Fleece fabric has an interesting history. When polyester was a new fiber in the 1970’s and 1980’s, manufacturers were exploring its potential in all sorts of new fabrics. Malden Mills (now Polartec), a Massachusetts textile maker, began experimenting with polyester’s potential to compete with wool for outdoor wear. They wove superfine polyester yarn into a dense fabric similar to terry cloth then brushed the fabric, increasing the fabric’s volume. They created a lightweight, insulating, and water-resistant fabric. Soon after, Malden Mills began a collaboration with Patagonia; together they refined the fabric and produced the first line of fleece sweaters in 1985. In 1993, Patagonia and Polartec began exploring how to make fleece from recycled plastic. By 2006 they were able to do this in a cost effective way.
Since Malden Mills and Patagonia paved the way, fleece material has become ubiquitous.
Manufactured by many companies, fleece is used by home sewists, apparel companies, and home goods producers to make things like jackets, vests, outerwear, blankets, slippers, pajamas, baby lovies, stuffed toys, and dog beds. Missouri Star is pleased to offer fleece fabric by the yard from Baum Textiles and its newest division, Windham Fabrics.
Winter Fleece “Velour Finish” is an exclusive fabric trademarked by Baum Textile Mills. It is exceptionally soft and manufactured in a process that allows for extraordinary detail in printed fleece fabric.
In addition to Winterfleece solids and printed fleece fabric by the yard, you will find patterns for stuffed toys, hats and mittens, and puppy pillows at Missouri Star. We also offer free tutorials to help you make fun and easy projects with fleece fabric. In this video, Jenny shows you how to make a “Blipper” Blanket with Winterfleece; it has a pocket to keep your feet warm! If you want an easy project that is fun to do with kids, take a look at the No-Sew Blanket Tutorial. Would you like to make a pillow to go with your fleece blanket? Watch Jenny and her grandson Ezra make a No-Sew Fleece Tie Pillowcase. Are you looking for an easy-to-sew baby gift? Watch Jenny demonstrate how to make a fleece baby blanket.
No matter what soft and warm project you have in mind, Missouri Star pledges to offer an attractive assortment of fleece fabric by the yard online. Our goal is to keep you stitching!
