kids:
| Glue Type | Best For | Dry Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot glue | Quick crafts, 3D objects | Seconds | Strong but stiff; burns possible |
| Fabric glue | Flat projects, applique | 30–60 min | Flexible when dry, washable |
| Tacky glue | Kids' crafts | 1–2 hours | Non-toxic, easy to use |
| Spray adhesive | Large areas, layering | Minutes | Even coverage, repositionable |
| Double-sided tape | Temporary hold, banners | Instant | Not permanent |
How to Shape and Stiffen Felt
Need your felt to hold a specific shape? Try these methods:
- Starch spray: Light stiffening for ornaments and flat shapes
- Mod Podge: Brush on for a stiff, glossy finish
- White glue + water: Mix 50/50 for a DIY stiffener
- Wire: Sew or glue craft wire inside for bendable shapes (flower stems, headbands)
- Interfacing: Iron fusible interfacing to the back for structured pieces
- Thicker felt: 3.2mm thick felt is naturally stiffer than 1.6mm
Common Felt Craft Techniques
Applique
Cut felt shapes and layer them on a base. Attach with glue or blanket stitch. Felt is ideal for applique because it doesn't fray — no need to turn under edges.
Stuffed objects
Cut two matching shapes, sew together leaving a gap, stuff with polyester fiberfill, and close. Blanket stitch or whip stitch work best. Great for ornaments, toys, and pin cushions.
Layering
Build up dimensions by stacking multiple felt layers. Each layer adds color and depth. Glue or stitch layers together. Works beautifully for flowers, animals, and landscape scenes.
Embroidery on felt
Felt is an excellent base for embroidery — it's stable, doesn't stretch, and doesn't need a hoop. Simple stitches like satin stitch, backstitch, and French knots look stunning on felt.
Choosing the Right Felt for Your Project
- Thin projects (applique, layering): 1.6mm acrylic felt
- Structural projects (bags, boxes): 3.2mm thick felt
- Kids' crafts: 1.6mm in bright colors
- Bulk/wholesale: Wholesale fabric pricing
For more project ideas, check out our 10 creative felt craft ideas article.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you iron acrylic felt?
Use low heat only. Place a pressing cloth between the iron and felt to avoid melting or scorching. Acrylic fibers are sensitive to heat — a steamer held at distance is safer than direct ironing.
Does acrylic felt fray?
No! This is one of felt's best features. Cut edges stay clean without hemming, serging, or seam finishing. This makes felt ideal for applique, no-sew crafts, and projects with exposed edges.
What's the best glue for felt?
For permanent bonding, fabric glue (like Aleene's Fabric Fusion) is best — it stays flexible and is washable. Hot glue is faster but creates a stiffer bond. For kids, tacky glue is safe and effective.
Can you embroider on acrylic felt?
Yes! Felt is one of the best fabrics for embroidery. It doesn't stretch or shift, holds stitches well, and doesn't need a stabilizer or embroidery hoop. Use embroidery floss and a sharp needle.
Related Fabric Guides
- Acrylic Felt Fabric by the Yard
- Acrylic Felt vs Wool Felt
- Felt Fabric Care Guide
- 10 Creative Felt Sheet Ideas
Shop all fabrics at EOVEA Fabric — premium craft fabric by the yard with fast USA shipping.