Felt is one of the oldest and most versatile fabrics in the world, yet many crafters and sewers aren't sure what it's actually made of or how to use it. In this complete guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about felt fabric — from its composition and types to the best projects and care instructions.
What Is Felt Fabric?
Felt is a non-woven textile made by pressing and matting fibers together using heat, moisture, and pressure. Unlike woven fabrics (like cotton or canvas) that have a visible weave pattern, felt fibers are tangled and compressed into a dense, uniform sheet. This gives felt several unique properties:
- No grain direction — can be cut in any direction
- Edges don't fray when cut
- Holds its shape well
- Available in a wide range of colors
- Easy to cut, glue, and sew
Types of Felt Fabric
Acrylic Felt (Craft Felt)
Acrylic felt is the most common and affordable type of felt. It's made from synthetic acrylic fibers and is the go-to choice for crafting, school projects, and decorations. At EOVEA, we offer acrylic felt in two thickness options:
- 1.6mm thick — Standard craft felt, flexible and easy to work with. Ideal for cutouts, appliques, and decorations.
- 3.2mm thick — Heavy-duty felt for projects requiring more structure. Great for bulletin boards, costumes, and industrial use.
Best for: Crafts, school projects, costumes, bulletin boards, holiday decorations, felt boards
Wool Felt
Wool felt is made from natural sheep's wool fibers. It's denser, more durable, and has a premium texture compared to acrylic felt. It also dyes beautifully and is naturally flame-resistant.
Best for: Fine crafts, hats, high-end accessories, musical instruments (piano hammers), industrial applications
Wool Blend Felt
A combination of wool and synthetic fibers (typically rayon or acrylic). Wool blend offers a middle ground between the affordability of acrylic and the quality of pure wool.
Best for: Crafters who want a nicer feel than acrylic without the full cost of pure wool
Eco-Felt (Recycled Felt)
Made from recycled plastic bottles (PET). Eco-felt has a similar feel to acrylic felt but is more environmentally friendly. It's becoming increasingly popular for sustainable craft projects.
Felt Fabric Properties
| Property | Acrylic Felt | Wool Felt | Wool Blend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $ (most affordable) | $$$ (premium) | $$ (mid-range) |
| Softness | Good | Excellent | Very Good |
| Durability | Good | Excellent | Very Good |
| Color Options | 40+ colors | Limited | Moderate |
| Flame Resistance | Low (melts) | High (natural) | Moderate |
| Machine Washable | Hand wash best | No (shrinks) | Hand wash only |
| Fraying | None | None | None |
| Thickness Options | 1-5mm | 1-5mm | 1-3mm |
What Is Felt Fabric Used For?
Felt is incredibly versatile. Here are the most popular uses:
Crafting & DIY Projects
- Holiday ornaments and decorations
- Felt flowers and bouquets
- Kids' craft projects
- Felt food and play items
- Gift card holders and envelopes
- Appliques and patches
Education & School
- Bulletin board backgrounds (72" wide felt covers most boards in one piece)
- Felt story boards for classroom storytelling
- Letter and number cutouts
- Science project displays
Costumes & Cosplay
- Costume armor and accessories
- Character hats and masks
- Prop making
- Renaissance fair costumes
Home & Industrial
- Furniture pads and surface protection
- Soundproofing and acoustic panels
- Pool table covering
- Drawer and shelf liners
- Gaskets and seals
How to Work with Felt Fabric
Cutting
Felt is one of the easiest fabrics to cut. Use sharp fabric scissors or a rotary cutter with a cutting mat. Since felt has no grain, you can cut in any direction without worrying about stretch or bias.
Sewing
Felt can be sewn by machine or hand. For machine sewing, use a standard needle (size 80/12) and a slightly longer stitch length (3-3.5mm). For hand sewing, blanket stitch and whip stitch are the most popular options for felt projects.
Gluing
Hot glue, fabric glue, and tacky glue all work well with felt. Hot glue provides the strongest instant bond. Fabric glue gives a cleaner finish but takes longer to dry.
Cutting Tips
- Use a rotary cutter for straight lines and large pieces
- Use sharp, small scissors for detailed cutouts
- Pin your template to the felt or use temporary spray adhesive
- For thick felt (3.2mm+), make two passes with the rotary cutter
How to Care for Felt Fabric
- Acrylic felt: Spot clean or hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Lay flat to dry. Avoid wringing or twisting.
- Wool felt: Dry clean only or very careful hand wash in cool water. Wool felt WILL shrink in warm water.
- Storage: Roll felt rather than folding to prevent creases. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Removing wrinkles: Use a steamer or press with a cool iron over a damp pressing cloth. Never iron wool felt directly.
Felt Fabric Thickness Guide
| Thickness | Weight | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| 1mm (thin) | Lightweight | Appliques, small cutouts, lining |
| 1.6mm (standard) | Medium | General crafts, costumes, decorations |
| 2mm | Medium | Bags, ornaments, structured items |
| 3.2mm (thick) | Heavy | Bulletin boards, industrial, pool tables |
| 5mm+ (extra thick) | Very Heavy | Soundproofing, padding, industrial |
Shop Felt Fabric at EOVEA
EOVEA carries premium acrylic felt fabric by the yard in 40+ vibrant colors. Our felt comes in two popular thicknesses:
- 1.6mm Acrylic Felt — 72 inches wide, perfect for all craft and sewing projects
- 3.2mm Acrylic Felt — 72 inches wide, heavy-duty for bulletin boards and industrial use
All felt is sold by the yard with continuous cuts. Need large quantities for schools, churches, or organizations? Visit our wholesale page for bulk pricing. Free shipping on orders over $150.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is felt fabric made of?
Felt can be made from wool, acrylic (synthetic), or a blend of both. Craft felt is typically acrylic. The fibers are pressed and matted together with heat and pressure rather than being woven.
Is felt fabric the same as fleece?
No. Felt is a non-woven pressed fabric, while fleece is a knitted fabric with a brushed surface. Felt is stiffer and holds its shape; fleece is softer and stretchier. Both don't fray when cut, which is why they're popular for no-sew projects.
Does felt fabric fray?
No, felt does not fray when cut. This is one of its biggest advantages — you can cut any shape without worrying about raw edges unraveling.
Can you wash felt fabric?
Acrylic felt can be hand washed in cool water and laid flat to dry. Wool felt should be dry cleaned, as it shrinks significantly in water. Never put wool felt in a washing machine.
How wide is felt fabric?
Felt fabric width varies by supplier. EOVEA's acrylic felt is 72 inches (6 feet) wide — one of the widest options available. This extra width is especially useful for bulletin boards and large projects.
Is felt good for soundproofing?
Yes, thick felt (3.2mm+) is commonly used for acoustic panels and soundproofing. Its dense, non-woven structure absorbs sound effectively. Many studios and offices use felt panels for noise reduction.
Related Fabric Guides
- Felt vs Fleece: Which Is Right for Your Project?
- Acrylic Felt vs Wool Felt
- How to Sew Felt: Hand Stitches, Machine Settings & Project Ideas
- Felt for Pool Tables: Complete Guide
- Acrylic Felt Fabric Collection
Shop all fabrics at EOVEA Fabric — premium craft fabric by the yard with fast USA shipping.
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