Felt Fabric 101: What Works, What Doesn't, and Why It Matters

Felt is one of those materials that shows up everywhere once you start sewing. It’s soft, colorful, and easy to work with, which makes it a favorite for beginners and seasoned sewists alike. Whether you’re making appliqué designs, holiday decorations, or sturdy organizers, felt has a way of fitting right in.

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Unlike woven fabrics, felt doesn’t have a visible grain or fray at the edges. That’s because it’s made differently. Felt is a non-woven textile, created by matting and compressing fibers—usually wool, synthetic, or a blend—until they form a dense, smooth fabric. 

When I started making a quiet book for my granddaughter, it became clear that felt was the material to use. It’s soft, safe, and easy to handle – perfect for little hands. But I quickly learned there’s more to felt than meets the eye. At first, I used a type that just didn’t work. I tried cutting it with my Cricut machine, and it dragged and stretched instead of giving me the clean shapes I needed. That was my introduction to the world of not all felts are created equal.

Since then, I’ve discovered so many types of felt – some better suited for sewing, some for crafting, and others perfect for detailed cutting or layered designs. And I’m finally on the right track.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the many types of felt available. I will show you how texture, thickness, stiffness, and finish can affect your project. The goal is simple: to help you choose the right felt for the right purpose, so your projects look great and last. Whether you’re sewing by hand or machine, this felt primer will give you the clarity to pick what works best.

Note: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means I will receive a commission if you order a product through one of my links. I only recommend products I believe in and use myself. 

Wool Felt

Wool felt is made from 100% natural wool fibers, usually from sheep. These fibers are matted and compressed using moisture and heat, creating a dense, soft material with a slight texture. It doesn’t fray when cut, and it has a beautiful, sturdy feel that makes it a favorite for high-quality projects.

Qualities

• Dense and slightly textured
• Soft to the touch, yet firm
• Durable with a refined finish

Pros

• Made from natural, renewable fibers
• Free of any harmful or toxic chemicals
• Biodegradable and eco-conscious
• Holds its shape well
• Long-lasting and ideal for heirloom items

Cons

• More expensive than synthetic felt
• Can be harder to find in bright or varied colors
• Needs gentle care

You can find 100% merino wool felt on Amazon – below is one example if you’d like to check it out.

A Little Story… or a Common Accident?

From time to time, I accidentally make my own wool felt. It happens when I try to wash 100% wool jackets or sweaters – mine, my kids’, and my husband’s. The label says “cold water only,” and I follow the instructions… but the wool still felts. 

And it doesn’t just shrink a little. It shrinks so much that a size 10 becomes something that would fit a 2-year-old. It’s dramatic – and totally unwearable – but the felted fabric that comes out of it? Absolutely wonderful.

This “accidental felt” is very thick and soft. I save those pieces for special small projects. If you’ve ever done the same, don’t toss it. You’ve made wool felt at home, and it’s worth saving.

What to Make with Wool Felt

If you’re wondering how to use wool felt, here’s an example: Wool felt coasters.

These aren’t just pretty – they work really well. Wool naturally repels moisture and insulates heat, so your table stays dry, and your drink stays put. You can cut them into hexagons, layer coordinating neutrals, or stitch simple embroidery around the edges. They’re elegant, practical, and long-lasting – a perfect use for wool felt.

Other beautiful project ideas:

• Needle books
• Zipper pouches with a rustic, hand-stitched look
• Decorative wall hangings with felt appliqué
• Small handbags or clutch accents
• Appliqué on linen pillows

✅ Related tutorial: Adorable DIY Needle Book

Wool Felt Balls for Crafts

I also like to use wool felt balls. They’re sold individually or in multi-color packs and are perfect for a variety of sewing and crafting projects.

These small, round balls are made from 100% wool and come in many sizes – most commonly 1 cm to 2.5 cm in diameter. The texture is soft but dense, and they hold their shape beautifully. You can sew through them, glue them, string them, or stack them.

Common ways to buy them:

• In color-themed sets (like pastels, neutrals, or brights)
• By weight (often 100 or 200 grams)
• In bulk (perfect for garlands or larger pieces)

What you can make with them:

• Coasters and trivets
• Garlands and mobiles
• Jewelry (like felt ball necklaces or earrings)
• Holiday ornaments
• Pincushions
• Decorative bag charms or keychains

They’re a simple supply that adds so much charm and texture. If you enjoy colorful, hands-on projects, felt balls are a great addition to your sewing room.

Wool Blend Felt

Wool blend felt is a practical favorite for many sewists. It blends the best qualities of wool and synthetic fibers, like rayon or acrylic. It’s pleasant to work with and easier on the budget. This type of felt has a soft, flexible feel and is often available in a wide range of colors.

Description

• Made from a mix of natural wool and either rayon or acrylic
• Typically contains between 20% to 40% wool

Qualities

• Softer and smoother than fully synthetic felt
• Less dense than 100% wool but more refined than plain acrylic
• Cuts cleanly and handles stitching well

Pros

• A good balance between quality and cost
• Available in a wide range of vibrant or muted colors
• Holds its shape better than acrylic for detailed work
• Easy to sew by hand or machine

Cons

• Can pill or fuzz slightly with frequent handling or friction
• May not feel as dense or “luxurious” as pure wool felt
• Slightly less durable for items meant to last for years

Where to Use Wool Blend Felt

This type of felt is very versatile. It works beautifully for:

• Appliqué on home décor or clothing
• Felt flowers and brooches
• Ornaments and seasonal crafts
• Bows, bag embellishments, and accessories
• Layered felt shapes for wall art or garlands

It’s especially nice when you want better quality than synthetic but don’t want to invest in 100% wool for everyday projects.

At first glance, wool-blend felt and synthetic felt can look almost identical. The colors are vibrant, the sheets are smooth, and the thickness might seem the same. You could easily stack them side by side and not notice any major difference – at least, not visually.

But the real difference shows up when you touch them.

Wool-blend felt feels smoother, softer, and more natural. It has a bit of a plush feel that acrylic just doesn’t offer. It’s also a little denser and more durable, especially when you sew with it. The edges stay cleaner when cut, and it doesn’t fuzz or pill as quickly with use.

Synthetic acrylic felt, while perfectly fine for many projects, can feel stiffer or a bit scratchy. It sometimes has a shiny surface that gives away its plastic content. It’s more prone to stretching or warping – especially if you try to cut it on a Cricut or stitch it too tightly.

So while the look may be similar in photos or on a store shelf, the feel and performance are where wool-blend felt really shines – especially for hand-sewing, appliqué, or detailed crafts like quiet books.

Synthetic Felt

Synthetic felt includes both 100% acrylic and 100% polyester felt. These are made entirely from man-made fibers and are the most affordable and widely available types of felt. If you’ve bought felt from a big-box craft store, it was synthetic.

While they’re technically different in composition, they’re nearly identical in how they behave in sewing and crafting. Most sewists treat them the same.

Description

• Made from synthetic fibers (either 100% acrylic or 100% polyester)
• Usually available in pre-cut sheets or craft packs
• Comes in both soft and stiff versions

Qualities

• Low-cost
• Smooth, consistent texture
• May have a slight sheen (especially polyester)

Pros

• Budget-friendly and easy to find
• Available in a huge range of colors
• Good for beginners and high-volume projects

Cons

• Less durable than natural or wool-blend felt
• Can pill, stretch, or tear
• Melts under high heat – ironing needs extra care

What You Can Make with Synthetic Felt

Synthetic felt is perfect for:

• Holiday and seasonal décor
• Gift tags and banners
• Toys
• Felt food, finger puppets, and preschool crafts
• Costumes, masks, and theater props
• Quick appliqué projects
• Scrap-friendly designs that don’t need long-term wear
• Felt flowers

It’s not the best choice for heirloom or detailed handwork, but it shines in creative, playful designs that don’t need to last forever.

Recycled PET Felt (Made from Plastic Bottles)

Felt made from recycled plastic bottles is called PET felt. The “PET” stands for polyethylene terephthalate, which is the same type of plastic used in many food and drink containers, especially water and soda bottles. Instead of ending up in a landfill, these bottles are shredded, cleaned, melted down, and turned into soft, flexible fibers that are then pressed into felt sheets.

Recycled PET felt is surprisingly soft. It doesn’t have the luxurious texture of wool, but it’s not scratchy. It feels smooth and slightly firm, similar to standard acrylic craft felt.

Qualities of PET Felt

• Eco-conscious: Made from recycled materials, it’s a great choice for those trying to reduce textile waste.
• Durable: It resists stretching, so it’s good for crafts and accessories that need to hold their shape.
• Colorful: Available in a wide variety of bright colors, often similar to those found in acrylic felt.
• Slight sheen: It sometimes has a subtle shine, which sets it apart visually from matte wool or wool-blend felt.

Best Uses

• Home décor accents
• Reusable gift wrap and tags
• Craft kits for kids
• Embellishments and costume details
• Bags and organizers

Things to Keep in Mind

• PET felt may melt under high heat. Avoid ironing directly on it. Use a pressing cloth and low heat if needed.
• It’s not ideal for intricate hand embroidery. The fibers can resist the needle slightly.
• It’s not biodegradable like wool felt, but it gives plastic waste a second life.

You can buy felt made from recycled plastic bottles on Amazon, though it’s not always labeled as PET felt. Here’s an example I found.

Bamboo Felt

Bamboo felt is one of the lesser-known felt types, but it’s a beautiful option if you’re looking for something sustainable. It’s made from bamboo fibers, which are naturally soft and breathable. This makes it a lovely choice for projects meant to be close to skin or for those with sensitivities.

Description

• Made from renewable bamboo fibers
• Naturally antimicrobial and biodegradable
• Soft and smooth with a matte finish

Qualities

• Has a gentle, lightweight drape
• Silky feel compared to wool or acrylic felt

Pros

• Sustainable and eco-conscious
• Naturally gentle for babies and sensitive skin
• Beautiful smooth texture and feel

Cons

• Not as widely available as other types
• Can be more expensive than acrylic or blends
• Fewer color options on the market

What to Make with Bamboo Felt

Bamboo felt is ideal for thoughtful, skin-friendly projects. A few ideas:

• Baby mobiles and nursery decorations
• Soft toys or teething-safe elements
• Minimalist home décor (like felt bowls or trays)
• Small accessories, such as eye masks or brooches
• Gentle appliqué work on baby clothes or blankets

It holds up well with careful stitching and works best with simple, elegant shapes. Because of its smooth texture, it’s also a great base for hand embroidery.

Types of Felt by Texture, Thickness, and Stiffness

The way a piece of felt behaves depends a lot on its texture, thickness, and stiffness. Understanding these qualities can help you choose the right type for your sewing or crafting project.

By Texture and Drape

A. Soft and Drapy Felt

This type of felt feels gentle in your hands. It bends and curves easily, almost like it wants to hug every shape it meets. If you’re making something that needs to fold, wrap, or form around curves, soft felt is a great choice.

If you’re using a Cricut or similar machine to cut felt, this felt may cause issues – it tends to stretch or drag instead of cutting cleanly.

Common Uses:

• Appliqué designs
• Soft stuffed toys
• Wearable crafts like brooches or cuffs
• Fabric flowers that need a bit of natural curve

B. Medium Body Felt

Medium body felt offers a bit of structure but still has movement. It holds a shape better than soft felt, but it won’t stand stiffly on its own. It’s the reliable middle ground when you need felt that’s both decorative and practical.

This felt is well-suited for Cricut cutting – it gives clean, precise results with no dragging or stretching.

Common Uses:

• Holiday ornaments
• Bookmarks
• Quiet book pages
• Pocket panels on fabric crafts

C. Stiff Felt

This felt is all about structure. It stays firm and hold the shape perfectly with less deformation or tear. It’s easy to cut into shapes cleanly by scissors or cutting machine.  

It’s also fun to work with. Because it holds its shape so well, you can create projects that would simply flop or collapse with softer materials. 

Here are some favorite ways to use stiff felt.

1. Felt Storage Baskets

Stiff felt works beautifully for small organizational bins or storage baskets. These can be square or round and customized with handles or decorative stitching. They’re perfect for holding sewing tools, makeup, or even remote controls.

2. Holiday and Seasonal Decor

From standing pumpkins and Christmas trees to Easter bunnies and Halloween bats, stiff felt brings seasonal crafts to life. It keeps all the little details – like ears, arms, or wings – from drooping.

3. Wall Hangings and Garlands

Stiff felt is easy to cut into detailed shapes. This makes it ideal for banners and garlands. You can cut letters, stars, flowers, or any shape you like and stitch or glue them onto a backing strip.

Are you interested in learning more about extra thick felt? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

4. Kids’ Crafts and Quiet Books

Children’s projects often benefit from sturdy materials that can handle a little rough love. Stiff felt is perfect for quiet book pages, interactive shapes, or puzzle-style pieces.

5. 3D Stand-Up Crafts

Looking for something more dimensional? Stiff felt lets you create free-standing crafts like trees, animals, or mini houses. These can be sewn or glued together and embellished with beads, sequins, or buttons.

By Thickness

Felt comes in a variety of thicknesses, and this single factor can completely change how it behaves in a project. Some types are soft and subtle. Others are so thick and firm, they’re used in toolboxes and machinery. Knowing which thickness works best can save you time and effort, especially when choosing felt for sewing, crafting, or organizing.

A. Very Thin Felt (Under 1 mm)

This is the delicate end of the felt spectrum. Very thin felt is soft and light, with just a hint of transparency when held up to light. It doesn’t offer much structure, but that’s exactly what makes it special. It can be stiff or soft. 

Where it can be used:

• For delicate appliqué where you want layers to build without bulk
• When blending different colors of felt in layered designs
• As a stabilizer in embroidery projects

B. Standard Thickness Felt (1 – 2 mm)

This is the felt you’ll reach for most often. It’s thick enough to hold its shape in most craft projects but still soft and easy to cut. 

It’s also the most accessible and affordable option, so it’s a favorite for schools, sewing rooms, and hobbyists.

C. Thick Felt (2.5 mm – 5 mm or more)

This is the heavyweight type of the felt family. It’s dense, strong, and less flexible than standard or thin felt. It’s great for heavy-duty projects.

Common Uses:

• Tool rolls or tool tray liners
• Drawer organizers and desktop trays
• Table and floor protectors
• Craft projects that need structure, like sewing machine mats or laptop sleeves

By Stiffness

Stiffness in felt isn’t just about how firm it feels. It determines how the material moves, holds, and behaves once it’s part of a finished project. Some felts feel soft and flexible, almost like flannel. Others are stiff enough to stand on their own. It is difficult to quantify stiffness but we can distinguish three large categories: low (soft and pliable), medium (still pliable, but not so much, tends to form a temporary crease) and stiff (not pliable).

A. Low-Stiffness (Soft & Pliable)

This type of felt drapes easily and feels almost like a thick flannel. You can gather it, fold it, or sew it into delicate shapes without any struggle. It’s comfortable against the skin and responds well to hand stitching. Bamboo felt is usually very soft.

Best For:

• Appliqué work
• Fabric flowers
• Soft toys
• Felt embellishments for garments or accessories

Why Choose It:

• It’s easy to sew
• Great for designs that need to bend or drape

B. Medium-Stiffness

This felt holds its shape more firmly but still has a bit of give. You can bend it without causing sharp creases, which makes it ideal for versatile, everyday crafts. It offers a nice balance between softness and support.

Best For:

• Holiday ornaments
• Quiet book pages
• Simple wearable crafts
• Pockets on fabric-based organizers

Why Choose It:

• Adds structure without being too rigid
• Feels soft but still stands up on its own

C. High-Stiffness

This felt feels almost like paper or even cardboard. It’s flat, firm, and does not drape. Instead, it holds crisp edges and clean shapes. This stiffness comes either from the material itself or from chemical treatment.

Best For:

• Coasters and trivets
• Stand-up decorations
• Banner letters
• Felt baskets or rigid organizers

Why Choose It:

• Keeps its shape over time
• No extra interfacing or stabilizer needed

How Felt Is Sold & Types of Designs Available

How Felt Is Sold

Felt comes in many forms. Whether you’re planning a large project or looking for a small piece in the perfect shade, how the felt is packaged makes a big difference. 

A. By the Yard

This is how many fabric stores offer their felt, especially when you’re shopping for more than just a craft sheet. It’s sold off the bolt in one continuous piece.

Width: Usually between 36″ and 72″, depending on the brand and material.

Why it works:

• Best for large-scale projects like costumes, banners, or storage baskets
• Cost-effective if you need a lot of the same color or type

B. By Sheets

This is the most popular format for casual crafting. Pre-cut sheets are easy to find, easy to store, and great for grabbing just the amount you need.

Common Sizes:

• 9″ x 12″
• 12″ x 18″
• 18″ x 24″

If you’re just starting out, these packs offer a little bit of everything. They often include curated colors that work well together.

Pack Options:

• Rainbow collections
• Seasonal themes (Halloween, Christmas, spring pastels)

Why it works:

• Ideal for beginners and kids’ crafts
• Inspires creativity with color combinations

Usually Includes:

• 10 to 50 pre-cut sheets, depending on the set

C. In Rolls

These are longer narrow cuts of felt that come pre-packaged. They’re less likely to crease and are often used for more specialized needs.

Typical Roll Sizes:

• 12″ x 36″ or smaller

Why it works:

• Great for single-color crafts
• Rolls are easier to store without folding

Felt Finishes & Designs

Beyond choosing the right texture or stiffness, you can also find felt in a variety of finishes. These add character, texture, or just a little sparkle to your projects. Whether you’re making a statement piece or something subtle, there’s a finish that fits.

A. Solid / Plain Colors

This is the most widely available type of felt. Solid felt comes in nearly every color you can imagine – from soft pastels to vibrant jewel tones.

Key Features:

• Sold in sheets, rolls, and yardage
• Works for almost any craft
• Easy to layer, cut, and match

B. Printed Felt

Printed felt includes designs applied to the surface. This adds personality to your projects and makes it easy to include patterns without adding fabric.

Common Designs:

• Polka dots, stars, stripes
• Floral and animal prints
• Holiday motifs (snowflakes, hearts, pumpkins)

Best For:

• Quiet book pages
• Appliqué details
• Kids’ crafts
• Book covers and ornaments

C. Embossed Felt

This felt has raised textures that are part of the material itself. It offers a soft pattern without additional layers or prints.

Typical Patterns:

• Swirls and chevrons
• Floral designs
• Geometric grids

Why Use It:

• Adds texture without extra materials
• Useful for backgrounds, embellishments, or tactile crafts

D. Glitter Felt

Glitter felt adds sparkle and shimmer, and it’s available in two forms.

Types:

• Surface glitter (more sparkle but may shed)
• Embedded glitter (sealed inside felt fibers)

Great For:

• Holiday decorations
• Hair accessories
• Party crafts and costumes

E. Metallic and Foil-Printed Felt

These types have shimmering designs printed directly onto the felt. Think of gold flourishes or silver snowflakes.

Look For:

• Gold, silver, rose gold
• Holographic finishes

Uses:

• Elegant gift tags
• Fashion accessories
• Decorative accents on home crafts

Printed Star Felt | Metallic Star Felt | Red Star Felt

F. Peel-and-Stick Felt

Also known as self-adhesive felt, this version comes with a sticky backing that saves time – no glue or thread needed.

Sold As:

• Pre-cut sheets or multipacks

Perfect For:

Contact us to discuss your requirements of pen felt tip. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

• Quick classroom crafts
• Scrapbooking
• Temporary decorations or trial layouts

Ultimate Guide to Craft Felt Material

I love working with craft felt so I thought I'd share a lot of advice, tips and information on this brilliant and versatile material.

The ultimate guide to craft felt is split into handy sections for you so it is easier to find the information you need and also to dip in and out of and come back to as you need to. There are loads of commonly asked questions about it and I answer many of them here for you, so many that I've called it the Ultimate Guide because it really is.

This amazing fabric is often used to create plush toys, unique jewelry, home decor, kids crafts and more. Whether you are new to crafting with this fabric or you already use it and want to know even more on the topic, you can discover a lot more by reading on.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links for which I can be compensated. 

The Essential Guide to Using Craft Felt Fabric

Part 1: Sewing with Felt Fabric

What Threads Can You Use for Stitching Felt?

You can use standard cotton or polyester sewing threads. Gutermann polyester threads are my absolute favorites because they are strong and reliable and these are often used for hand and especially sewing machine stitching. There are two main types of threads I use.

Gutermann Polyester Threads are Strong and Reliable


Gutermann polyester threads are my absolute favorite for stitching with. Unlike cotton threads or floss, these are super strong and far less likely to break. They're ideal for reinforcement stitches around seams and plain stitches.

You really don't want threads to break in the middle of sewing which is part of the reason why I love these. The colors are gorgeous and they have a wonderful silky sheen too.

This set is perfect to get a good assortment of colors and ideal for the beginner and those who enjoy hand stitching with felt. For machine sewing, I buy larger sizes in colors that I use frequently like black and white.

I really enjoy using these to sew felt with since it's widely available and it comes in lots of color choices. A spool can last a very long time, especially if you opt for the 547 yards or even the yard serger varieties. I also love these threads for machine stitching and doing general sewing repairs by hand.

For sewing any felt plush toys and stuffies which might get a lot of handling, you might want to use polyester sewing thread instead of embroidery floss just because the polyester threads like Gutermann are much tougher and also because you can easily buy a large length in exactly the same color.

I rarely tend to hand sew items much larger than my hand since I enjoy miniature work such as making small pincushions, pin brooches, keychains and little toys. Sometimes I will use floss and sometimes Gutermann for more functional stitches like running stitch but nothing else.

Embroidery Floss is Not as Strong but Perfect for Decorative Stitching



For more decorative stitches and especially embroidery on felt fabric, I use the wonderful 6 stranded embroidery threads or floss. DMC and Anchor are my particular favorites since that's what I grew up with and you can see part of my collection above.


I tend to use either one or 2 strands out of the 6 that you get in each length. I then use these doubled over in the needle which is like using 4 strands at once.

Doubled over (doubled thread) is my term for placing the threads in the eye of the needle, taking hold of both ends of the length of threads, letting the needle fall down into the middle of these threads and then knotting the ends off. This is how I prefer to sew, rather than with a single strand or strands.

Embroidery floss is much softer than machine sewing polyester threads and it is more prone to breakage which is the main disadvantage. However, you can easily prevent this by learning to not pull too hard or vigorously on your needle when you use it.

Embroidery floss threads do not normally break if you sew carefully with a nice even tension. I feel that floss absolutely gives a better look to the finished piece and especially with decorative stitches.

They have a wonderful silky sheen to them, and you can also get many specialized embroidery threads to use with your hand sewing too.

Hand Stitches You Can Use for Sewing with Felt Fabric

The edges of felt do not fray when cut which is part of the appeal of this amazing material, so you're free to use absolutely any stitch that you're comfortable with to join edges together, to applique one piece on top of another or to even use quick, no-sew methods too.

A plain straight or running stitch is fine and I've seen lots of people use this as a standard stitch for sewing this fabric with and even for joining seams or raw edges. You can certainly experiment with lots of stitches since it's so lovely and easy to sew through.



My absolute favorite happens to be blanket stitch which you can see an example of in the image provided above. I use this stitch often for applique where I'm sewing one cut piece on top of another as shown in the photo and also for joining up the edges around a decorative plush item.


I just happen to love the way it looks on a finished item but it isn't the easiest stitch to grasp as a beginner. So, if you're not used to blanket stitch, a much easier alternative for sewing two edges of felt together is whip stitch or overcast stitch.

Can You Use a Sewing Machine with Felt?

For me, part of the fun is to sew by hand and especially as I'm normally working in miniature and making decorative items which don't often lend themselves to being machine stitched. Hand stitching is a slow and relaxing process and one where I enjoy the look of the less regimented finished stitches.



But you can absolutely use a machine to sew your felt fabric. I have used it for items like pennant banner bunting where I want to make lots of triangular flag pieces up fairly quickly. It's absolutely ideal for sewing up larger items like this and especially when you need something in a hurry.


It might not be practical to use a machine for smaller projects but it depends on what you're making. Sometimes I'll choose to use my machine where I need a particularly strong and straight seam as with pincushions where I need a tubular shape as with the stem section of a toadstool or a tree design. So a machine for that particular part is much better than anything I can do by hand.

My computerized Brother sewing machine sorts the tension out automatically for me which helps enormously. I would always recommend that you do a test piece first on your machine to get the right tension and size of stitch.

You may want to use a slightly smaller or finer needle than you think because although craft felt can feel thick. It is generally very soft and easy to sew through unless you're using a particularly bad example of acrylic.

I Love My Brother Computerized Sewing Machine and Will Never Go Back to a Manual


If you're having sewing issues, try swapping out your needle for a different size. You can also try stitching this fabric through layers of tissue paper and tearing it away when you've finished sewing.

I keep a set of universal needles that I just use for felt and nothing else. You don't strictly need to do this but I prefer to keep machine needles for specific uses such as denim needles and another set for stitching on paper.


Having sets of needles for specific purposes helps to keep them good for that specific purpose. Certainly if you sew on paper, you ought to keep needles just for that since that can blunt them quickly and blunt needles can ruin fabric.

How to Transfer a Design onto Felt

Water soluble or embroidery transfer pens (don't mix these up with permanent fabric marker pens which won't come off!) normally look like blue ink marker pens and are an invaluable tool for my crafting.

Since I make my own plush designs, I often need a quick way to trace around paper or card templates straight onto the fabric.

Learn all about fabric markers you can use for felt sewing HERE

Learn all about transferring patterns onto felt HERE

The great thing about water soluble pens is that you can easily trace your design onto the fabric and then it will come off, when you are ready to remove it, with a small amount of water.



Felt doesn't take too kindly to being doused liberally in water so you must only wet the end of a cloth and dab this over any blue marks made by your special transfer pen.

Even better, if you can make the marks on the reverse or back side of the fabric. On the reverse side you don't necessarily need to remove the marks at all.

I tend to make sure that my water soluble pen marks (even though they are easily removable) go on the reverse or the inside of the finished sewn design, rather than at the front.


Another way to visually mark the fabric is with tailors chalk. These often come in triangles in different colors and I have a pink one. You can also buy Clover Chaco Liner Chalk Pens which may provide a little more accuracy than the tailors chalk but I have yet to try these out.

What I do find with the chalk rather than a water soluble pen is that the marking is not quite as accurate - not such a big deal on larger designs but no good when I'm doing small and miniature projects.

Before I was aware that these special transfer pens existed, I used plain ballpoint pens to trace out my design. The problem with that is you either have to mark where the fabric will be hidden (reverse or inside) or do some very careful cutting to remove the pen marks as you cut the design out.

So I wouldn't go back to this method myself but it is useful to someone starting out with making felt items or for kids crafts where lines are not a big issue.


Another method, which is especially good if you don't want to leave any marks at all, is to pin a thin paper piece of the pattern straight onto the felt and cut around it.

You need to pin it well to ensure that you get an accurate cut but this method works great for not having to deal with any markings at all on the fabric. Depending on the size and shape, you may also be able to use a small rotary cutter along with a craft cutter mat.

Different Types of Felt Sheets

There are many different types of felt sheet fabric that you can use for your crafting but the main types are as follows:

1) Acrylic Craft Felt Sheets: These are inexpensive sheets (often sold in an 9 x 12 inch sizing in the US and A4 which is 8.3 x 11.7 inches in the UK) which are absolutely ideal for kids crafts and quick projects that you're making for yourself. These are easily obtainable from vendors online like Amazon and also eBay where you often get hold of assorted packs.

They are the cheapest type of felt sheets to buy since they are 100% synthetic or man-made. They are normally referred to as Craft Felt and are ideal for beginner stitchers to use as well as being perfect to use for projects that are to be glued (no-sew) rather than sewn.


2) Blended Wool Felt Sheets: Slightly more expensive are these sheets which are made from a mix of real wool and synthetic or man-made fibers. These sheets are often referred to as Premium Felt and are ideal for most projects for the home and also those which are being made to sell.

I use lots of blended wool felt sheets in my own crafting because it is affordable to buy but also has a nicer texture than the craft sheets.

3) 100% Wool Felt Sheets: Super soft to touch and much more expensive to buy than the blended wool or craft felt options but even if it wasn't I still would not use 100% wool felt for all my crafting.

The softness means that it doesn't always hold up very well for making certain items and especially those that really rely on having some kind of structure or rigidity to them like padded plush items. I use this type of felt in moderation more for decorative purposes than anything else.


If you're just starting out, I'd advise you just use the cheapest craft felt first. Get a small assorted pack of sheets and use it to practice with on making plush items, felt jewelry, applique, free-sewn embroidery, home decor or whatever else it is you wish to do with it.

Get used to making all your mistakes with cheap fabric first before using more expensive material. For the majority of kids crafts, I'd certainly say to use craft sheets. There is no need to use anything else on projects that you might want to glue, no-sew or just do quick stitching with.

More experienced crafters should find blended wool sheets to be more than adequate for most projects. But do try 100% wool felt too if you can:  you can often purchase smaller samples from places like Etsy so you can test it out before committing to invest a sum of money in a fabric you may not need or ever use!

As well as sheets, you can invest in larger cuts by the yard or meter which is perfect if you do a lot of crafting with it.

Part 2: Cutting Felt Sheets

What Scissors Can You Use?

A really good cut on this material needs a pair of very sharp scissors or a sharp rotary cutter. I cannot stress enough that to get a nice clean cut on the edges, you need a very sharp blade. It is best if you don't use the same scissors or rotary blade that you use on paper since these blades will have dulled and become less sharp over time.

You need a great pair of fabric scissors (or rotary cutter) and try to keep them just for cutting out fabric otherwise they won't give very nice looking cuts. Since you often tend to see the cut edges with felt in a finished project, this tends to matter a lot more.



To make sure I do not get my scissors and rotary cutters mixed up, I keep all the fabric blades for cutting fabric, felt, threads and yarns stored together in my sewing box. I also keep the blades sharpened too because they dull over time. You can sharpen your blades which can save buying new ones.

Another tip is to pick the right sized scissors or cutter for your project. If you're cutting out a tiny piece then you will get the best result with a small and sharp pair of scissors like some sharp little embroidery scissors.

For a larger piece of fabric it makes sense to use some larger scissors with appropriately sized blades. You can also get rotary cutters in a variety of sizes. I use a 45mm rotary cutter for most projects but for cutting smaller pieces and steeper curves and angles, a smaller one like a 28mm might be a good bet. I do prefer scissors normally though.

What Can You do with Felt Scraps?

It is inevitable that you will end up with some small scraps from cutting pieces out of your sheets. Like many crafters, I can't stand wastage and I don't like to throw even small off-cuts away if I think I can use them so here's what I use these small scraps for:

1) Small Applique Items: since I work in miniature most of the time, the small scraps work to make things like tiny flowers, little fairy doors, windows for plush houses and other small decorations.

2) Fabric Mosaics: when a lot of scraps and off-cuts build up, I let my young daughter make colorful mosaics with them. I give her a piece of card, some standard white glue mixed with a little water, a glue applicator or brush and lots of scraps. She has a lot of fun gluing the pieces down to make her own colorful designs.

3) Stuffing Small Brooch Pins: if you cut the scraps into small and more evenly sized pieces, they are fine for stuffing little projects like felt brooch pins. Cutting the scraps down ensures that they stuff the item more evenly and accurately.

4) Felt Picture Art: ever seen the fuzzy variety? Those boards where you arrange smaller pre-cut pieces of the fabric to make up pictures and scenes. You can use the same idea to glue or stitch your own picture together and make a beautiful scene or piece of art for your home. The scraps will be ideal for these little pieces.

5) Make Garlands or Necklaces: Cut the scraps into shapes and thread them or sew into necklaces, bracelets or long garlands for decoration.

Part 3: How to Glue Felt

What's the Best Way to Glue Felt Together

If I'm letting my daughter mess about with gluing this to make up her own patterns, she just uses a standard white PVA glue mixed in with a little water in a pot. The trouble with this method is that it bleeds through the fabric, takes a long time to dry and when it does dry it stiffens up.

I would only recommend this for kids crafts and crafts where you are not too bothered on the final appearance and just want it to stick.

I've used my glue gun with it for decorative projects where I want a very quick dry and permanent bond. You can feel the hard adhesive underneath when dry so I tend to use it as a fast option on projects like banners and things where the feel doesn't matter.

Glues and adhesives that may be better options for felt are Aleene's Tacky Glue which sticks the felt but is slow drying, Elmer's Craft Bond Fabric and Paper Glue also slow drying or Fabri-Tac which is faster drying. These work for sticking fabric to fabric or fabric to paper/cardstock. Fabri-Tac is the more expensive option so you might want to put up with the slower drying and pay less.

Part 4: Stuffing Felt to Make Toys

What do You Use to Stuff Felt With?

You can use up some small scraps or off-cuts of felt to stuff small plush items with and especially items such as decorative stuffed brooch pins. If you're using this method then a tip is to cut the scraps up quite small and in evenly sized pieces so that they stuff the item out much more evenly.



My favorite way of stuffing is to use polyester fiber or polyester toy stuffing. It's affordable, it's washable, it's soft and easy to separate by hand for stuffing with.

And it's what most crafters use for making plush toys and handmade goodies. It can be used for filling or plumping out very small projects or much larger ones as you wish.


When I use this to fill my items, I work with just a little at a time. Just pull off a small piece out of your fiber bag and push it inside your toy or item - hopefully you've sewn around it three quarters of the way first which is a general rule of thumb.

You need to push it in firmly, making sure to fill corners and edges well and keep gradually packing it in.

You can use a tool like the blunt end of a long pair of tweezers, a pencil end or an embossing stylus to help to get stuffing into corners to fill them out properly.

I have a process of doing a little packing, then a little sewing, then back to packing as I continue to sew around until the item is completely stitched shut.

Part 5: Cleaning and Maintenance of this Fabric

Can You Wash Items Made with Felt?

NOTE: I would never recommend wet washing felt. Of course it does depend on the type of felt that you've used but the results on this fabric can be highly unpredictable including extensive shrinkage of the material plus you may also end up with colors bleeding too. I'd always recommend using dry methods of cleaning if you can - refer to the section below.

If you are determined to wash a felt item that you've made, bought or been given - hand wash it only because it's delicate. But do be warned that it may well ruin your item depending on the threads you've used, the decorations, the composition of the felt and also type of stuffing inside (if it is a plush felt item) which may not actually be washable.

You would hand wash using cool water only since hot water could cause major defects in the fabric. Do NOT use any soap since the addition of soap with felt can cause fuzzing and piling on the surface.

Just gently soak the item in cool (not ice cold) water. You can gently squeeze the felt in an area to try and remove a stain but don't rub at the stain since that can quickly ruin the surface of the material.

Soak it for as long as you need. Then remove the item from the water and gently squeeze it out to remove as much excess water as you can. You will then need to air dry it so an overnight dry might be best.

What is the Best Way to Clean it?

The best ways to clean this fabric are using dry methods since any addition of water to felt in large quantities can have really horrible and also unpredictable results on the material.



If you store your handmade or hand-sewn items well, they can stay looking good for many years to come. We have festive felt ornaments that have lasted for well over 10 years and are still going strong. That's because they are carefully packed away in soft white tissue paper and stored carefully in a box once they are removed off the Christmas tree.

If you can keep your items where they will not get very dusty (in a glass cabinet, on a shelf with a shelf above it or in a drawer) then that will help to prevent any problems with dirt and stains.

You can gently use a soft toothbrush to remove any surface dirt from felt. Softly sweep down the fabric in one direction. Do not use any circular, up and down or rubbing motions because that can cause the material to pile up and look fuzzy on the surface.

You can also use the nozzle of a small vacuum cleaner to suck up any dust or dry surface dirt from the fabric. To help protect the material from the suction of the nozzle, you can stretch some old hosiery over the nozzle. Be careful with any decorative beading and make sure this is all secure before applying any kind of suction.

Water can be used in a small quantity. But no soap because this can quickly damage the material. Just gently press or dab on a dirty area with a damp cloth dipped into plain lukewarm water.

Can You Iron Felt?

You can iron this fabric and also the sheets if they become creased. I would never iron onto the fabric directly since it would likely damage it or your iron.

I lay the felt flat on my ironing board and then place a clean and dry cotton tea towel over the top. I use the iron on a medium setting and iron over the top of the tea towel. This helps to remove any creases just fine.

It would make sense for you to use a medium setting on your iron and test out a corner first before peeling back the tea towel and seeing if you need a slightly hotter or cooler setting.

Store the Sheets Flat in Drawers

Sheets and folded yards and meters of this fabric will store very well in drawers. I have used large lever arch box files and also plastic drawers on wheels for storage. Both of these were great methods for keeping the fabric clean and organized.

My current storage is a large oak Welsh dresser where I use zippered bags to hold the fabric and keep it clean and dust free and these are kept inside the dresser furniture. It does help to keep them flat if you can although you can iron out creasing with the method I have explained just above.

If you have further questions on this topic, you can leave a comment and if the answer is something I think lots of people can benefit from, I can add it into the article.

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Page Last Updated: November 17th,