Sewing with felt is a great way for beginner stitchers or children to start sewing. Unlike regular fabric the raw edges do not fray if exposed, so this makes sewing with it much easier.
There are 3 main types of felt:
Synthetic felt - This is the cheapest type of felt and is made with synthetics like polyester or acrylic. This is the least durable of the felts so best for items that will not be handled a lot, like decorative items. It may have a plasticky feel to it and tears more easily than other felt types.
Wool blend felt - This is the middle ground between the cheaper felt and more expensive felt. It is cheaper than wool felt, and more durable than and has a soft feel than synthetic felt. It is good for most craft projects.
100% Wool Felt - This is the premium more expensive type of felt. It is the most durable and softest type of felt. Great for premium/heirloom projects or those that need to be long lasting.
At Pound Fabrics because we are dedicated to bringing you low prices we stock both synthetic felt and wool blend felt.
Tips for sewing with felt
1. When cutting felt, use your fabric cutting scissors or a rotary cutter. Don’t use scissors that have been used to cut other things ie. paper,as they won’t cut properly and will cause your felt to have snagged, uneven edges.
2. A number of die cutting machines have dies that are capable of cutting through felt, and sometimes even the really thick 100% wool felt! Try the Cuttlebug or Sizzix Big Shot machines with Sizzix Bigz dies for cutting through thick felt.
3. Blanket and whip stitching looks great on felt and really finishes off the edges. But bear in mind that felt doesn't fray so you don't have to finish off the edges if you don't want to.
4. Most felt will go through sewing machines and looks fab used in small pieces as embellishments.
5. Handles, hanging loops, button attachments and other points that will be pulled repeatedly should have extra stitches. Don't rely on one stitch through the felt to support significant weight.
6. If sewing using a thin acrylic felt, beware of pulling the thread too tight or using too large a needle as it could create a hole in the fabric, or even tear it.
7. When hand sewing felt an embroidery needle or crewel needle works well. Don't use an unnecessarily large needle. Large holes can remain visible, particularly in synthetic felt.
8. Embroidery floss works great with felt because you can adjust the number of strands you use to change the thickness. Matching thread makes imperfections disappear. Contrasting thread deliberately turns the stitching into part of the design.
Leave a comment (all fields required)