Fabric 101: Polar Fleece
Polar fleece is the thickest type of fleece fabric, giving it excellent insulating properties. It is a type of knit fabric that is known for being extra cozy and soft. Polar fleece also has slightly better moisture-wicking properties than other types of fleece. This makes it better at keeping you dry as well as warm.
Since polar fleece is so thick compared to other types of fleece, it is most often used in outerwear coats and jackets, or warm hats, scarves, and gloves. The fabric is also used for warm blankets and sometimes for towels and bathrobes.
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| Fabric | Polar Fleece |
| Texture? | Soft and fluffy |
| Stretch? | Stable knit with a very slight stretch, mostly across the width of the fabric |
| Heavy or light? | It’s considered a medium to heavy-weight fabric but doesn’t feel heavy while wearing it |
| Stiff or flowy drape? | Somewhat stiff drape |
| Nap? | Napped material |
| Typical fiber content? | Almost always polyester |
| Opaque or sheer? | Completely opaque fabric |
| Shiny? | Not shiny |
| Fraying? | Does not fray |
| Pilling? | Lower-quality polar fleece is prone to pilling |
| Other identifying properties? | Moisture-wicking and insulating material |
| Cool or warm weather? | Best for cold weather |
| What to make? | Coats, jackets, winter accessories, blankets, stuffed animals |
| What needle to use? | Use a jersey or ballpoint needle |
What kind of fabric is polar fleece?
Polar fleece was specifically designed to provide incredible insulation, moisture-wicking properties, and a soft texture, making it perfect for cold-weather outdoor activities. Due to its association with the extreme cold of polar regions, the name “polar fleece” stuck and became a popular term for this type of fabric.
Polar fleece is thicker and fluffier than other types of fleece. It has a plush feel that makes it incredibly cozy to wear or use. While other fleece types may be softer to the touch, they do not offer the same level of warmth as polar fleece. Polar fleece also proves to be more durable and long-lasting compared to other fleece varieties. Its sturdy nature allows it to withstand frequent washing and wear without pilling or losing its shape.
What can you make with polar fleece fabric?
Polar fleece is a popular choice for cozy garments like jackets, blankets, and winter accessories. Its excellent warmth-to-weight ratio makes it a popular choice for jackets, sweaters, and hats, providing optimal protection against the cold. Its moisture-wicking properties also make it ideal for outdoor activities, such as hiking or camping, as it keeps the body dry and comfortable.
Properties of polar fleece fabric
- Texture: Polar fleece fabric has a soft and plush texture, providing a cushiony feel. It’s kind of sponge-like too. You can squish it and the material will bounce right back.
- Stretch: Polar fleece is a stable knit fabric, meaning it barely stretches. Some types of polar fleece will have no stretch at all, while others will have a 5-10% stretch across the width of the fabric. There is typically no stretch along the length.
- Weight: Polar fleece generally falls within the medium to heavyweight category. This provides a good balance between insulation and comfort. Even though it is extremely warm, it’s not also too heavy to wear.
- Drape: Polar fleece has a moderate drape. It’s not stiff and structured, but it also can’t be described as flowy.
- Fiber composition: Polar fleece is primarily made from polyester fibers.
- Pile: Unlike traditional fleece, which typically has a single-sided pile, polar fleece is generally manufactured with a pile on both sides. This creates a soft and fluffy texture on both the face and the back of the fabric, providing extra warmth and comfort.
- Opacity: Polar fleece is a completely opaque fabric.
- Shine: Polar fleece is not a shiny fabric. It is known for its soft and fuzzy texture that has a matte finish.
- Fraying: Since it’s a knit fabric, fleece is automatically resistant to fraying.
- Pilling: Polar fleece is generally more resistant to pilling compared to other kinds of fleece fabric.
- Wrinkling: Polar fleece is wrinkle-resistant even after being folded or packed.
How to sew with polar fleece fabric
The main difficulty with sewing polar fleece is how thick it is. You need to make sure your machine can handle multiple layers of thick fabric. It can also help to use a longer stitch length to prevent bunching fabric and tangled thread.
The only other consideration is that you’ll want to switch out your sewing machine needle. Since polar fleece is a knit fabric, you need to use a ballpoint or stretch needle, otherwise, there is a greater chance of thread jams or putting rips in the fabric as you go.
How to care for polar fleece fabric
Polar fleece is a durable type of fabric, and you can use just about any settings on your washing machine and dryer. The fleece will be fine coming out the other end. Since it’s made of polyester, it’s unlikely to shrink at all. In addition, polar fleece is somewhat pill-resistant, so there’s not as much fear of causing little pill balls to appear compared to other types of fleece fabric.
