Last Updated on February 3, 2024
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.
Here, we’ll explore 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.
Polyester Felt
Polyester felt is a synthetic material made entirely from polyester. It shares properties with traditional felt and is heat-resistant. It’s more affordable than wool felt and offers resistance to heat, organic acids, mildew, bleaches, and other agents. Additionally, it has high heat tolerance, wear resistance, and sunlight resistance.
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.
Assorted Polyester Felt Sheets
- Soft Felt Squares
- 12×12 Inches
- 36PCS in 12 Colors
- 2mm Thickness
- Made of 100% polyester
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, 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.
38 Piece Merino Wool Blend Felt
- Heathered Colors
- 35% Wool/65% Rayon
- Approx 2mm Thick
- 6X6 inches
- Made in USA
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
So, What is the difference between wool and polyester felt? Polyester felt is cheap and eco-friendly, made from recycled bottles, good for basic crafts. Wool felt comes in a blend or 100% wool, offering different textures. Use polyester for affordable crafts, wool blend for durability, and 100% wool for versatile projects. Felt can be made from polyester, wool, cotton, and more, offering different textures for various uses.
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.
What is Better Wool Felt or Polyester Felt?
Wool felt offers a softer touch, greater durability, and versatility for various projects, including crafting, clothing, and home decor. Polyester felt, on the other hand, is more affordable and eco-friendly, making it suitable for cost-effective crafts. Consider factors like texture, durability, and intended use to determine which is better for your particular application.
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.
| Feature | Polyester Felt | Wool Felt |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Recycled plastic bottles, affordable | Blend or 100% wool, premium quality for 100% wool |
| Thickness and Texture | Similar thickness, slightly scratchy | Increased thickness, softer touch, 100% wool has textured roughness |
| Cutting and Sewing | Cuts and sews without fraying | Cuts and sews beautifully, 100% wool may have gentle fuzziness at edges |
| Durability and Stretch | Less durable, stretches and retains shape | More durable, slight stretch, quick restoration |
| Suitable For | Cost-effective crafts | Durable crafts, home decor, versatile applications |
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.
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