Top 10 Best Fabrics for Plushies
Our Criteria for the Best Fabrics
This article gives you an overview of the best fabrics for stuffed animals. Choosing a fabric for a plush toy is an essential part of the toy-making process. This is because it affects the texture, quality, ease of cleaning, softness, and safety of the plush toy. As a DTC (direct-to-customer) brand from one of the world's leading toy factories, PlushThis has strict selection criteria for its materials. Whether you want to learn more about our plush toys or plan to make your own stuffed animal, this article can help you.
Texture
The texture of the plush toy fabric can impact how the toy feels to the touch.
For example, stuffed animals made of cotton are very soft to the touch and are very popular with children. The denim one is a little rough to the touch. However, they are very popular with parents because of their ease of care and cleaning.
Softness
The softness of the fabric affects the softness and comfort of the plush toy. Of course, it also affects the texture of a stuffed animal.
Small children, especially babies, often prefer soft fabrics, which give them a sense of security. They can also play with the stuffed animals themselves and fall asleep quietly with them when their parents are not around.
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Durability
The durability of the plush toy can be affected by the type of fabric used. Synthetic materials like polyester or acrylic tend to be more durable than natural materials like cotton or wool.
However, natural fibers may be preferred by some due to their breathability and eco-friendliness.
Safety
The safety of the plush toy is an important consideration when choosing fabric. It's important to choose a fabric that is non-toxic and meets safety standards for children's toys if it's intended for a child.
To tell if a plush toy is safe to use, you need to check the care tag on the plush toy, the instructions (if any) or the manufacturer's instructions on the website.
In addition, to find the best fabric for you, you can search the internet or seek advice from the manufacturer of toys or fabrics.
10 Best Fabrics for Plushies
There are a number of fabrics commonly used for plush production. Here you will find ten of the best fabrics for plushies.
Faux rabbit fur
Faux rabbit fur is a soft and warm synthetic fiber that imitates real rabbit fur. It is usually made from synthetic materials such as polyester or acrylic.
Faux rabbit fur also has a soft and plush texture, similar to natural rabbit fur. And, this fabric can come in a variety of colors and patterns, including animal prints.
Pros
- More affordable than real rabbit fur
- Not require any animals to be harmed
- Easy to care for
- More durable compared with real rabbit fur
- A variety of colors and patterns
Cons
- With slight hair loss
- Requires hand washing & avoid machine washing
- Without the same level of warmth and softness as real rabbit fur
PV Fleece
PV fleece，South Korea velvet or Plush, is one of the most common materials used to make plushies. It is a type of synthetic fabric made from terylene.
PV fleece has a soft, fluffy texture with a raised surface. Also, it is widely used for toys, clothing and furniture.
Some types of PV fleece are made with recycled materials, making them an eco-friendly option.
Pros
- Fine and soft texture
- Not prone to shrinking or stretching out of shape
- Non-allergenic
- Wide range of colours
- Lightweight & convenient for travel
Cons
- Slight discoloration on first use (common due to the dyeing process)
- Less soft than natural fibers like wool or cashmere
- Some types of PV fleece may contribute to plastic pollution
Faux cashmere
Faux cashmere is a synthetic fabric designed to mimic cashmere wool's luxury, softness and warmth.
It has a layer of fleece similar to that found on lambs and is a little rough to the touch. It is commonly used in clothing, accessories, and home decor.
Pros
- Smooth texture and feels very soft to the touch
- Good breathability and drapability
- The toys made are very comfortable
- High temperature shrinkage treatment, not easily deformed and wrinkled.
- High fibre strength and abrasion resistance.
- Resistant to alkali, chemicals, insects and mildew.
Cons
- Not have the same level of softness and warmth as real cashmere
- Not so durable as real cashmere
- Less used in high-end fashion than real cashmere
- Some low-quality faux cashmere may cause environmental pollution
Crystal super soft fabric
Crystal super soft fabric is a type of faux fabric used in stuffed toys. It is a popular and comfortable choice for those looking for a plush, comfortable fabric. It is easy to care for, durable and hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for a wide range of applications.
Pros
- Very comfortable to wear or use
- Easy to care for
- Can be machine washed and dried
- Durable
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Not so breathability as natural fibers
- Durability depends on quality
Denim
Denim is a popular classic fabric, known for its durability, versatility and unique fading properties. It is characterized by its blue color and diagonal pattern of threads.
Denims can be produced in a variety of weights, from lightweight summer clothing to heavyweight workwear and upholstery.
Pros
- Very durable
- Versatile
- Easy to care for
- Can be machine washed and dried
Cons
- Some people may find that denim is too rough or stiff
- May lose colour during washing
- Not the most environmentally friendly fabric
Velvet
Velvet is a soft, plush fabric with a unique texture and look. It is a luxurious and versatile fabric that can add texture and interest to many different types of clothing and home decor.
Pros
- Very soft and luxurious in texture
- Versatile
- Often associated with elegance and sophistication
- Able to keep warm
Cons
- Can be difficult to clean and maintain
- More expensive than some other fabrics
- More delicate than other fabric
Cotton
There are two types of cotton: knitted cotton and pure cotton.
Knitted cotton can be spun into yarn or thread. It is comfortable and warm. Knitted cotton is one of the most widely used fabrics for children's clothing.
Pure cotton is a fabric made from 100% cotton. It has better sanitation, warmth and breathability.
The former is one of the most common materials used for plushies. The latter is mainly used in the category of Organic Stuffed Animals.
Pros
- Breathable and absorbs moisture
- Easy to care for
- Can be machine washed and dried
- Affordable for most people
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- May shrink or wrinkle after washing
- May lose its shape over time
Acrylic fiber
Acrylic fiber is a synthetic fiber made from polyacrylonitrile. It can mimic the look and feel of natural fibres such as wool. At the same time, it costs less than natural fibres. So, acrylic fiber is popular with manufacturers of clothing and stuffed animals
Pros
- Lightweight and soft
- Resistant to wrinkles and mildew
- In a wide range of colors and patterns
- Dries quickly
- Easy to care for
- Resistance to sunlight
Cons
- Less breathable than natural fibers
- Can pill or fuzz over time with repeated wear and washing
- Its production may have negative environmental impacts
Tips:
To know more about how to wash plush toys with various materials, you may like: How to wash stuffed animals.
Rose bud fur
Rose bud fur, also known as rosebud chenille or rosebud fleece, is a type of fabric that is made from polyester fibers. With its soft fabric and rose-like shape, it creates a unique style of plush toy.
Pros
- Easy to care for
- Warm and cozy
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Durable
Cons
- Less breathable than natural fibers
- Can pill or fuzz over time with repeated wear and washing
Cool-fabric
Cool fabrics is a type of textile designed to regulate body temperature and wick moisture away from the skin. This fabric conducts heat better than normal fabrics and gives a cooler feel. It is typically made from synthetic fibers such as polyester or nylon.
Pros
- Slow heat absorption, fast heat removal
- Safe, non-irritating
- Lightweight and breathable
- Flexible, not easily deformed
- Durable
Cons
- Has a synthetic feel or odor
- Less suitable for cold weather
- More expensive than other types of fabrics
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FAQ
Why can't true animal fur be used to make plush toys?
Firstly, the use of animal fur for commercial purposes can be controversial.
Secondly, animal hides and skins can have a strong odour, smell unpleasant and even cause allergic reactions.
Finally, some people are allergic to animal dander and fur, which may threaten their lives.
For this reason, manufacturers use synthetic materials rather than using animal fur. These materials are softer, easier to clean and more durable. They also do
not pose the same ethical issues or allergy risks as animal fur.
How to choose fabric for you?
Everyone has their own personal preferences when it comes to the look and feel of fabrics. You may consider its texture, softness, quality and safety etc.
The choice of fabric will depend on the type of plush toy being made. For example, plush toys for children should be made of soft and allergy-friendly materials.
For children under 3 years old, use skin-friendly fabrics that meet baby safety standards.
How to make a plush toy？
You can find out more about this by reading "How to make a plush toy by yourself". Or you can take part in social media campaign of PlushThis. Maybe your design will be produced.
Conclusion
Everyone has their own preferred type of fabric. It has to be pointed out that no fabric is 'perfect' and no fabric is 'useless'.
This article introduces you to several types of natural fabric or faux fabric used in stuffed toys. After reading it, you will see that every fabric has its pros and cons.We recommend considering the feel, softness, durability and safety of the fabric when shopping for it.
Sincerely, we hope you'll enjoy shopping for plush toys from PlushThis. Our plush toys are designed by a team of professionals and manufactured by experienced manufacturers. In addition, our products meet the safety standards of Europe, the USA and Canada, making them a great playmate for children and a great gift idea.
Thank you for reading and we hope you find this article helpful.