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Table Of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Pile fabrics: upright loops of yarn
- Napped fabrics: special fuzzy finish
- Chenille: base yarn + looped yarn
- Velour: natural or man-made fibers, directional nap
What is Fuzzy Fabric?
When we talk about fuzzy fabrics, we refer to fabrics that have a soft, fluffy feel and appearance.
- Pile fabrics, which have upright loops of yarn.
- Napped fabrics, which have a special fuzzy finish.
Looking closer, both pile and nap fabrics have a distinct texture with one side typically appearing darker than the other.
Pile Fabrics
Fuzzy fabrics are defined by the upright loops of yarn that create a nice fuzzy feel.
Pile fabrics are a type of fuzzy fabric and include chenille, velour, fur, and faux fur.
Napped Fabrics
Napped fabrics have a special finish given to them that helps make them feel and look warmer than the pile group.
| Napped Fabric | Characteristics | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Chenille | Woven or knitted with a base yarn and another yarn that’s looped, creates a raised pile or fuzzy texture. | Robes, blankets, scarves, and sweaters |
| Velour / Velvet | Made from natural or man made fibers, has a directional nap, should be sewn with care. | Dresses, skirts, jackets, and more |
| Corduroy | Brushed denim with a prominent diagonal line on one side. | Pants, skirts, jackets, and more |
Common Types of Fuzzy Fabric
Chenille, velour, and fur are common types of fuzzy fabrics.
Chenille is made of a base yarn and another yarn that’s looped, creating a raised pile or fuzzy texture.
Velour and velvet are made from natural or man made fibers and have a directional nap.
Chenille
After learning about pile fabrics, you’ll want to learn about chenille, a type of fuzzy fabric that’s woven or knitted with a base yarn and another yarn that’s looped.
Velour
Velour is another kind of fuzzy fabric that you should know about before sewing with it.
Here are 3 things to know about velour fabric:
- It’s a warm and cozy fabric that’s perfect for winter clothing.
- It can be difficult to sew with, so be sure to use a sharp needle and a walking foot.
- It’s available in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can find the perfect velour fabric for your project.
Fur
Fur is a type of fuzzy fabric that’s made from animal hair or synthetic fibers. It can be used for a variety of purposes, including clothing, accessories, and home décor.
When caring for fur, it’s important to use a gentle detergent and to avoid drying it in the dryer.
Uses for Fuzzy Fabrics
Fuzzy fabrics are used for a variety of purposes, including:
- Clothing: sweaters, coats, hats
- Furniture: upholstered furniture, pillows, throws
- Rugs: plush rugs, shag rugs
Clothing
Fuzzy fabrics are perfect for making cozy and warm clothing, like:
- Sweaters
- Coats
- Blankets
- Ballerina slippers
Furniture
Fuzzy fabrics are also great for making furniture upholstery.
They’re soft, warm, and insulating, making them perfect for keeping you cozy on a cold winter day.
Some popular fuzzy fabrics for furniture upholstery include chenille, velvet, and faux fur.
Rugs
In addition to furniture, fuzzy fabrics are also great for making rugs.
Fuzzy rugs are warm, cozy, and add a touch of personality to any room.
There are many different types of fuzzy rugs available, so you can find the perfect one to fit your needs.
Fuzzy rugs are also relatively easy to care for, making them a great option for busy homes.
Sewing Tips for Fuzzy Fabrics
When sewing with fuzzy fabrics, you need to take some special precautions.
- Use sharp fabric scissors, pattern weights and a walking foot on your sewing machine.
- Also, use a 90/14 needle and a stitch length between 3 and 4 mm.
Cutting
One of the first steps you need to do is cutting.
Use a rotary cutter with a regular or pinking blade.
Use a walking foot on your sewing machine.
Use a 90/14 needle that’s sharp in your machine.
Sewing Machine Needle
Once you have cut your fuzzy fabric, you’ll need to choose the right sewing machine needle.
A 90/14 needle is a good choice for most fuzzy fabrics.
Avoid using ball point needles, stretch needles, sharp needles, or universal needles.
Seam Allowance
When sewing with fuzzy fabrics, make sure to leave a minimum seam allowance of 1/2 inch.
Use a walking foot, sharp needle, fabric scissors, pattern weights, and stabilizer to help prevent puckering and shifting.
Stitch length should be between 3 and 4 mm.
Caring for Fuzzy Fabrics
To care for your fuzzy fabrics, you’ll need to:
- Wash them on a gentle cycle with cold water.
- Dry them on low heat.
- Remove lint from the fabric as needed.
Washing
After cutting, sewing, and pressing your fuzzy fabric, you need to wash it before wearing or using it.
Hand wash in cold water.
Dry flat, don’t tumble dry.
Avoid dryer sheets, use wool dryer balls.
Spot clean if needed.
Use fabric softener sparingly.
Drying
To properly care for fuzzy fabrics, you should dry them with caution to maintain their softness and texture.
Avoid tumble drying and opt for hanging dry, flat drying, or air drying instead.
Lint Removal
Lint is a common problem when working with fuzzy fabrics, but there are a few ways to remove it.
You can use:
- A lint roller
- A lint brush
- A sticky roller
- A dryer sheet
- Tape
Stretchy Fuzzy Fabrics
Stretchy fuzzy fabrics include fleece and minky.
Fleece is a soft, warm fabric made from polyester.
Minky is a soft, fluffy fabric that’s similar to the fur of a mink.
Both fleece and minky are great choices for making warm, cozy garments and accessories.
Fleece
Often used for baby blankets and plush toys, fleece is a stretchy, fuzzy fabric made from polyester. It comes in both knits and wovens and is perfect for cold weather.
Here are 3 types of fleece:
- Knit fleece: This is the most common type of fleece and is extremely soft and warm.
- Woven fleece: This type of fleece is more durable than knit fleece and is less likely to pill.
- Rich fleece: This type of fleece is made with a blend of polyester and wool and is the warmest type of fleece.
Minky
Just like fleece, minky is a stretchy fuzzy fabric that’s perfect for cold weather garments.
It’s available in a variety of weights and backings, so you can find the perfect one for your project.
Minky is easy to sew and care for, making it a great choice for beginners and experienced sewists alike.
Natural Fuzzy Fabrics
Natural fuzzy fabrics like wool, alpaca, and mohair are great options for cold weather clothing.
They’re soft, warm, and breathable, making them perfect for keeping you cozy all winter long.
Wool
Wool is a natural fuzzy fabric that comes from sheep and is perfect for keeping you warm in the winter. There are many different types of wool, each with its own unique properties. Learn about the different types of wool and how to care for them so you can choose the best wool for your next project.
Alpaca
Alpaca is a soft and warm natural fiber that’s often used in sweaters and scarves.
It’s similar to mohair but has a longer staple length and is less likely to felt.
Alpaca yarn and fabric are more expensive than wool but are also more durable.
Mohair
Another natural fuzzy fabric is mohair, which is made from the fiber of the Angora goat.
Mohair is soft, warm, and durable. It’s often used to make sweaters, scarves, and other garments.
Mohair can be expensive, but it’s a good choice for people who want a soft and luxurious fabric.
Mohair is easy to care for and can be machine washed and dried.
Synthetic Fuzzy Fabrics
Synthetic fuzzy fabrics include polyester fleece and acrylic fur.
Polyester fleece is a soft, warm fabric that’s perfect for winter wear.
Acrylic fur is a synthetic alternative to real fur that’s also soft and warm.
Polyester Fleece
Made from polyester, fleece is a soft, fuzzy fabric that’s perfect for keeping you warm. It comes in a variety of weights and types, so you can find the perfect one for your project.
Fleece is easy to sew and care for, making it a great choice for beginners and experienced sewists alike.
Acrylic Fur
Acrylic fur is a synthetic fuzzy fabric that’s made from acrylic fibers. It’s often used for coats, jackets, and other outerwear.
Types of acrylic fur:
- Short pile
- Long pile
- Faux fur
Acrylic fur care:
- Wash in cold water on the gentle cycle.
- Don’t bleach.
- Tumble dry on low heat.
- Don’t iron.
Where to buy acrylic fur:
- Online retailers
- Fabric stores
- Department stores
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the different types of fuzzy fabrics?
Fuzzy fabrics include:
- Alpaca
- Angora
- Boucle
- Cashmere
- Chenille
- Faux fur
- Felt
- Fleece
- Mink
- Mohair
- Shearling
- Sherpa
- Velour
- Velvet
What are the uses for fuzzy fabrics?
Fuzzy fabrics are used for a variety of purposes:
- Keeping you warm in the winter
- Adding a touch of luxury to your home décor
How do you sew with fuzzy fabrics?
To sew with fuzzy fabrics, use:
- Sharp fabric scissors
- Pattern weights
- A walking foot
Avoid low-quality fabrics that shed, and for fleece, use a low pile material.
How do you care for fuzzy fabrics?
To care for fuzzy fabrics:
- Hand wash with cold water and mild detergent.
- Lay flat to dry.
- Avoid using fabric softener.
What are some stretchy fuzzy fabrics?
Stretchy fuzzy fabrics include fleece, minky, and sherpa.
Fleece is made from polyester and comes in both knits and wovens.
Minky is a soft, fluffy fabric that’s similar to the fur of a mink.
Sherpa is made from synthetic fibers and has a napped finish that creates a fuzzy texture.
Conclusion
When you’re ready to sew with fuzzy fabrics, peruse this guide to learn about the different types, uses, and care instructions.
Fuzzy fabrics are a great way to add warmth and texture to your sewing projects. They come in a variety of types, each with its own unique properties.
- Fleece: Fleece is a soft, lightweight fabric made from polyester or acrylic fibers. It is often used for making sweaters, jackets, and other warm clothing.
- Sherpa: Sherpa is a thick, wooly fabric with a soft, napped surface. It is often used for making coats, blankets, and other warm accessories.
- Mink: Mink is a luxurious fabric made from the fur of the mink animal. It is often used for making coats, jackets, and other high-end clothing.
- Faux fur: Faux fur is a synthetic fabric that is made to look like real fur. It is often used for making coats, jackets, and other warm clothing.
Fuzzy fabrics can be used for a variety of projects, including:
- Clothing: Fuzzy fabrics are a great choice for making warm sweaters, jackets, coats, and other clothing items.
- Home décor: Fuzzy fabrics can be used to make blankets, pillows, throws, and other home décor items.
- Crafts: Fuzzy fabrics can be used to make a variety of crafts, including st￭ animals, dolls, and other projects.
When working with fuzzy fabrics, it is important to take care to avoid damaging the fibers.
- Wash fuzzy fabrics in cold water on a gentle cycle.
- Use a mild detergent.
- Do not use fabric softener.
- Air dry fuzzy fabrics or tumble dry on low heat.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your fuzzy fabrics looking their best for years to come.
