What is Felt?
Felt is a man-made fabric, created from natural fibres. Most man-made fabrics are generally woven; however, this material differs in this sense. So, what is felt exactly? A felted fabric is created from fibres being compressed and matted, often pressed together using heat, moisture and a lot of pressure. It can take a large amount of work. But the result is a very dense fabric consisting of permanently interlocked fibres.
What is Felt Made From?
Felt is typically composed of wool or other natural raw materials, which generally produces the highest quality and softest fabric. Wool also matts very easily, making it ideal for this fuzzy fabric. However, adding synthetic fibres into the mix (such as polyester or acrylic) can improve the product depending on its intended use. Adding a percentage of synthetic fibres can increase felts durability for certain crafts or industrial use. It can also increase pliability. A common fibre sometimes added to wool is rayon. Rayon removes the prickly feeling that pure wool can often have against the skin. Meaning that a synthetic mix is the best of both worlds!
How is Felt Made?
As mentioned, the process of creating felt can be pretty labour intensive. It involves various steps of blending the fibres, matting the material, shrinking and steam-pressing. However, the most straightforward method is simply to apply heat and moisture. This causes the mix of fibres to merge and blend together. You can even do this yourself at home to any wool or knitted products. Pop it in the washing machine for a process known as ‘felting’ or ‘fulling’. It’s the same thing that happens when you accidentally shrink that woolen jumper!
Origins & History
Wool felt is one of the oldest known textiles. The location of its origin is debated, with many cultures having their own origin legends for the process. However, it is thought to have been created over 5000 years ago in Asia. The method is still practised by Nomadic peoples in Asia. They make tents, rugs and clothing, including traditional yurts and more tourist oriented items such as decorative slippers. One commonly told origin story is that during the Middle Ages, men lined their sandals with wool for comfort. Over time, the fibres in the wool became interlocked and felted as a result of the moisture, warmth and recurring pressure from being walked on.
Types of Felt
There are a few types of felt readily available to work with, alongside needlefelt which you can create yourself.
Pressed
- Pressed: This is the oldest form of felt (or fabric at all) that is known to man. It even predates knitting and weaving techniques. It’s the most common type, which uses wool fibres or a blend of wool and synthetic fibres. Those are compressed using heat and moisture, causing the fabrics to interlock. It can be cheap to make, and in a range of thicknesses which achieve a high density.
- Needled: In the case of needed felt, a blend of wool and synthetic fibres, or 100% wool, are interlocked. But this time by a machine rather than naturally. Machines that contain thousands of needles interlock the fibres to produce this softer, less dense type of felt fabric. It is often used for crafts or cushioning.
- Woven: Wool or a wool blend is directly woven into a cloth and then moisture and pressure are applied. This makes the fibres naturally interlock, as with pressed felt. This incredibly durable fabric is ideal for musical instruments and door seals. It has a much lower maximum thickness than needled or pressed felt.
What is Felt Used For?
So, what is felt used for? This material has a huge range of uses, depending on the type you’re using and the quality of the wool. Wool has different textures ranging from silky to coarse, which ultimately effects the felt you create with it. It has an incredibly unique texture and qualities. It can be made from a wide range of materials which is quite unusual in a fabric. Needled felt is very soft making it perfect for crafts. Whereas wool blends are light and breathable but still keep you toasty during the Winter months; making them perfect for knitwear. Pure wool felt is a natural insulator and very resilient to wear and tear. It is strong and able to absorb moisture. This means it can be used for home furnishings as well as decorative items.
Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
- Durable
- Warm but lightweight
- Doesn’t fray
- Easy to cut and work with
- Available in wide range of colours and thicknesses
- Generally inexpensive
- Versatile
Disadvantages
- Not particularly supple
- Minimal elasticity
- Coarse texture
- Potential to shrink
- Can pill or fuzz over time
Can I Print on Felt?
You can create your own felt print by simply uploading your design, a photo or artwork, to the design interface and position it as you like. If you don’t believe how easy it is, why not give it a go with our test prints?
After exploring the question of ‘what is felt?’ why not trying our swatch pack and feel and discover felt and other fabrics?
I need to make a felt item softer, how? Tried hot water, no change. Thanks for your opinion!
Try tumbling the items with various shaped rocks. Just kick an old bucket around if you don;t wish to ruin your appliances. put a lid on and pull the handle out.