Felt: Properties & Sewing Tips | Fabric Guide

Felt is a versatile, non-woven textile material made by matting fibers, usually wool. Due to its fiber density, felt offers excellent thermal insulation and sound absorption. Since felt is not woven but matted, it does not fray at the cut edges, which significantly simplifies processing.

Properties of Felt

Excellent thermal insulation due to high fiber density
Effective sound absorption for acoustic applications
Durable and long-lasting, especially with wool felt
Absorbs up to one third of its own weight in moisture
Flame-retardant and self-extinguishing (with wool felt)
Does not fray – ideal for easy processing

Uses for Felt

Fashion and accessories like hats, bags, shoes and appliqués

Interior design: carpets, coasters, furniture glides, wall cladding

Sound insulation and acoustic panels in rooms

Upholstered furniture and furniture construction

Crafts and handicrafts due to easy processing

Care Instructions

1 Hand washing preferred: Gently in lukewarm water with mild wool detergent

2 Do not wring or spin – only gently squeeze out

3 Dry flat on a towel in the air

4 Iron on wool setting with some steam if needed

5 Avoid strong rubbing to prevent pilling

Sewing Tips for Felt

No seam allowance needed: Since felt does not fray, edges can be left open or decorated with a decorative stitch. This saves time and allows for creative design options.

Robust needle and strong thread: Use a robust universal needle (size 80-100) and strong thread or even wool for decorative seams. For thicker felts, a jeans needle can also be helpful.

Press seam allowances apart: Press the seam allowances apart and let the fabric cool after ironing so that the creases are fixed. This ensures professional, flat seams.

Make a test piece: When using decorative stitches or special techniques, a test piece is always advisable. This way you can optimally adjust the stitch length and width before working on the actual project.

Frequently Asked Questions about Felt

Can felt be washed?

Wool felt should be washed carefully by hand when possible, as it can further felt or shrink if treated incorrectly. Use lukewarm water and mild wool detergent. Synthetic felt is often easier to care for and can sometimes be machine washed – always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

What types of felt are there?

There are mainly two types: wool felt (natural felt) is made from animal hair like sheep's wool and is particularly high-quality. Synthetic felt consists of synthetic fibers like polyester or polyacrylic and is cheaper and often more colorful. Wool felt is particularly suitable for high-quality projects, while synthetic felt is ideal for craft projects.

What is felt particularly well suited for?

Felt is particularly well suited for projects where no seam allowance is needed, as it does not fray. Ideal for bags, hats, slippers, coasters, appliqués and decorative elements. Due to its sound-absorbing properties, it is also popular in room acoustics. For sewing beginners, felt is a perfect entry-level material due to its easy processing.

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