How do microfleece and suedecloth function differently from normal fleece if they're all polyester?

[lhowlett]

Ok, so I know you can't use microfleece or suedecloth on the outside because they're stay dry fabrics, and you can't use alpine fleece (normal fleece) on the inside because it wouldn't let the liquid through. They're all 100% polyester, so what's the difference? What makes microfleece and suedecloth able to let water through, and alpine not?
A suedecloth question, does it have to be true suede or can it just feel like it and be polyester? I found some on remnant at the fabric store, but they were unsure if it was immitation or not.
Also, does suedecloth stain easily if used as an inner?
Thanks!

[ReneeC]

Microfleece works differently from regular fleece because it is thinner--it is made with "micro fibers". Regular fleece works by dispersing moisture over the entire surface area without feeling wet, but doesn't perform that wicking fast enough to work as an inner.

Suedecloth is different altogether, it is made differently from fleece. The kind you want is called Alova suedecloth a JAs or Butter Suede at Hancock's, and it is 100% polyester. Real suede is a kind of leather.

Most ppl find suedecloth stains less than microfleece.

HTH!

[lhowlett]

Yes it does, thanks! Hmm, well how do I know if I have the right kind of suedecloth? I know mine was polyester and feels like suede, but I don't know the name of it. I hate to make a diaper's worth to test and then not have it work. I know a lot of inner fabrics need compression for moisture to go through. Is there any way I could test it with a small piece and water, or will I need to cut out a liner and put it in DS's diaper to test?

[ReneeC]

If it's 100% poly, it should work

It is best to test under "real" conditions, but you can test by putting a towel or something absorbent under a piece & pouring a little water on it. Keep in mind it may need prewashing to remove sizing, etc. before it works its best

[almostmommy]

I have a similar problem. I bought fleece...I think it was called Blizzard fleece, or maybe it was Alpine fleece. I used it to make a doubler (it is the top layer and then I used the microterry car cloths to make the other layers). I just tried pouring some water on the doubler and it just sat in a puddle on top. Will this change if I wash it?

[lhowlett]

Almost mommy - uh oh! I'm afraid blizzard or apline fleece isn't meant as an inner. It's usually used as an outer layer.

Renee - I did finally see the Alova @ JoAnns, and I'm pretty sure I may have real suedecloth, I think the remnant I got was from home decor. I wish I knew for sure if it'd work so I don't waste it. I mean it was super cheap, but I DO NOT want to waste time sewing a dipe and then not have it work.
I'm so going through the whole "how do I know what polyester will work and won't work as in inner or outer layer", and having a hard time.

Hey with velour, I want something 80% cotton or more, right? I think that's what I've heard. What would 100% poly velour do?

[ReneeC]

100% poly velour will work It's more stay-dry than 80/20. The cotton fuzz in the 80/20 absorbs the moisture, so it isn't technically a stay-dry inner, it's just a wicking inner. I also like to use 100% poly crushed panne.

[lhowlett]

Really? So the 100% poly crushed pane (which is like velvet right?) isn't too thick for an inner?

So are our only options for outer layers (meaning dry, like for AIO's or pockets) still Alpine/blizzard/thicker fleece, and PUL? Well and wool, but it would have to be a seperate cover.

If so I guess it'd be safe to say anything else poly could be an inner besides those thick fleeces and PUL?

[ReneeC]

Originally Posted by lhowlett

Really? So the 100% poly crushed pane (which is like velvet right?) isn't too thick for an inner?

I haven't found it to be Some places call it crushed velour, I've seen it called panne velour as well.

So are our only options for outer layers (meaning dry, like for AIO's or pockets) still Alpine/blizzard/thicker fleece, and PUL? Well and wool, but it would have to be a seperate cover.

Yes and no. You can use nylon, but the "waterproof" nylons are either laminated (basically making them nylon PUL) or treated with a DWR that will eventually wear off. There are some alternatives to the PU film laminate, like Goretex, but those fabrics tend to be expensive and hard to find. So the cheapest, easiest to find, longest lasting choices are PUL and polar fleece.

If so I guess it'd be safe to say anything else poly could be an inner besides those thick fleeces and PUL?

When in doubt, try the "blow test". Hold the fabric up to your mouth and breathe through it. If you feel "wind", it will probably work as an inner (the weave is open enough to allow liquids through--poly doesn't absorb). If you feel warmth but not air movement, it's probably too thick/tightly woven.

The inners that I can think of that work as "wicking" layers:
Microfleece
Suedecloth
Velour/Panne
Minkee
Powerdry (and other "sports wicking fabrics" like UnderArmour)

I know of people trying polyester "microfiber" cloth (the kind of microfiber that furniture is made of, not the super-absorbent kind) with mixed success. I think the texture of the fabric & how it feels when wet are the biggest determining factors (other than if pee passes through it, of course!) when choosing an against-the-skin layer