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Teddy Fabric

Teddy fabric is a soft, voluminous fabric with a fluffy or curly surface. It is widely used for coats, jackets, baby items, accessories and interior projects. Composition, weight, stretch and backing can vary considerably between qualities.

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Soft teddy fabric with a fluffy, curly texture

Also known asTeddy fleece / sometimes Sherpa fleece

SurfaceFluffy and soft

CompositionVaries by quality

Weight & stretchVaries by quality

Suitable forCoats, baby items, accessories & interiors

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The Fabric

What is Teddy Fabric?

Teddy fabric is a group of fabrics recognised by a soft, voluminous surface with fine loops, larger curls or a fluffy pile. Its appearance is reminiscent of sheepskin and the soft exterior of a teddy bear. In the UK textile trade, teddy fleece is a common related term for soft, fluffy teddy-style fabrics. Sherpa fleece is also used for some thicker, sheep-like qualities. These terms are not completely interchangeable: construction, pile, backing and composition can vary between fabrics.

Teddy fabric does not have one fixed fibre composition. Qualities include 100% polyester teddy as well as cotton/polyester blends and other fibre combinations. The backing may also be knitted, woven or finished in another way. As a result, drape, warmth, stretch, weight and handling can vary considerably between products.

Where does the name Teddy come from?

The name teddy ultimately goes back to Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, President of the United States. During a bear hunt in Mississippi in 1902, Roosevelt refused to shoot a captured, tied bear because he considered it unsporting. The incident became widely known after cartoonist Clifford Berryman depicted it in a political cartoon.

The story inspired Morris and Rose Michtom to create a plush toy bear. With Roosevelt’s permission, it was sold as “Teddy’s Bear”. The teddy bear subsequently became known worldwide. The term teddy fabric refers to the soft, fluffy and often curly appearance reminiscent of a teddy bear.

Variations by Quality

Possible Variations

CompositionPolyester, cotton/polyester or other blends

SurfaceFrom fine loops to a full curly pile

BackingKnitted, woven or otherwise finished

Weight & stretchVaries considerably by quality

Important: always check the individual product specifications for exact composition, width, weight, stretch, pile structure, backing and care instructions.

Uses & Selection

What is Teddy Fabric used for?

Coats & JacketsFor warm, soft outer layers and statement pieces where volume and texture are key.

Babywear & ChildrenswearDepending on the quality, suitable for jackets, cardigans, gilets and other soft garments.

AccessoriesSuitable for bags, hats, scarves and other soft accents when the chosen quality has sufficient structure.

InteriorsMore substantial teddy qualities can be used for cushions, throws and decorative home projects.

Choosing the right quality: pay particular attention to pile, weight, backing and stretch. Lighter teddy fabric drapes more softly, while a heavier quality provides more volume and structure for coats, interiors and accessories.

Care

Care Instructions

Pre-washing Only when suitable for the composition and individual product instructions

Washing Wash according to the instructions for the chosen quality

Drying Preferably air dry, or follow the individual product instructions

Bleaching Only when permitted by the individual product instructions

Good to Know

Sewing & Choosing

Pre-washing Not necessary for every teddy quality. Follow the care instructions for the specific product.

Cutting Use sharp tools and take the pile direction and volume into account. Cut thick qualities in as few layers as possible.

Sewing Choose the needle and stitch according to thickness, backing and stretch, and test the settings on a scrap first.

Finishing Finish raw edges appropriately if the fabric frays or sheds pile fibres; this varies by construction.

Pile Direction Cut visible pattern pieces in the same pile direction so that colour, sheen and texture appear consistent.

Choosing a Quality Compare composition, weight, pile structure, backing, stretch and care instructions for each teddy quality.

Alternatives

Similar Fabrics

Fleece and Minky Fleece are useful alternatives when softness, warmth or a cosy appearance is the priority, although they differ noticeably in pile and volume.

Fleece→

A soft, insulating fabric with a flatter, more brushed surface and generally less volume than teddy.

Minky Fleece→

An exceptionally soft plush fabric with a shorter, smoother pile for baby items, blankets and soft accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Teddy Fabric FAQs

What is Teddy Fabric?

Teddy fabric is a soft, voluminous fabric with a fluffy or curly surface. The exact construction and composition vary by quality.

Is Teddy Fabric always made from polyester?

No. 100% polyester teddy is common, but cotton/polyester teddy and other fibre blends are also available.

Is Teddy Fabric stretchy?

This varies by quality and backing. Some teddy fabrics are knitted and have noticeable give, while other versions are more stable.

Is Teddy Fabric the same as Teddy Fleece or Sherpa Fleece?

Teddy fleece is a common related term in the UK textile trade. Sherpa fleece is also used for some thicker, sheep-like qualities. These names are not exact synonyms for every teddy fabric, so always check the composition, construction, pile and backing of the individual product.

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