Types of Felt - Practical Guide to Felt Fabric - Felt Craft Patterns

01 Sep.,2025

 

Types of Felt - Practical Guide to Felt Fabric - Felt Craft Patterns

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Felt is a versatile fabric that is popular in various crafts and other applications. In this practical guide, we will explore the different types of felt fabric, how it is made, its uses, and where you can buy it. The felt fabric is generally made from natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or a combination of both. Natural fibers used in felt fabric include wool and, occasionally, fur from animals like rabbits or beavers. The synthetic fibers used in felt fabric include polyester, acrylic, or rayon. Felt fabric has many uses, from clothing and accessories to home décor and crafting. It is known for its durability, insulating properties, and versatility. Whether you are a crafting enthusiast or simply interested in learning more about this unique material, this article is for you.

My favorite felt is blended wool felt, which is made of a blend of synthetic and wool fibers and Korean soft and hard felt. For my felt crafts, they offer the best price-quality ratio. I use Korean hard felt for felt board patterns. I also have some leftover craft felt, which I use if I want to try something new or for felt projects that won't be touched, such as felt banners and pennants.

  1. Wool Felt (100% Wool Felt)

  2. Blended Wool Felt (Mix of Wool felt and synthetic felt or semi-synthetic felt)

  3. Craft Felt (Synthetic Felt)

  4. Korean Felt, also called Hard Felt or Stiff Felt (100% Polyester Felt)

  5. Eco-fi Felt (synthetic felt made from recycled plastic bottles)

  6. Xotic Felt (50% Bamboo, 50% Rayon Felt)

  7. Needled Felt

When you buy felt fabric, it's going to be made either of natural fibers (wool, fur), synthetic fibers (polyester, rayon, acryl, viscose), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers.

1. Wool Felt (100% Wool Felt)

100% Wool Felt is, as the name suggests, made from 100% wool. Wool felt is a natural material of high density and the best quality felt. This means that after the felt product has been used or become worn out, it can be safely disposed of as it is 100% biodegradable. The only potential environmental issues associated with these types of felt regard land use and proper animal stewardship. Wool felt has excellent wicking and durability abilities. When it comes to price, it is approximately two to three times more expensive than blended wool felt. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, wool felt shares the beneficial attributes of its base fiber, including absorbency, fire resistance, natural elasticity, and impressive insulative properties.

In felt crafts, wool felt is excellent for sewing stuffed toys and is a popular choice for clothing and felt hats.

If you want to buy wool felt, visit Atelier Anemoontje (The Netherlands) and Tintangel (The Netherlands) on Etsy.

In the US, Benzie Design (US) offers Bellwether felt made of 100% pure merino wool which is made of exceptionally high quality fibers.

My Felt Lady (Australia) sells premium Australian wool felt in 130 vibrant colors.

2. Blended Wool Felt

Blended wool felt is a blend of nylon, polyester, polypropylene, or cotton material and wool. There are two common types of wool blends used in felt production, the 20% wool/ 80% rayon blend or 35 % wool/ 65 % rayon blend, in-home crafting. Rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber as it is produced from naturally occurring polymers. It is not, however, a natural fabric because cellulose requires extensive processing to become rayon.

Blended wool felt is produced to provide some of the look and feel of wool felt but at a lower price. When comparing acrylic craft felt to blended wool felt, the blended felt will have a nice, nubby texture. Blended felt is more expensive than craft felt (about twice as much) but still reasonably priced.

You can use blended wool felt for home crafts and decorations.

Benzie Design (US) sells highly recommended wool blend felt. They also offer a wide variety of felt color palettes.

You can buy blended wool felt on Etsy at Gingermelon (Canada), The Felt Fairy (UK), Over The River Felt (US). You can buy blended wool felt on Amazon as well.

3. Craft Felt (Synthetic Felt)

Craft felt is purely synthetic felt used widely in crafting. It might pill and fuzz easily. Therefore, it is not advised for sewing crafts where a long lifespan is needed or a lot of handling is involved. It is the cheapest type of felt, which might make it a good option for kids' crafts or if your budget is too tight. The price depends on the synthetic fiber used, polyester being the most common craft felt. It’s very typical to start your felt journey with craft felt and then move on to blended wool felt or wool felt. Synthetic felt offers some of the same benefits as conventional felt. However, unlike wool or fur, acrylic felt is highly flammable, and it is uncomfortable when worn against the skin.

Craft felt is not the most environmentally friendly option as the synthetics degrade very slowly and the manufacturing process creates chemical pollutants.

4. Korean Felt, also called Hard Felt or Stiff Felt (100% Polyester Felt)

Korean hard felt is a stiffened polyester felt (synthetic fiber felt) with a thickness of 0.05 inch (1 mm or 1,2 mm). It's produced by a Korean factory called Shinwon Felt. It's produced by the needle punching method, which leads to a clean cut that doesn't pill. As the name suggests, it's a felt that feels harder (stiffer) on touch, which makes it hold its shape better than craft felt. Due to its stiffness, you can cut the edge easily with die-cut machines, scissors, and even decorative scissors (pinking shears).

It is trendy to create and sew Quiet Books. This type of felt is also used for kids’ crafts, charms, brooches, pendants, etc. I use it for felt board shapes and pieces. I have to admit I wasn't a fan of this kind of felt at the beginning, but I slowly found my appreciation for it. It's so easy to cut and holds its shape.

For the same reasons as craft felt (synthetic fibers), it is not the most environmentally friendly option.

Hard felt is more difficult to find in a craft store. If you want to buy this felt, Etsy is the best place to do so. You can find this type of felt by name: Korean hard felt or Shinwon felt. You can visit Manverko Felt (the Czech Republic),  Emilisa Kreativ (Germany), Blueberry Little Shop (UK), and Legacy Felt (US) on Etsy.

5. Eco-fi Felt

Eco-friendly felt, known as Eco-fi Felt, is a synthetic felt made from recycled plastic bottles (PET fiber). Its use can help to reduce plastic waste. It can be gently machine-washed (30) and ironed at low temperatures. Visit Kunin Care Guide for more information. This felt is perfect for children’s crafts and other projects that do not require high-quality wool felt. It’s not as soft to the touch and not as dense as wool-blend felt. It is a lovely alternative to craft felt for kids’ crafts. Kunin Felt produces Eco-fi felt in the US. You can buy Eco-fi felt on Amazon.

6. Xotic Felt (50% Bamboo, 50% Rayon Felt)

Bamboo felt, also known as Xotic felt, is a semi-synthetic felt made from 50% bamboo and 50% rayon fibers. One rayon is made from bamboo fibers, and one rayon is derived from other sources, most commonly wood pulp. These two rayons are then combined through commercial needle felting to create bamboo felt. This eco-friendly felt is incredibly soft, retains its shape through washing, and doesn't shrink. Xotic felt is a preferred option among vegans. You can buy Xotic felt from National Nonwovens on Amazon or on Etsy at TadaaStudioFelt (US) and Eco Friendly Crafts LLC (US).

7. Needled Felt

Needled felt is produced without the inclusion of moisture; instead, thousands of needles are used in the production. The felt fibers are intertwined with the needles, and this process is called needling.

There is also a creative craft called needle felting, whereby sculpting shapes and figures are made from wool. The artist uses special felting needles and wool, and with the up and down motion of the needles gives a form to wool. The created craft is used for decoration. 

Online retailers for felt fabric

Several online retailers offer a wide selection of felt fabrics. Websites such as Amazon, Etsy, and Fabric.com provide an extensive range of colors, types, and sizes of felt fabric to choose from. Shopping online allows you to compare prices and find the best deals easily. From my experience, there is a huge difference in quality between the types of felt fabrics. Therefore, I always order samples first.

Local craft stores

If you prefer shopping in person, local craft stores are a great place to find felt fabric. Stores like Michaels, Joann, and Hobby Lobby usually have a dedicated section for various types of felt, including different colors and sizes. Visiting a craft store also gives you the opportunity to see and feel the fabrics before making a purchase. 

Felt is a non-woven fabric made by matting together fibers through heat, moisture, and pressure. It has a unique texture and structure that sets it apart from other materials. Felt can be made from either natural or synthetic fibers, and it is commonly used in a wide range of applications.

Nonwoven felts are considered to be the first textile fabric produced in ancient times.

How is felt made?

The process of making felt involves several steps. First, fibers, such as wool, acrylic, or polyester, are aligned and layered. Next, heat, moisture, and pressure are applied to the fibers, causing them to become entangled and interlocked, forming a cohesive fabric. The felting process can be done by hand or through machine manufacturing.

Felt comes in various thicknesses ranging from 0.04 inch to 1 inch (0,8 mm to 25 mm). The preferred thickness for crafting with felt is about 0.05 to 0.06 inches (1,2 mm to 1,4 mm).

For felt crafts where you want sturdiness, 1/8-inch felt (3 mm) can be used, for example, for Christmas stockings, coasters, placemats, bags, purses, and slipper soles.

Felt also comes in different densities, measured in g / m². Denser felt is easier to work with, while less dense felt may require interfacing to ensure the durability of felt craft projects.

Uses of felt

Felt is a versatile material used in various industries and crafts. Its soft and durable nature makes it suitable for an array of applications. Some common uses of felt include clothing, accessories, hats, footwear, home decor, and craft projects. Its ability to absorb sound and provide insulation also makes it ideal for interior design and acoustic purposes.

Properties of Wool Felt

  • durable and resistant to wear and tear

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  • excellent insulator for sound

  • excellent insulator for temperature

  • highly flame retardant

  • highly absorbent

  • does not ravel or fray as woven fabrics

  • easy to work with, especially when hand-sewing

  • comes in many colors and thicknesses

In conclusion, you have learned about the different types of felt fabric. Felt is a type of fabric that is made from natural (wool, fur) or synthetic fibers. The most common type of felt is acrylic felt, also known as craft felt, which is often used in crafting projects. Wool felt, on the other hand, is made from pure wool and is known for its durability and insulation properties. Felt fabric is commonly used in a variety of applications, including clothing, hats, and as a material for arts and crafts. Whether it's for industrial or artistic purposes, there are many types of felt available that cater to different needs. Overall, felt is a versatile fabric that offers a wide range of uses and applications in various industries. 

Happy felt crafting!

Be sure to visit more on this website for free embroidery and sewing tips & tricks to help you out as you stitch my patterns. For free felt patterns, visit my Freebies page.

Let's craft together!

XO, Anna

In-Depth Industry Outlook: Polyester Felt Market Size, Forecast

Polyester Felt Market Size And Forecast

Polyester Felt Market size was valued at 4.49 USD Billion in and is projected to reach 6.07 USD Billion by , growing at a CAGR of 4.23% during the forecast period -.

Global Polyester Felt Market Drivers

The market drivers for the Polyester Felt Market can be influenced by various factors. These may include:

  • Industry Expansion: Particularly in the automotive, construction, and filtration industries, demand for polyester felt is strongly correlated with industrial expansion. Polyester felt is more needed as these sectors grow for uses including filtration media, gaskets, insulation, and padding.
  • Automotive Industry: Among its many uses for polyester felt are carpet padding, insulation, and noise reduction in the automobile industry. Polyester felt demand is immediately impacted by increases or decreases in vehicle production.
  • Building Industry: Insulation, soundproofing, and roofing underlayment are just a few of the uses for polyester felt in building. Polyester felt demand is driven by expansion in construction activity, especially in developing countries and infrastructure projects.
  • Environmental Laws: Tight environmental laws governing waste management and emissions are pushing polyester felt into filtering applications. In sectors like chemical, pharmaceutical, and oil & gas, where compliance depends on filtration efficiency, this is especially true.
  • Innovations in Material Technology: The performance and adaptability of polyester felt can be improved by innovations in material technology, which include the creation of new kinds of polyester fibers and better manufacturing techniques, therefore increasing the potential applications of the material and promoting market expansion.
  • Consumer Preferences: Manufacturers are developing polyester felt from recycled materials or bio-based sources in response to consumers' growing demands for eco-friendly and sustainable products.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Because polyester felt is so durable, long-lasting, and performs well, it is frequently chosen above natural fibers or substitute synthetic materials. Dynamics of the market can be influenced by economic factors including the cost of manufacturing and raw materials.
  • Geopolitical Aspects: Trade rules, tariffs, and geopolitical tensions can influence the cost and availability of raw materials needed to make polyester felt, which in turn affects the dynamics of the market both locally and internationally. In the medical field, polyester felt finds use in surgical drapes, orthopedic cushioning, and wound care. Growth in the healthcare industry, fueled by things like ageing populations and rising healthcare costs, might increase demand for polyester felt goods.

Global Polyester Felt Market Restraints

Several factors can act as restraints or challenges for the Polyester Felt Market. These may include:

  • Competitive Market: Non-woven textiles, wool felt, and acrylic felt are some of the materials that compete with polyester felt in the market. In certain applications, rival materials could provide superior performance or comparable qualities, making it difficult for polyester felt to hold onto its market share.
  • Environmental Concerns: Because polyester is a synthetic substance made of petroleum, worries about how it will affect the environment, especially in terms of sustainability and biodegradability, may impede market expansion. The market for polyester felt may be impacted by growing demand for eco-friendly substitutes due to increased awareness of environmental issues.
  • Variable Raw Material Prices: Petrochemicals are the primary source of raw materials used in the production of polyester felt, and changes in oil prices can have an effect on these costs. Polyester felt goods' pricing may be impacted by fluctuating raw material prices, which would reduce their ability to compete in the market.
  • Regulatory Compliance: A number of laws pertaining to worker safety, environmental protection, and product safety apply to the polyester felt industry. Adherence to these standards may result in higher production expenses and administrative demands, especially for enterprises that are small to medium-sized.
  • Alternative Materials: Developments in material science could result in the creation of alternatives with competitively priced, greater or comparable qualities to polyester felt. The market share of polyester felt may be threatened by the introduction of new materials.
  • Limited Product Differentiation: In commoditized market areas, polyester felt items may find it difficult to set themselves apart from those of their rivals. Manufacturers may face margin pressure and price competitiveness as a result of a lack of product differentiation.
  • Global Economic Conditions: The demand for polyester felt products as a whole can be affected by economic downturns or instability in important markets, especially in sectors that use polyester felt heavily, like the consumer goods, construction, and automotive industries.

Global Polyester Felt Market Segmentation Analysis

The Global Polyester Felt Market is Segmented on the basis of Application, Raw Material Type, And Geography.

Polyester Felt Market, By Application

  • Industrial Applications: Polyester felt finds numerous applications in industries due to its durability, affordability, and lightweight properties. Common uses include gaskets, insulation materials, polishing cloths, and vibration dampeners in automotive parts.
  • Construction Applications: Polyester felt serves various purposes in construction, including roofing underlayment, soundproofing materials, and thermal insulation.
  • Consumer Goods: A wide variety of consumer goods are made from polyester felt, including bags, hats, toys, and cases. It is also used for crafting and art projects due to its ease of use and availability in different colors and thicknesses.
  • Automotive Applications: Polyester felt plays a role in noise reduction, vibration dampening, and component protection within vehicles.
  • Furniture Applications: Polyester felt is used in furniture for padding, upholstery, and polishing.

Polyester Felt Market, By Raw Material Type

  • Virgin Polyester: This is polyester fiber that is newly produced from petroleum-based materials.
  • Recycled Polyester: This is polyester fiber that is made from recycled plastic bottles and other post-consumer waste. The use of recycled polyester contributes to a more sustainable production process

Polyester Felt Market, By Geography

  • North America: Market conditions and demand in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
  • Europe: Analysis of the Polyester Felt Market in European countries.
  • Asia-Pacific: Focusing on countries like China, India, Japan, South Korea, and others.
  • Middle East and Africa: Examining market dynamics in the Middle East and African regions.
  • Latin America: Covering market trends and developments in countries across Latin America.

Key Players

The major players in the Polyester Felt Market are:

  • Sutherland Felt Company
  • Superior Felt & Filtration
  • Southern Felt & Geotextiles
  • King Bird Tex
  • Saraswati Industries
  • Monarch Textiles
  • Rolking Felt Co.

Report Scope

REPORT ATTRIBUTESDETAILSSTUDY PERIOD-BASE YEARFORECAST PERIOD-HISTORICAL PERIOD-KEY COMPANIES PROFILEDSutherland Felt Company, Superior Felt & Filtration, Southern Felt & Geotextiles, King Bird Tex, Saraswati Industries, Rolking Felt Co.UNITValue (USD Billion)SEGMENTS COVEREDBy Application, By Raw Material Type, And By GeographyCUSTOMIZATION SCOPEFree report customization (equivalent up to 4 analyst’s working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Polyester Felt Market was valued at 4.49 USD Billion in and is projected to reach 6.07 USD Billion by , growing at a CAGR of 4.23% during the forecast period -. Industry Expansion, Automotive Industry, Building Industry and Environmental Laws are the factors driving the growth of the Polyester Felt Market. The major players are Sutherland Felt Company, Superior Felt & Filtration, Southern Felt & Geotextiles, King Bird Tex, Saraswati Industries, Rolking Felt Co. The Global Polyester Felt Market is Segmented on the basis of Application, Raw Material Type, And Geography. The sample report for the Polyester Felt Market can be obtained on demand from the website. Also, the 24*7 chat support & direct call services are provided to procure the sample report.

Report Research Methodology

Verified Market Research uses the latest researching tools to offer accurate data insights. Our experts deliver the best research reports that have revenue generating recommendations. Analysts carry out extensive research using both top-down and bottom up methods. This helps in exploring the market from different dimensions.

This additionally supports the market researchers in segmenting different segments of the market for analysing them individually.

We appoint data triangulation strategies to explore different areas of the market. This way, we ensure that all our clients get reliable insights associated with the market. Different elements of research methodology appointed by our experts include:

Exploratory data mining

Market is filled with data. All the data is collected in raw format that undergoes a strict filtering system to ensure that only the required data is left behind. The leftover data is properly validated and its authenticity (of source) is checked before using it further. We also collect and mix the data from our previous market research reports.

All the previous reports are stored in our large in-house data repository. Also, the experts gather reliable information from the paid databases.

For understanding the entire market landscape, we need to get details about the past and ongoing trends also. To achieve this, we collect data from different members of the market (distributors and suppliers) along with government websites.

Last piece of the ‘market research’ puzzle is done by going through the data collected from questionnaires, journals and surveys. VMR analysts also give emphasis to different industry dynamics such as market drivers, restraints and monetary trends. As a result, the final set of collected data is a combination of different forms of raw statistics. All of this data is carved into usable information by putting it through authentication procedures and by using best in-class cross-validation techniques.

Data Collection Matrix

Perspective Primary Research Secondary Research Supplier side
  • Fabricators
  • Technology purveyors and wholesalers
  • Competitor company’s business reports and newsletters
  • Government publications and websites
  • Independent investigations
  • Economic and demographic specifics
Demand side
  • End-user surveys
  • Consumer surveys
  • Mystery shopping
  • Case studies
  • Reference customer

Econometrics and data visualization model

Our analysts offer market evaluations and forecasts using the industry-first simulation models. They utilize the BI-enabled dashboard to deliver real-time market statistics. With the help of embedded analytics, the clients can get details associated with brand analysis. They can also use the online reporting software to understand the different key performance indicators.

All the research models are customized to the prerequisites shared by the global clients.

The collected data includes market dynamics, technology landscape, application development and pricing trends. All of this is fed to the research model which then churns out the relevant data for market study.

Our market research experts offer both short-term (econometric models) and long-term analysis (technology market model) of the market in the same report. This way, the clients can achieve all their goals along with jumping on the emerging opportunities. Technological advancements, new product launches and money flow of the market is compared in different cases to showcase their impacts over the forecasted period.

Analysts use correlation, regression and time series analysis to deliver reliable business insights. Our experienced team of professionals diffuse the technology landscape, regulatory frameworks, economic outlook and business principles to share the details of external factors on the market under investigation.

Different demographics are analyzed individually to give appropriate details about the market. After this, all the region-wise data is joined together to serve the clients with glo-cal perspective. We ensure that all the data is accurate and all the actionable recommendations can be achieved in record time. We work with our clients in every step of the work, from exploring the market to implementing business plans. We largely focus on the following parameters for forecasting about the market under lens:

  • Market drivers and restraints, along with their current and expected impact
  • Raw material scenario and supply v/s price trends
  • Regulatory scenario and expected developments
  • Current capacity and expected capacity additions up to

We assign different weights to the above parameters. This way, we are empowered to quantify their impact on the market’s momentum. Further, it helps us in delivering the evidence related to market growth rates.

Primary validation

The last step of the report making revolves around forecasting of the market. Exhaustive interviews of the industry experts and decision makers of the esteemed organizations are taken to validate the findings of our experts.

The assumptions that are made to obtain the statistics and data elements are cross-checked by interviewing managers over F2F discussions as well as over calls.

Different members of the market’s value chain such as suppliers, distributors, vendors and end consumers are also approached to deliver an unbiased market picture. All the interviews are conducted across the globe. There is no language barrier due to our experienced and multi-lingual team of professionals. Interviews have the capability to offer critical insights about the market. Current business scenarios and future market expectations escalate the quality of our five-star rated market research reports. Our highly trained team use the primary research with Key Industry Participants (KIPs) for validating the market forecasts:

  • Established market players
  • Raw data suppliers
  • Network participants such as distributors
  • End consumers

The aims of doing primary research are:

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  • Verifying the collected data in terms of accuracy and reliability.
  • To understand the ongoing market trends and to foresee the future market growth patterns.

Industry Analysis Matrix

Qualitative analysis Quantitative analysis
  • Global industry landscape and trends
  • Market momentum and key issues
  • Technology landscape
  • Market’s emerging opportunities
  • Porter’s analysis and PESTEL analysis
  • Competitive landscape and component benchmarking
  • Policy and regulatory scenario
  • Market revenue estimates and forecast up to
  • Market revenue estimates and forecasts up to , by technology
  • Market revenue estimates and forecasts up to , by application
  • Market revenue estimates and forecasts up to , by type
  • Market revenue estimates and forecasts up to , by component
  • Regional market revenue forecasts, by technology
  • Regional market revenue forecasts, by application
  • Regional market revenue forecasts, by type
  • Regional market revenue forecasts, by component