Why I won’t use acrylic felt

It feels crunchy and gives me goosebumps when I handle it. It melts. And I swear it tries to grab my needle when I sew through it.

Acrylic on top, wool blend underneath.

What I stock instead

My studio runs on wool-blend felt, typically in the 20 to 35 percent wool range. Unlike the acrylic, this felt is soft and a total joy to work with. And, the thin Sizzix dies cut wool blends beautifully. 

The squish test

There’s nothing for you to memorize. When you’re shopping, just give the felt a little squeeze. Acrylic crunches and springs back like packing material. A wool blend compresses softly, feels dense, and warms up in your hand. Ultimately, if you like how it squishes, you’re set.

Acrylic vs. wool blend, side by side

Wool blend on the left, acrylic on the right.

What to look for on the label

Look for the words “wool blend,” which usually means wool mixed with rayon. The percentage does not need to be high; that 20 to 35 percent range behaves completely differently from pure acrylic. If the label says 100 percent polyester or 100 percent acrylic, that is the crunchy stuff.

Yes, wool blend costs more per sheet. But you are putting hours of your hands into these projects. The felt is the cheapest part of what you are actually spending.

Why not 100 percent wool?

You might be wondering why I lean toward the blends instead of 100 percent wool felt. Honestly, I do not have a lot of experience with it, though I have liked it when I have used it. It is typically a bit more expensive, and I have found it a bit stiffer than the blends I keep on hand.

FROM OUR STUDIO SHELVES

Feel the difference yourself

Every Darilyn Designs kit is cut from the same wool-blend felt I stock in my own studio. No crunchy acrylic, ever.