The Ultimate Guide to Shopping for Fleece Fabric
If you’ve ever walked into a fabric store thinking you’d just grab a quick yard of fleece, only to emerge hours later buried under bolts of cozy softness, you’re not alone. Shopping for fleece fabric can be an adventure—one filled with texture debates, pattern dilemmas, and the occasional impulse buy (because let’s face it, who can resist a fleece covered in tiny llamas wearing scarves?).
But don’t worry! I’m here to break it all down for you, from the different types of fleece to what you need to know before hitting that ‘add to cart’ button. Plus, I’ll share some of my favorite places to shop with handy affiliate links so you can stock up on fleece while supporting this little corner of the internet. Win-win!
Types of Fleece Fabric
Before you start shopping, it’s good to know your fleece options. Not all fleece is created equal, and choosing the right type for your project can make all the difference!
Anti-Pill Fleece – Soft, durable, and won’t turn into a fuzz monster after a few washes. Perfect for plushies, blankets, and apparel.
Blizzard Fleece – Slightly thicker than anti-pill, with a smooth texture and great warmth. Excellent for no-sew projects and cozy wearables.
Plush Fleece – As the name suggests, this fleece is extra plush and fluffy. Great for making stuffed animals, plush blankets, or anything that needs a touch of luxury.
Sherpa Fleece – Fuzzy on one side, smooth on the other, this fleece gives a super soft, sheep-like texture. Perfect for linings, jackets, and the coziest plush projects.
Microfleece – Lightweight and moisture-wicking, often used for activewear or baby blankets.
Where to Shop for Fleece Fabric
Now that you know what kind of fleece you’re looking for, let’s talk about where to get it! Here are some of my go-to fabric shops that offer a great selection of fleece fabrics.
🛍️ Amazon– Tons of fleece options, from solids to fun patterns. Prime shipping makes it a great choice for when you need fleece in a flash.
🛍️ Etsy – Looking for unique fleece prints? Etsy is a fantastic place to find small-batch designs and independent fabric sellers offering rare and adorable patterns.
Tips for Buying Fleece Fabric
Shopping for fleece is fun, but keeping these tips in mind will make sure you get the best fabric for your project:
✅ Check the Weight – Some fleece fabrics are thicker than others. If you need a sturdy blanket, go for a heavier weight. For plushies or garments, a mid-weight fleece is usually best.
✅ Read the Reviews – Especially when shopping online! Fellow crafters often share insights on stretch, softness, and how the fleece holds up after washing.
✅ Look for Sales and Coupons – Fleece can get pricey, but many fabric stores run seasonal sales (hello, Black Friday deals!) and offer coupons to bring those prices down.
✅ Pre-Wash If Needed – Most fleece won’t shrink much, but if you’re making something fitted, it doesn’t hurt to pre-wash and dry before cutting.
✅ Think About Stretch – Some fleece fabrics have more give than others. If your project needs stretch, make sure you choose fleece with a bit of spandex or check the product details for stretch percentage.
✅ Use Interfacing for Stability – Since fleece can be quite stretchy, especially when working with intricate designs or structured projects, adding a lightweight interfacing can help maintain shape and prevent unwanted stretching. Fusible interfacing is a great option for reinforcing areas like collars, cuffs, and applique details.
Fleece Fabric: The Cozy Conclusion
Shopping for fleece fabric doesn’t have to be overwhelming—just cozy up with the right knowledge and a few well-placed clicks! Whether you’re sewing plushies, blankets, or snuggly garments, there’s a fleece out there waiting to wrap you in its warm, fluffy embrace.
So, grab a cup of tea, browse these fleece fabric finds!
Happy sewing! 🧵✨