When the evenings draw in and the heating goes on, there's nothing quite like sinking into something soft. Cuddle fleece and faux fur are two of the easiest fabrics to work with for cosy winter makes, and right now several of our favourites are reduced. Here's a look at what's in stock, what each fabric is best for, and a few project ideas to get you started.
Mary's Lamb Cuddle Fleece: Soft, Warm and Now Reduced
Our Mary's Lamb Soft Cuddle Fleece in Ivory Cream is a plush, super-soft fleece that feels lovely next to the skin. It's now £8.00 a metre (was £11.99).
- Width: 150cm, so you get plenty of fabric from every metre
- Weight: 280g/sqm, warm without being bulky
- Composition: 100% polyester
- Care: wash at 30°C, cool tumble dry
Cuddle fleece is made to resist pilling and doesn't fray when it's cut, which makes it really forgiving for beginners. You don't need to neaten every raw edge, and it's quick to dry too.
It's also available at the same reduced price of £8.00 a metre in Navy Blue and Ochre Mustard. Stock is limited on each shade, so if you need several metres for one project, it's worth ordering together so everything comes from the same roll.
What to Make with Cuddle Fleece
Cuddle fleece is a real all-rounder. A few ideas:
- Baby blankets and robes: the soft handle makes it a popular choice for little ones' comfort items
- Quilt backings: swap a cotton backing for fleece and your quilt becomes instantly warmer and snugglier
- Sofa throws: 1.5m to 2m makes a generous throw, and you can simply finish the edges with a blanket stitch or binding
- Lounge wear: hoodies, sweatshirts and cosy jackets
- Soft toys: easy to cut and sew, with no fraying to worry about
Ivory Cream is a classic neutral that suits most living rooms, Navy Blue is practical for everyday throws and loungewear, and Ochre Mustard brings a warm, autumnal pop of colour.
Bold and Playful: Orange Tiger Print Cuddle Fleece
If you'd rather go bold, our Orange Tiger Print Soft Cuddle Fleece has the same soft, warm 280g/sqm feel and 150cm width, with a striking tiger pattern. It's now £8.99 a metre (was £10.99).
It's brilliant for kids' blankets and dressing gowns, animal-themed cushions, and fun costumes. Tiger onesies and tails for dress-up boxes are always a hit, and with Halloween just around the corner, it's handy for last-minute big cat outfits too.
Zebra Velboa: Low-Pile Faux Fur at Almost Half Price
Zebra Velboa Faux Fur Craft Fabric is a low-pile faux fur (sometimes called ponyskin) with a soft, velvety handle and great drape. It's now £9.99 a metre (was £18.00).
- Width: 150cm
- Weight: 265gsm
- Composition: 100% polyester
- Care: the manufacturer advises a 30°C machine wash and warm tumble dry
Because the pile is short, velboa behaves more like a velour than a shaggy fur, so it's easier to sew neatly. Use it for fancy dress costumes, soft toys, statement cushions or even to add a modern animal-print accent to a chair or footstool.
Short Pile Faux Fur in Black: Sleek and Versatile
For a classic fur look, our Short Pile Fun Faux Fur Fabric in Black is smooth, sleek and cruelty-free. It's 150cm wide, 100% acrylic, and available in several cut lengths:
- ¼ metre (75cm x 50cm): £6.99
- ½ metre (50cm x 150cm): £9.99
- 1 metre: £15.00
- 5 metres: £60.00
- 10 metres: £140.00
The smaller cuts are perfect for trims on hoods, cuffs and bags, or for soft toy and teddy making. Larger lengths work well for throws, cushions, pet beds and theatrical costumes.
Quick Tips for Sewing Fleece and Faux Fur
- Cut fur from the back: lay faux fur pile-side down and cut through the backing only with small, sharp scissors or a craft knife. This keeps the fibres long and avoids a "haircut" along your seams.
- Check the pile direction: stroke the fabric to find which way the pile runs smooth, and make sure all your pattern pieces point the same way.
- Use a longer stitch: a slightly longer straight stitch and a ballpoint or stretch needle help fleece feed smoothly.
- Tease out trapped fibres: after sewing a fur seam, use a pin to gently pull any trapped pile out of the seam line so the join disappears.
- Skip the iron: faux fur shouldn't be ironed, and fleece only needs a very cool iron if at all. Finger-press seams instead.
Get Cosy This Winter
Whether you're making a snuggly throw for the sofa, a baby blanket for a new arrival or a furry costume for the dressing-up box, these soft fabrics make winter sewing a joy. Stock on the reduced cuddle fleece shades is limited, so grab your favourites while they're available.
Browse our cuddle fleece and faux fur fabrics at Bull Ring Fabrics today, and get your cosiest project of the season started.
