FLEECE FABRIC INFORMATION

FLEECE FABRIC INFORMATION
Natural fleece is an organic, marvelously soft,
amazingly resilient fabric that has been used in
textiles since the domestication of sheep. Fleece
is sheared humanely from specially-fed lambs and
then spun into textiles. Fleece fabric is all-natural
and reacts well to dyeing, thus making it
especially appropriate for bedding, winter clothing,
baby garments, and outerwear. In addition to soft
cotton, fleece is one of the best fabrics to use
against delicate skin. Those with allergies to
synthetic fabrics will appreciate fleece's hypo-
allergic, organic fibers. However, because it is an
organic fabric, care must be taken during
washing. Hand wash fleece and air-dry it; avoid
the dryer as this can shrink the garment down to
70% of its original size. For a more economical
alternative to natural fleece, polyester-based
polar fleece is widely available and shares many
of the benefits of organic fleece. Polar fleece, first
created in 1973 by the firm now known as
Polartec, is soft, warm, water resistant, and very
breathable much like natural fleece, with the
addition of being machine washable. For those
who are allergic or sensitive to wool, polar fleece
is a great alternative, and for a synthetic fabric,
the material is quite environmentally friendly as it
can be made entirely from recycled plastic
bottles. Polyester fleece is somewhat flammable,
though, and should not be washed or dried on
high heat settings. Due to fleece's fantastic
ability as an insulator, it is not recommended for
use in summer garments. However, fleece
performs beautifully during fall and winter, when
its lightweight yet powerful pile allows for
maximum warmth. It is also great for use in
crafting; fleece fabric makes fantastic quilts, yarn,
and is suitable for all types of imaginative sewing
projects. It is perfect for outerwear, shirts, socks,
mittens, and any other soft, winter items.