Polyester Felt Vs. Wool Felt – Are the Same?

Last Updated on August 8, 2023

When it comes to crafting and creating, the choice of fabric can greatly influence the outcome of your project. Two contenders in the world of felts, polyester and wool, offer distinct qualities and characteristics that cater to various creative endeavors.

In this article, we’ll unravel the differences between polyester felt and wool felt, shedding light on their unique features and best-suited applications.

What is craft felt made of?

Craft felt primarily comprises 100% man-made fibers like acrylic, polyester, rayon, or viscose. This economical variety of felt is widely available in craft stores and educational environments. Its synthetic composition makes it a budget-friendly choice for various creative projects. Crafters and schools often opt for this felt type due to its affordability and versatility.

Whether you’re working on school crafts or DIY projects, craft felt’s composition of man-made fibers makes it a convenient and accessible material for your creative endeavors.

Polyester Felt

Polyester felt emerges as a versatile and budget-friendly option for crafting enthusiasts. Crafters and hobbyists alike find this fabric to be an excellent choice for a wide array of projects. What sets it apart is its eco-fi composition – crafted entirely from recycled plastic bottles. This sustainable twist adds an eco-conscious element to your crafts while keeping costs in check.

Polyester felt offers consistent thickness and cuts cleanly, making it a reliable choice for crafting. Its edges maintain a sharp finish, and despite its affordability, it exhibits good sewing properties and doesn’t fray. However, one notable characteristic is its slight scratchiness and subtle shine, which adds a unique texture to your creations.

Wool Felt

On the other end of the spectrum, wool felt emerges with its own set of attributes. Wool felt comes in two main variations – a blend of rayon and wool, and the luxurious 100% wool option. The blend finds a sweet spot in terms of pricing, offering both durability and a softer texture. It presents a smoother surface and a denser feel, making it ideal for crafts that require sturdiness and longevity.

The 100% wool, although pricier, introduces a level of luxury that elevates your creative projects. Its thickness surpasses that of the polyester and wool blends, offering a substantial and plush feel.

One notable distinction among wool felts is their tactile experience. While both wool blends and 100% wool feel softer than polyester, the 100% wool exudes a unique roughness that isn’t scratchy, providing a delightful tactile sensation. Also, the edges of wool felt appear slightly fuzzy, and while the blend retains a smoother finish, 100% wool is renowned for its fuzzy appearance.

Polyester Felt vs. Wool Felt

Let’s take a closer look at the differences between these two versatile fabrics.

Composition and Sustainability

Polyester felt, an all-around inexpensive craft fabric, boasts ease of availability and affordability. The “eco-fi” felt is a notable eco-friendly choice, crafted from 100% recycled plastic bottles. On the other hand, wool felt comes in both a rayon/wool blend and a luxurious 100% wool option. While the blend offers a mid-price point, the 100% wool version commands a higher price due to its premium quality.

Thickness and Texture

Polyester and wool blends share similar thicknesses, while 100% wool felt stands out with its increased thickness. Texture-wise, polyester felt may feel slightly scratchy, while both variations of wool felt offer a softer touch. The 100% wool has a textured roughness that isn’t scratchy, whereas the blend feels the smoothest. Additionally, polyester felt displays a subtle shine, while both wool felts maintain a matte finish.

Cutting and Sewing

All three materials are cut and sewed beautifully without fraying, making them ideal for various projects. However, upon closer inspection, 100% wool edges tend to exhibit a gentle fuzziness. In contrast, polyester and wool blend present sharper edges. Notably, 100% wool is the most delicate when testing fiber resilience, potentially limiting its use in certain crafts.

Durability and Stretch

In terms of durability, both wool felts outperform polyester felt. When subjected to pulling, the latter stretches significantly and retains its stretched shape. Conversely, wool felts demonstrate greater resilience, with a slight stretch and quick restoration to their original form.

Crafting, Decor, and More: Finding the Right Fit

Each felt type has its rightful place in the grand tapestry of creativity. Polyester felt shines in the world of crafts, lending its cost-effectiveness and unique texture to various imaginative projects.

The wool blend steps up when durability is a priority – it’s perfect for crafts requiring a robust fabric, and its refined finish extends to home decor and accessories.

As for the 100% wool, it’s a true chameleon, seamlessly transitioning from crafting to clothing and hats and adding elegance to your home decor.

Is felt polyester?

No, not all felt is made from polyester. While polyester is a common material used in the production of felt, it’s worth noting that there are various other compositions. Many felts are blends of wool with either acrylic or polyester fibers, combining the natural properties of wool with the benefits of synthetic fibers.

Also, entirely synthetic felt options, such as acrylic felt, are available. This diversity in felt materials allows for various textures, durability, and applications, catering to different preferences and creative needs.

Is felt polyester or cotton?

Felt can be made from various materials, including Wool, Viscose, Polyester, Polypropylene, Recycled PET, Kevlar, Nylon, or Cotton. It’s important to note that the term “felt” refers to fabric and a process encompassing a wide range of materials used in its creation.

Conclusion

While polyester felt emerges as a go-to for budget-friendly crafts, the wool blend and 100% wool varieties introduce an elevated level of quality and durability, extending their applications to clothing, accessories, and home decor.

Understanding the unique attributes of each felt type empowers crafters to tailor their choices to their creative visions and project requirements.

 So, whether you’re crafting a cozy hat or designing charming home accents, choosing between polyester and wool felt will shape your crafting journey in delightful ways.