Why wool?

[momaste]

I've just started making felt food (sewn together, not felted) and did practice pieces with acrylic. Is there any reason other than wanting natural products for choosing wool over acrylic? Will it last longer, wear better, stand up to pretend chewing?

Also, does it need to be 100% wool or is a blend a-okay? And what blend? I've found 20%wool/80% acrylic, 35% wool, 70% wool, and 100% wool. What's the best price? And I'm on a budget, so if 20% has the same staying power, that would be lovely!!

[KariM]

I've sewn with both and the wool wins hands-down! It's softer, yet stronger and much more durable than the acrylic felts I've purchased.

It's also easier on my skin and has a nicer odor, IMO.

I've only used 100% wool, so I really can't address your question about blends.

[operamommy]

I always vote for 100 percent, but when you're on a budget 80 percent is just fine! I've used the 80 percent before and while it's not *quite* as soft as 100 percent, it's still TONS nicer than acrylic and holds up really well.

[rabbithorns]

Just finished 11 Felt Wee Folk today (been working for 2 days at it) and the only wool felt found locally is at Joann's. It's all the 20-35% wool stuff and it's still much better than the thin acrylic. What I don't like about acrylic is how it...I'm not sure how to describe it. It's not pilling but the texture gets so worn and brushed so it's like shaggy in areas after some use.

The wool blends don't seem to do that. I can't afford the 100% wool felt but I've used it in the past and really love it.

[E.V. Lowi]

Acrylic has a very low melting point and catches fire very easily. It puts out a very acrid smoke when burning and as it melts, the liquid continues burning just like napalm.

100% Wool is flame resistant and self extinguishing, it quits burning when removed from the flame source. It warms to the touch and feels very "alive". Working and playing with wool felt is such a joy!