Fleece Fabric Guide & Uses

Fleece vs. Wool

Fleece: Synthetic, machine washable, doesn’t itch, lighter weight, less expensive, doesn’t pill as much

Wool: Natural fiber, can be itchy, requires special care, heavier, more expensive, very warm and durable

Best Use: Fleece for everyday wear and easy care; wool for extreme cold and formal items

Fleece vs. Flannel

Fleece: Knit fabric, very stretchy, warmer, thicker, synthetic, doesn’t breathe as much

Flannel: Woven fabric, little stretch, lighter, softer drape, usually cotton, more breathable

Best Use: Fleece for outerwear and blankets; flannel for sheets and pajamas

Fleece vs. Minky

Fleece: Double-sided fuzzy texture, more structure, easier to sew, less expensive

Minky: Fuzzy on one side only, silkier feel, slippery to sew, more luxurious look

Best Use: Fleece for general projects; minky for special baby blankets and plush items

Standard Polar Fleece

Description: The most common type of fleece with medium thickness and soft texture

Characteristics:

• Fuzzy on both sides
• Medium weight (200-300 gsm)
• Anti-pill finish resists fuzzing
• Some stretch in all directions
• Available in every color and pattern
• Most affordable fleece option

Best For: Blankets, scarves, hats, simple jackets, craft projects, no-sew projects

Width: Usually 58-60 inches wide

Why It’s Popular: Joann’s anti-pill fleece offers the perfect balance of warmth, softness, and easy sewing for beginners

Lightweight Microfleece

Description: Thinner, smoother fleece with less bulk

Characteristics:

• Lightweight and thin (100-200 gsm)
• Smoother surface, less fuzzy
• More stretchy than polar fleece
• Drapes better for clothing
• Less warm than regular fleece
• Perfect for layering

Best For: Lightweight jackets, pajamas, baby clothes, lining for garments, summer blankets

Sewing Tip: Easier to sew than thick fleece because it’s less bulky

Extra Soft Blizzard Fleece

Description: Super soft, extra fuzzy fleece with longer pile

Characteristics:

• Very thick and plush (300+ gsm)
• Longer, shaggier fuzzy surface
• Extremely soft and cozy
• Heavier than standard fleece
• More expensive
• Limited stretch

Best For: Luxury blankets, cozy robes, decorative throws, pet beds, extra warm outerwear

Perfect When: Maximum softness and warmth are priorities—Joann blizzard fleece is ideal for special projects

Fluffy Sherpa Fleece

Description: Fleece designed to look and feel like sheep’s wool

Characteristics:

• Very bumpy, curly texture
• Extremely thick and warm
• Usually has smooth backing side
• Limited color options (mostly cream/white)
• More challenging to sew
• Luxurious look and feel

Best For: Jacket linings, blanket backing, boot cuffs, decorative pillows, pet accessories

Sewing Note: Very bulky—requires heavy-duty needles and slower sewing

Athletic/Outdoor Performance Fleece

Description: Technical fleece designed for outdoor activities and sports

Characteristics:

• Moisture-wicking properties
• Wind-resistant coating
• More structured and less fuzzy
• Quick-drying
• Often has DWR (water repellent) finish
• Higher price point

Best For: Athletic wear, hiking jackets, outdoor clothing, running gear

Brands: Polartec, Patagonia fleece, North Face fleece

Patterned & Character Fleece

Description: Regular fleece with printed designs, characters, or patterns

Characteristics:

• Same as polar fleece but with designs
• Endless pattern options
• Perfect for themed projects
• Kids love character prints
• Seasonal designs available
• May cost slightly more than solids

Best For: Kid’s blankets, themed craft projects, gift items, holiday decorations

Popular Themes: Sports teams, holidays, animals, Christmas patterns, cartoon characters—Joann’s has one of the largest selections of printed fleece designs

Double-Layer Bonded Fleece

Description: Two layers of fleece bonded together with thin layer between

Characteristics:

• Extra thick and warm
• Very wind-resistant
• More structured than single-layer
• Heavier weight
• Minimal stretch
• Often reversible

Best For: Heavy winter jackets, outdoor vests, cold-weather blankets

Challenge: Too thick for home machines—best for hand-sewing or industrial machines

Perfect Settings for Fleece

Stitch Type: Straight stitch or narrow zigzag (1.5mm width)

Stitch Length: 2.5-3.0mm for regular fleece, 3.0-3.5mm for thick fleece

Tension: Normal or slightly loosened

Presser Foot Pressure: Reduce pressure for thick fleece to prevent stretching

Speed: Medium speed works best

Special Note: Test on scraps first—fleece can stretch if settings are wrong

Tips for Cutting Fleece

• Lay fabric on large, flat surface
• Let fleece relax for an hour before cutting if it was folded
• Use rotary cutter for straight lines
• Cut in single layer when possible (fleece is thick)
• Pay attention to stretch direction (usually crosswise)
• Mark wrong side with tape or chalk
• Don’t let fleece hang off table—weight pulls and stretches it

Preventing Stretched Seams

Problem: Fleece can stretch out of shape while sewing

Solutions:

• Don’t pull or push fabric through machine—let feed dogs do the work
• Pin every 3-4 inches to keep layers together
• Use walking foot for long seams
• Sew with stretch direction, not against it
• Support fabric weight so it doesn’t pull

Seam Finishing Options

Good News: Fleece doesn’t fray, so you have options!

• Leave Raw: Simply trim with scissors—edges stay neat
• Serged Edges: Professional finish that lies flat
• Zigzag Stitch: Adds stretch and prevents curling
• No Finishing Needed: For most projects, raw edges work perfectly

Reducing Bulk

Fleece is thick, so seams can get very bulky:

• Grade seam allowances (trim one side shorter)
• Press seams open instead of to one side
• Trim seam allowances to 1/4 inch after sewing
• Clip curves and corners carefully
• Avoid sewing through more than 2-3 layers

No-Sew Fleece Projects

Fleece is perfect for no-sew projects!

• Tie Blankets: Cut fringe and tie knots—no sewing needed
• Braided Blankets: Cut strips and braid edges together
• Fabric Glue: Use fabric glue for simple projects
• Hot Glue: Works for crafts and decorations (not clothing)

Perfect For: Kids’ projects, quick gifts, people without sewing machines

No-Sew Tie Blanket

Skill Level: Beginner (No Sewing!) | Time: 1-2 hours

Materials: 2 yards each of 2 coordinating fleece fabrics

How It Works: Layer two pieces, cut fringe around edges, tie knots

Perfect For: Kids to make, quick gifts, anyone without a sewing machine

Size: Makes approximately 60″ x 72″ blanket

Simple Fleece Scarf

Skill Level: Beginner | Time: 30 minutes

Materials: 1/2 yard fleece

What You’ll Learn: Cutting straight lines, basic sewing (or no sewing at all!)

Variations: Add fringe ends, braid three strips together, make infinity scarf

Fleece Hat

Skill Level: Beginner | Time: 1-2 hours

Materials: 1/2 yard fleece

What You’ll Learn: Sewing curved seams, working with stretch fabric

Styles: Beanie, earflap hat, headband, ponytail hat

Fleece Throw Blanket (Sewn)

Skill Level: Intermediate | Time: 2-3 hours

Materials: 2-3 yards fleece

What You’ll Learn: Sewing long straight seams, binding or hemming edges, working with large fabric pieces

Tips: Add cotton backing for reversible blanket, topstitch for professional look

Fleece Jacket or Vest

Skill Level: Intermediate | Time: 4-6 hours

Materials: 2-3 yards fleece, zipper, pattern

What You’ll Learn: Following patterns, installing zippers, set-in sleeves

Perfect For: Custom outdoor wear, matching family jackets

Fleece Mittens or Gloves

Skill Level: Intermediate | Time: 2-3 hours

Materials: 1/2 yard fleece

What You’ll Learn: Small curved seams, working with tight spaces

Add: Grippers on palms, sherpa lining, convertible mitten flap

Fleece Robe or Bathrobe

Skill Level: Advanced | Time: 6-10 hours

Materials: 3-4 yards fleece, belt material

What You’ll Learn: Complex garment construction, pockets, shawl collar, belt loops

Luxury Upgrade: Use blizzard fleece or sherpa for spa-quality robe

Fleece Pajamas Set

Skill Level: Advanced | Time: 6-8 hours

Materials: 3-4 yards fleece, elastic

What You’ll Learn: Matching sets, elastic waistbands, working with patterns

Popular Styles: Two-piece sets, footed pajamas for kids, matching family PJs

Fleece Quilt with Binding

Skill Level: Advanced | Time: 10-15 hours

Materials: Multiple fleece colors, backing fabric, binding

What You’ll Learn: Piecing squares, binding edges, quilting techniques

Challenge: Working with stretchy fabric in quilt format requires precision

Other Fun Fleece Projects

• Pet Beds: Simple rectangular pillow covers (1-2 hours)
• Neck Warmers: Tube scarf with elastic (1 hour)
• Headbands: Quick ear warmers (30 minutes)
• Boot Cuffs: Decorative fleece toppers (1 hour)
• Pillows: Cozy throw pillows (1-2 hours)
• Stuffed Animals: Simple plush toys (2-4 hours)
• Car Blankets: Emergency warmth for vehicles (2 hours)
• Stadium Cushions: Padded seat cushions (1-2 hours)

How to Wash Fleece Items

Machine Wash: Use cold or warm water (never hot)

Detergent: Regular laundry detergent works fine

Fabric Softener: Don’t use it! Softener coats fleece fibers and reduces softness over time

Washing Cycle: Gentle or normal cycle

Water Temperature: Cold water best, warm okay, hot water never

Special Note: Wash fleece separately or with similar fabrics to prevent pilling

Drying Fleece

Dryer: Low heat or air dry setting

Never Use: High heat—it can melt or damage fleece fibers

Drying Time: Fleece dries quickly, usually 30-45 minutes

Air Dry Option: Hang or lay flat to dry—fleece dries fast even without heat

Remove Promptly: Take out of dryer right away to prevent wrinkles

Preventing and Removing Pills

What Are Pills? Little fuzz balls that form on fleece surface from friction

Prevention Tips:

• Wash fleece inside out
• Use cold water and gentle cycle
• Don’t overload washing machine
• Buy anti-pill fleece when possible
• Wash with similar fabrics only

Removing Pills: Use fabric shaver, sweater stone, or disposable razor carefully

Getting Stains Out of Fleece

Act Fast: Fresh stains come out much easier than set-in stains

• Food Stains: Pre-treat with dish soap, then wash normally
• Grease/Oil: Apply baking soda or cornstarch, let sit, brush off, wash
• Mud: Let dry completely, brush off, then wash
• Ink: Dab with rubbing alcohol before washing
• Blood: Rinse with cold water immediately, then wash

What to Look For

• Weight (GSM): Grams per square meter—higher numbers mean thicker fleece
• Pill Resistance: Look for “anti-pill” labels on better quality fleece
• Softness: Touch it! Softer fleece usually indicates better quality
• Stretch: Should have moderate stretch, not too much or too little
• Color Fastness: Quality fleece doesn’t fade quickly
• Thickness: Hold up to light—shouldn’t be see-through

Budget Fleece ($4-7 per yard)

What You Get: Basic fleece, may pill more, thinner weight

Best For: Practice projects, kid’s crafts, no-sew blankets

Considerations: May not be as soft or long-lasting

Mid-Range Fleece ($8-12 per yard)

What You Get: Anti-pill fleece, nice patterns, good quality

Best For: Most projects, blankets, clothing, gifts

Why Choose It: Best value for quality and durability

Premium Fleece ($13-20+ per yard)

What You Get: Blizzard fleece, performance fleece, specialty types

Best For: Special projects, outdoor gear, luxury items

Worth It When: You want maximum softness or specific performance features

Common Project Yardage

Baby Blanket: 1 to 1.5 yards

Lap Blanket: 1.5 to 2 yards

Throw Blanket: 2 to 2.5 yards

Twin Blanket: 3 yards

Full/Queen Blanket: 3.5 to 4 yards

Scarf: 0.5 yard

Hat: 0.5 yard

Child’s Jacket: 1.5 to 2 yards

Adult Jacket: 2.5 to 3 yards

Tip: Buy an extra half yard for mistakes or future projects!

Fleece Stretching Out of Shape

Problem: Fleece gets wavy or stretched while sewing

Solutions: Use walking foot, pin frequently, don’t pull fabric, support weight

Skipped Stitches

Problem: Machine skips stitches in fleece

Solutions: Use ballpoint needle, check needle isn’t dull, adjust tension slightly, slow down

Seams Rolling or Curling

Problem: Seam allowances curl up instead of lying flat

Solutions: Use zigzag stitch, serge edges, topstitch seams, trim close to stitching

Static Cling

Problem: Fleece attracts lint and pet hair, creates static

Solutions: Use dryer balls (not sheets), spray with anti-static spray, reduce dryer time

Losing Softness

Problem: Fleece feels rough or stiff after washing

Solutions: Stop using fabric softener, wash in cold water, don’t over-dry, use gentle cycle

Did You Know?

• Not From Sheep: Despite the name, fleece fabric contains no wool
• Outdoor Favorite: Fleece is the most popular fabric for outdoor clothing
• Quick Dry: Fleece dries 50% faster than cotton
• Warm When Wet: Unlike cotton, fleece keeps you warm even when damp
• Recycled Options: Some fleece is made from recycled plastic bottles!
• Military Use: U.S. military uses fleece in cold-weather gear
• No Iron Needed: Fleece naturally resists wrinkles
• Lightweight Warmth: Fleece provides same warmth as wool at half the weight

Sustainable Fleece Choices

Recycled Fleece: Made from post-consumer plastic bottles—look for rPET labels

Benefits: Reduces plastic waste, uses less energy to produce, same quality as virgin polyester

Brands: Patagonia, Polartec ECO, many mainstream brands now offer recycled options

Environment Tip: Wash fleece in laundry bags to catch microfiber shedding