Plush fabrics come in a dazzling array of textures and uses, from the marshmallow-like softness of mochi minky to the sleek smoothness of velboa. Whether you’re sewing cuddly toys, cozy blankets, or luxurious garments, all plush fabric types offer unique characteristics and care requirements. This guide will take you through the most popular plush fabrics, their defining features, and how to make the most of them in your sewing projects. We will discuss the following fabrics:
Minky Fabric
Minky is a microfiber plush fabric celebrated for its fluffy, textured surface and varying degrees of stretch, depending on the producer. For instance, our SuperSoft SNUGLY minky offers greater elasticity compared to Shannon C3 minky fabric. This added stretch creates softer, squishier stuffed animals, while Shannon C3 results in a firmer, denser plushie.
Minky’s longer pile, typically 3–5 mm, gives it an incredibly soft and cuddly feel, making it a go-to choice for baby blankets, plush toys, and lounge accessories. Its smooth backside simplifies transferring pattern pieces, ensuring hassle-free sewing. While minky is known for its textured, fluffy finish, velboa offers a smoother, velvety surface. But essentially, velboa is a shorter-pile version of minky, produced using the same method but with less pile height. For this reason, we classify our SuperSoft SHORTY as a minky fabric, even though, by definition, it’s technically a velboa.
Minky Care:
- Machine wash in warm water, but avoid fabric softener
- Tumble dry on low heat
- Avoid fabric softener to maintain softness
- Use a low iron setting if needed, always testing on a scrap piece first
Minky Best Uses:
- Baby blankets and accessories
- Plush toys, stuffed animals, puppets
- Cozy home decor like throws and pillows
Velboa Minky Fabric
Velboa is a very short-pile microfiber plush fabric with a smooth, dense texture, like our SuperSoft SHORTY. Essentially a thinner version of minky, velboa’s shorter pile makes it easier to sew – especially for beginners – and results in less mess during cutting, as the cut fibers are much shorter. Its sleek, velvety surface and durability make it an excellent choice for structured projects.
Velboa Care:
- Machine wash in warm water, but avoid fabric softener
- Tumble dry on low heat
- Use a low iron setting if needed, always testing on a scrap piece first
Velboa Best Uses:
- Plush toys, costumes and puppets requiring precision and structure
- Baby blankets and accessories
- Pet beds and accessories
- Upholstery and decorative sewing projects.
Mochi Minky Fabric
Mochi minky like our SuperSoft SQUISHY is a single-sided microfiber plush fabric with an ultra-short 1 mm pile and exceptional 4-way stretch. Its unique stretchability makes it perfect for creating ultra-soft and squishy plush toys. The fabric’s stretch, combined with non-clumping fiberfill, will result in an unparalleled huggable quality of your handmade creations that you might know from the famous Squishmallow plush toys.
Unlike traditional minky, mochi minky incorporates spandex, giving it significantly more elasticity while maintaining durability. That’s why the fabric resists shrinking and breaking, ensuring your projects stand the test of time. Another notable benefit is that mochi minky sheds far less than plush fabrics with longer pile lengths, such as 3 mm or 5 mm.
Mochi Care:
- Machine washable in warm water, but avoid fabric softener
- Tumble dry on low heat
- Use a low iron setting if needed, always testing on a scrap piece first
Mochi Best Uses:
- Ultra-squishy plush toys
- Baby blankets and accessories
- Costumes and stretchy garments
Faux Fur
Faux fur replicates the luxurious look and feel of real fur with its dramatic, fluffy texture. Available in various lengths and densities, it ranges from short and sleek to long and shaggy. Faux fur is often categorized by the type of animal it mimics, such as rabbit, chinchilla, monkey, or llama. While many faux furs, like our FANTASTIC Furs ✶ Fuzzy Fur, have a stiff, non-stretch backing, certain types, such as stretchable “rabbit fur,” offer more flexibility and resemble minky fabric on the reverse side. Despite their differences, these fabrics are generally grouped together under the term “faux fur” due to their resemblance to natural animal fur.
Some faux furs are made from 100% polyester, which makes them durable, machine washable, and easier to maintain. Others, particularly those with acrylic content, require more careful handling, as acrylic fibers are less resistant to heat and wear. The fiber composition significantly impacts the fabric’s feel, stretch, and care requirements.
Faux Fur Care:
- Hand wash or machine wash on the delicate cycle using a mesh laundry bag
- Air dry flat, or use a hairdryer on low heat to smooth wrinkles
- Avoid ironing, as high heat can damage fibers
Faux Fur Best Uses:
- Stuffed animals and toys, including doll hair
- Costumes, cosplay, and fashion projects like vests and coats
- Decorative accents such as throws, cushions, and rugs
Sherpa or Teddy Plush
Sherpa, also known as “Sherpa Fleece”, “Faux Sheepskin Fabric”, “Lamb Faux Fur”, or “Bouclé Teddy Fabric”, mimics the bumpy texture of sheep’s wool. This often heavyweight, fluffy knit fabric features a sheep-like pile on one side and a smooth knit backing on the other. Commonly used for warm, cozy projects, sherpa is prized for its combination of softness, warmth, and versatility.
Sherpa is typically made from cotton, polyester, acrylic fibers, or a combination of the three. However, it can sometimes include wool or bamboo for added luxury. Its durability and ease of care make it a popular choice for jackets, blankets, and plush toys.
A closely related fabric is llama faux fur, which shares sherpa’s bumpy texture but incorporates loose fibers that give it a fuzzier, more textured appearance. Our Fantastic Fur ✶ Fine Teddy resembles this style of fur, offering a “fuzzy sherpa” look that is perfect for projects needing a slightly more whimsical texture. It also not as thick as a classic sherpa fleece fabric, which makes it easier to sew when it comes to handling lots of fabric layers.
Sherpa Care:
- Wash on a gentle cycle with warm water
- Air dry or tumble dry on low heat to maintain texture
- Avoid high heat or agitation, as it may flatten the pile or cause pilling
Sherpa Best Uses:
- Jackets, vests, and slipper linings for added warmth
- Cozy blankets and throws
- Stuffed toys, including teddy bears and whimsical animal plushies
Fleece Fabric
Fleece is one of the most widely available plush fabrics, easily found in most fabric stores. It comes in a broad range of colors and patterns and is generally quite affordable – though high-quality fleece can be just as pricey as minky or faux fur. While most fleece is made from polyester, some variations can be blended with cotton, providing added breathability and softness.
Fleece’s high stretch and thickness make it ideal for cozy, simple designs, but it can be challenging to use for high-detail plush projects. Additionally, fleece is prone to pilling, where small fiber balls form on the surface, affecting its texture. To minimize this, opt for anti-pill fleece, which maintains its smooth finish for longer.
Fleece Care:
- Machine wash in cold water with mild detergent
- Tumble dry on low heat or air dry to reduce pilling
- Avoid fabric softeners and high heat, as they can degrade the fibers
Fleece Best Uses:
- Simple stuffed toys and plushies
- Jackets, scarves, and other outdoor wear
- Cozy blankets, throws, and pet accessories
Flannel Fabric
Flannel is a soft, woven fabric typically made from cotton, wool, or synthetic blends. Known for its cozy, brushed surface, flannel is lightweight yet warm, making it a favorite for cold-weather projects. It is available in a variety of patterns, with classic plaid designs being especially popular. Flannel’s slightly textured surface helps prevent slipping when layered, making it an excellent choice for quilting.
Though flannel is soft to the touch, its weave gives it durability, and cotton flannels are especially breathable, making them suitable for both apparel and home décor.
Flannel Care:
- Machine wash in cold or warm water with gentle detergent
- Tumble dry on low heat or line dry to avoid shrinkage
- Iron on a low setting if needed
Flannel Best Uses:
- Quilts and bedding
- Cozy pajamas and shirts
- Baby accessories, like bibs and burp cloths
What is microfiber plush?
Microfiber plush is a type of fabric made from millions of ultra-fine synthetic fibers, typically polyester. These fibers are much thinner than a strand of silk, giving the fabric its signature softness and smooth texture. Microfiber plush fabrics are often used for creating cozy items like blankets, stuffed animals, baby accessories, and home décor due to their velvety touch and durability.
Key characteristics of microfiber plush:
- Softness: The ultra-fine fibers create a luxuriously soft surface, making it ideal for projects requiring a cuddly texture.
- Durability: Despite its delicate feel, microfiber plush is strong and resistant to wear and tear.
- Lightweight: The fabric is lightweight, making it comfortable for use in blankets, toys, and clothing.
- Moisture-Wicking: Microfiber’s structure allows it to wick moisture effectively, keeping items feeling dry and cozy.
How It Differs from Other Plush Fabrics:
Microfiber plush stands out from traditional plush fabrics (like velour or fleece) because of its finer fibers and smoother finish. It often has a more polished and consistent surface, making it a favorite for high-quality, modern designs. Additionally, it is machine washable and easy to maintain, adding to its appeal for everyday use.