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What is Fleece Fabric?

Misty Amber Brighton
Misty Amber Brighton

Fleece fabric is a type of material that is usually very soft. It is can be manufactured from recycled plastic bottles or synthetic fibers, such as polyethylene. This material is generally lightweight yet breathable, which means air can flow through it easily. It is often used to make blankets, sweaters, jackets, hats, mittens, and scarves, among other items.

This cloth is often preferred over wool because it is usually softer. It is also usually also lighter in weight. Some people may find themselves becoming itchy when they wear wool, but do not usually have such a reaction to wearing garments made from this man-made type of textile.

Fleece fabric is generally easy to cut with household shears.
Fleece fabric is generally easy to cut with household shears.

Fleece fabric can be made from synthetic fibers, like polyethylene, a type of plastic resin. It can also be partly constructed of plastic jugs or bottles that have been recycled. This usually means that this material is relatively inexpensive while being good for the environment at the same time.

Often, sweatshirts, jogging pants, and other athletic garments are made from fleece fabric. This is because this cloth tends to keep perspiration away from the body while allowing air to circulate through the fibers. This typically serves to hold down odors associated with sweating during strenuous physical activity.

Blankets and throws are also commonly made from fleece fabric. This is because the material is not only lightweight but warm as well. This can make it a good choice when people are traveling or attending outdoor activities, such as football games.

Fleece may be used to make cold weather socks.
Fleece may be used to make cold weather socks.

In addition to being used for blankets and active wear, it is also desirable for cold weather clothing. This can include jackets, gloves, hats, and scarves. This cloth normally has a short pile to it, which tends to increase body temperature when placed near the skin.

It can be easy to make items with fleece fabric. This can usually be done with a home sewing machine. It is generally easy to cut with a pair of household sewing shears. This fabric is available in a variety of prints and colors, so making an item to suit almost any taste or style can be accomplished fairly simply.

Fleece is good for cold-weather clothing.
Fleece is good for cold-weather clothing.

Fleece fabric can be purchased at most craft stores or sewing supply retailers. It is usually inexpensive and easy to work with. It is also simple to care for and holds its shape well. This can mean garments or household items made from this material can be good choices for people of all ages.

Discussion Comments

anon262517

I just started using fleece fabric this past winter on some projects and I can't believe how easy it is to use. Easy to cut, put together, and make nice embellishments. So far I made some blankets, scarves, and some coats for my dogs. I made them wear Hello Kitty too whether they wanted to or not! Also, I found this video on how to make fleece blankets without sewing for anyone that needs help with that.

Walker5

Fleece is the fabric of choice for outdoorsy types in the Pacific Northwest. It keeps you warm even when it's damp and it won't wick, so you can accidentally dip your cuff in the creek without the water creeping up the sleeve toward your elbow. It's light, crushable, and requires no special handling in the laundry.

One caution, though: it melts instantly if a coal from the campfire pops onto it. Sit well back unless you secretly hate the pants your aunt made so all the cousins could sport matching printed fleece fabric crafts.

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    • Fleece fabric is generally easy to cut with household shears.
      By: Serghei Velusceac
      Fleece fabric is generally easy to cut with household shears.
    • Fleece may be used to make cold weather socks.
      By: sarahdoow
      Fleece may be used to make cold weather socks.
    • Fleece is good for cold-weather clothing.
      By: Maridav
      Fleece is good for cold-weather clothing.
    • Fleece fabric is commonly used to make blankets and throws.
      By: dimedrol68
      Fleece fabric is commonly used to make blankets and throws.
    • Thin fleece gloves can be worn under bulkier wool gloves for added warmth during cold weather.
      By: RTimages
      Thin fleece gloves can be worn under bulkier wool gloves for added warmth during cold weather.