Felt: What You Need to Know

Felt is believed to be created over 5000 years ago in Asia. It’s been used to make rugs, tents, and shoes for several millennia. Today, you can buy felt in every color under the sun, and it’s often used for kids’ crafts because it’s an easy, affordable, soft, and exciting alternative to colored paper. As is true with many textiles, felt has changed significantly since it was first introduced. 

Is felt environmentally friendly? Is it even vegan? Keep reading to find out! 

How It’s Made 

There are two ways felt is made; it can be produced with animal hair or with a synthetic petroleum-based fiber (plastic). 

Source: Canberra Region Feltmakers/Youtube

Traditionally, felt is made by layering and compressing layers of animal hair with hot water to create a single, sturdy piece of fabric. This process is called wet felting and can be achieved with several kinds of animal hair ranging from mohair to muskrats. Plant and synthetic fibers cannot be produced using wet felting. 

Felt can also be made with synthetic materials like polyester and acrylic. Some felt is made with recycled polyester, but a lot is made from virgin plastic. Unlike animal hair felt, synthetic felt will not fuse with welt felting. Instead, it needs to be needled together or fused with chemicals and heat.

Environmental Effects 

Both types of felts have their pros and cons. Buying textiles made from animal hair is not ethical, but opting for a synthetic alternative isn’t necessarily all that better. 

Using Animal Hair for Textiles 

There are ethical and environmental issues attached to using animal hair (fur). Animals being held for their wool, hair, or fur are kept in small quarters that don’t resemble the life they deserve to be living. 

Using Synthetic Materials for Textiles 

The last thing we need in the world is more plastic. Synthetic felt contributes to the masses of polyester and petroleum-based fibers we’re putting into the environment. Unlike cotton or a linen textile, synthetic felt is not biodegradable. You can make felt with recycled plastic bottles, which does lessen the carbon footprint. However, it’s important to note that once the recycled synthetic felt is made, it cannot be recycled again. 

Synthetic textiles like polyester or felt also release microfibers when washed. These tiny fibers end up in our ecosystems and cause a plethora of problems for marine life and ourselves. 

Should You Buy Felt? 

You should not buy new wool or animal fur felt since it supports the cruel fur farming industry. Synthetic felt is technically a better option, although we recommend buying recycled felt if you can. However, natural and plant-based textiles like cotton are the more eco-friendly choice, so opt for those if possible. 

Like with any garment or textile, reading the fabric composition before purchasing it is essential. It gives you an idea of where the piece came from and its environmental impact. 

If you know that you’re buying a felt piece to last several years, then sure, make the purchase. But if the felt is only being bought for some quick craft before you toss it in the trash, we would search for a more eco-friendly alternative.

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• What Is the Most Animal and Eco-Friendly Material for Clothing?
• Is Your ‘Organic Cotton’ Actually Organic? Probably Not.
• Things That Real Animal Fur Might Be Hidden In

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