7 Key Differences Between Felt and Craft Burlap Fabric You Need to Know

Felt fabric and craft burlap fabric are two of the most popular fabrics used in the world of crafting, and both have their own unique characteristics.

At first glance they may seem similar but there are significant differences between the two that are important to understand. In this blog post, we will discuss 7 key differences between felt and craft burlap fabric that you need to know.

Also read: Cutting with Precision: 7 Essential Tools for Cutting Sweat Fabric Like a Pro

What is felt fabric?

Felt fabric is a textile material made by compressing and matting fibers together until they form a dense, non-woven fabric.

It is commonly made from wool, but can also be made from synthetic fibers or a blend of natural and synthetic fibers. Felt fabric is soft to the touch and has a fuzzy texture that makes it ideal for crafting.

What is craft burlap fabric?

Craft burlap fabric, on the other hand, is a coarse, loosely woven fabric made from jute fibers. It is often used for its rustic, natural look, and is popular in home decor, weddings, and other special occasions.

It is available in a variety of colors and is a versatile material that can be used for a wide range of projects.

Importance of understanding the differences between the two

While felt fabric and craft burlap fabric may seem similar in some ways, they have distinct differences that affect their appearance, texture, durability, and uses.

Understanding these differences will help you choose the right fabric for your project, and ensure that your finished product looks and performs as intended.

Differences Between Felt Fabric and Craft Burlap Fabric

We will discuss seven key differences between felt and craft burlap fabric, including texture, color, durability, uses, cost, care, and availability.

1 Texture

Texture is one of the most noticeable differences between felt fabric and craft burlap fabric.

The texture of felt fabric

Felt fabric has a soft, fuzzy texture that is created by the way the fibers are compressed and matted together. The texture of felt fabric is smooth and uniform, and it is easy to work with because it does not fray or unravel.

Felt fabric is much smoother and more uniform than craft burlap fabric. Felt fabric is easier to work with, and its smooth texture makes it ideal for projects that require precision and detail.

The texture of craft burlap fabric

Craft burlap fabric, on the other hand, has a rough, coarse texture that is created by the loose weave of the jute fibers.

The texture of craft burlap fabric can be uneven, with some areas being more tightly woven than others. This can make it difficult to work with, as it can fray and unravel easily.

Craft burlap fabric, on the other hand, is more rustic and natural-looking, and is often used for projects that require a more textured, organic feel.

2 Color

Color is another important difference between felt fabric and craft burlap fabric.

The color options available for felt fabric

Felt fabric is available in a wide range of colors, from bright and bold to soft and muted. Because felt fabric is made from fibers that can be dyed, it is possible to find felt fabric in almost any color imaginable.

Felt fabric is also available in a range of prints, including polka dots, stripes, and florals. In terms of color options, felt fabric offers a wider range of choices, including prints and a vast range of colors

The color options available for craft burlap fabric

Craft burlap fabric is available in a range of natural colors, including shades of brown, beige, and green. However, it is also available in a variety of dyed colors, including pastels and brights.

Craft burlap fabric is not typically available in printed patterns, but it can be embellished with other materials like ribbon or paint.

It offers more natural and rustic colors, which are ideal for projects with a more organic look. Both fabrics can be dyed to create custom colors, but felt fabric is more versatile when it comes to design options.

3 Durability

Durability is an important consideration when choosing fabric for a project, and felt fabric and craft burlap fabric have different levels of durability.

The durability of felt fabric

Felt fabric is a durable material that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. It is resistant to tearing and fraying, and it can be washed and dried without losing its shape or texture. However, it can pill over time with heavy use.

It is the more durable of the two fabrics. It can withstand heavy use and can be washed and dried without losing its shape or texture.

The durability of craft burlap fabric

Craft burlap fabric is not as durable as felt fabric. It is prone to fraying and unraveling, especially along the edges, and it can be damaged by moisture or excessive handling.

It is not recommended for projects that will be exposed to the elements, such as outdoor decorations.

Overall, Craft burlap fabric is not as durable and is prone to fraying and unraveling, especially if it is not handled with care.

4 Uses

Felt fabric and craft burlap fabric are both popular materials for a wide range of projects, but they are often used for different purposes.

Common uses for felt fabric

Felt fabric is a versatile material that can be used for a variety of projects, including clothing, accessories, home decor, and crafts.

Some popular uses for felt fabric include making stuffed animals, creating holiday decorations, and designing hair accessories.

Felt fabric can be used for both rustic and more polished projects and is more versatile and can be used for a wider range of purposes

Common uses for craft burlap fabric

Craft burlap fabric is often used for rustic, natural-looking projects, such as home decor, wedding decorations, and outdoor events.

It is commonly used to make table runners, banners, and centerpieces, and it can be embellished with other materials like lace or ribbon.  Craft burlap fabric is best suited for rustic or natural-looking projects, while

5 Cost

Cost is an important consideration when choosing fabric for a project, and felt fabric and craft burlap fabric have different price points.

The cost of felt fabric

Felt fabric is a relatively inexpensive material, especially when compared to other types of fabric. It is widely available at craft stores and online retailers, and is sold by the yard or in pre-cut sheets.

The cost of felt fabric can vary depending on the quality of the material, but it is generally affordable. Overall, felt fabric is the more affordable of the two fabrics.

It is widely available and generally less expensive than craft burlap fabric.

The cost of craft burlap fabric

Craft burlap fabric is more expensive than felt fabric, especially if it is purchased in larger quantities.

The cost of craft burlap fabric can vary depending on the quality of the material, the size of the piece, and the supplier.

It is commonly sold by the yard or in pre-cut lengths, and it is usually more expensive than felt fabric. However, the cost of either fabric will depend on the quality of the material, the size of the piece, and the supplier.

Conclusion

Felt fabric and craft burlap fabric are both versatile materials that can be used for a wide range of projects.

While they share some similarities, they also have some key differences that make them better suited for certain types of projects.

Felt fabric is a durable, versatile material that offers a wide range of color and design options. Craft burlap fabric is a more rustic, natural-looking material that is ideal for outdoor and rustic projects.

When choosing between the two, consider factors such as color options, durability, uses, and cost to find the best material for your project.