Wool Felt FAQs: The 7 Questions Everyone Asks (And I'm Here to Answer!)

Hello my lovely! If you've ever Googled something like "Can I wash wool felt?" or "Why does my felt go fuzzy when I cut it?!" — you're not alone. Whether you're brand new to wool felt or a seasoned stitcher who just wants some juicy felty facts, this blog is for you.

Let’s dive into the 7 most commonly asked questions about wool felt (the kind I get in my inbox all the time), and I’ll give you honest, detailed answers from my own experience at My Felt Lady.

1. What is Wool Felt Actually Made From?

Great question! Wool felt is made by matting and compressing natural wool fibres (usually from sheep like Merino or South African sheep) using moisture, heat, and pressure until they form a dense, fabric-like sheet.

Unlike woven or knitted fabrics, felt isn't made with any thread or weave structure. It’s completely unique in that way, and that’s why it doesn’t fray when you cut it — hallelujah!

At My Felt Lady, I only stock 100% wool felt made from Australian Wool. Why? Because I believe in offering the very best: felt that cuts cleanly, holds its shape, and gives your finished projects a polished, professional look (with a deliciously soft feel!).

I have a GREAT blog where you can discover more about our Wool Felt, check it out HERE.

2. How is Wool Felt Different From Acrylic or Polyester Felt?

This one's a hot topic!

Acrylic or polyester felt is made from synthetic fibres. It's cheaper and can be found in big-box stores, but it’s... well, a bit plasticky. It's usually thinner, shinier, and more likely to pill or stretch out over time.

Wool felt, on the other hand, is:

• Natural and biodegradable

• Thicker and softer with a matte finish

• More durable for both decorative and functional projects

• A dream to cut and stitch (seriously, once you try it, you'll never go back)

When you're putting hours into a hand-sewn heirloom or a detailed appliqué, trust me—wool felt is worth it.

One of the best blogs I wrote a while ago expands more on this, check it out HERE.

3. Can You Wash Wool Felt?

You can, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

Because wool felt is made from natural fibres, it behaves like... well, wool! That means it can shrink or distort if it’s not washed carefully.

Here’s how to wash it safely:

• Hand wash only, in cool water

• Use a mild wool-friendly detergent

• Do not wring it out—instead, press between two towels to remove excess water

• Lay flat to dry (never hang it—gravity will stretch it!)

💡 Pro Tip: If you plan to wash the finished item (like in baby toys or wearables), pre-wash your wool felt before cutting to avoid surprise shrinkage.

That said, most felt projects don’t need washing at all—a gentle spot clean or lint roller does the job beautifully.

More on this HERE, plus some really GREAT storage options.

4. Is Wool Felt Safe for Kids and Pets?

Absolutely, and it’s one of the reasons I love it so much.

My 100% wool felt is non-toxic and free of harmful chemicals or dyes. It’s naturally flame-resistant and incredibly durable. That makes it perfect for:

• Quiet books and baby mobiles

• Pretend play food

• Christmas ornaments

• Pet toys and accessories

Just make sure little ones aren’t left unsupervised with small pieces or buttons—standard safety stuff. But as far as materials go, wool felt is one of the gentlest and safest out there.

Check out why the big brand makers are choosing Wool Felt HERE.

5. What Are the Best Tools for Cutting and Sewing Wool Felt?

If you want crisp cuts and smooth stitches, you have to start with the right tools. Here’s what I personally use in my workshop:

• Scissors: Kai 5" sewing scissors — seriously sharp and comfy to hold

• Needle: No.7 DMC embroidery needle — perfect size for hand-stitching felt

• Thread: DMC embroidery thread — strong, colourful, and never frays on me

You’ll also love:

• A small pair of embroidery scissors for cutting tiny curves and details

• A disappearing ink pen for drawing templates directly onto the felt

• Beeswax or thread conditioner to stop your thread from tangling

Having the right tools makes your project more enjoyable and gives you that clean, pro finish.

There is an awesome Blog on my favourite tools HERE.

6. Can I Use Wool Felt for Appliqué?

YES! And it’s one of the best fabrics for it.

Because wool felt doesn’t fray and holds its shape, it’s ideal for layering and detail work. You can cut teeny tiny pieces for flowers, faces, letters, or whatever you dream up, and they’ll sit beautifully on your background fabric.

Designers like Wendy Williams are absolute pros at felt appliqué. Her work often features bright wool felt layered onto wool or cotton backgrounds with stunning embroidery added on top. She's a big inspiration to me (and to many of you!).

You can check out some of my felt-friendly appliqué patterns in the shop too—I always match the perfect colours and shapes for clean, satisfying stitching.

Want to know more? Check it out HERE

7. How Should I Store Wool Felt to Keep It in Good Condition?

Proper storage = longer felt life and fewer sad creases.

Here’s how to do it:

• Store felt flat if possible (like in a drawer or on a shelf)

• If space is tight, you can roll it loosely

• Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to avoid fading

• Use ziplock bags, plastic tubs, or felt folders to keep dust and pet hair off

💡 Avoid folding it tightly—creases are tough to get out. If you do end up with some, lightly press with a cloth over the top and a warm (not hot!) iron.

And there you have it—the seven biggest wool felt questions answered with love, laughs, and a whole lot of experience.

If you’ve got a question I didn’t answer, drop me a message or a comment. I’m always happy to help, and who knows—your question might just be featured in the next blog post!

Yours Feltfully,
Candice