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.

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.

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:

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

Did you find this tutorial helpful? If so, save this pin (see below) on your sewing board so you can come to this tutorial later when you are ready to use felt, and follow me on Pinterest for more tips, tutorials, and inspiration!