What is microfleece?

You may have noticed that in among our cloth nappy making fabrics, we sell microfleece, but exactly what is it?  What would you use it for? Why is a great fabric to make cloth nappies from?

What is microfleece?

Microfleece is the lightest weight of synthetic fabric known as fleece.  Fleece or polar fleece is made of PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) or other similar synthetic fibres, it can even be made from recycled plastic bottles.  Fleece is soft and light, and absorbs less than 1% of it’s weight in water.  In many ways it is similar to wool, but a synthetic and lightweight version.  So, what exactly makes a fleece a microfleece? What is it?  Microfleece is simply the lightest weight fabric, so is much thinner and lighter than polar fleece.

Minkylicious Microfleece White

Like all synthetic fleece fabrics, it will not absorb more than a tiny amount of water, instead it allows the liquid to pass through, ‘wicking’ the liquid away from its source.

Uses for microfleece

Microfleece is extremely lightweight, which makes it great as a backing fabric for some items.  If you are making a minky blanket, but do not want to use minky on both sides, then it is a great lightweight, and yet still warm, option.

As microfleece wicks liquid away, it makes a great layer on any item that is designed to soak up liquid, as a top layer.  Use it in items such as:

  • Cloth nappies
  • Breast pads
  • Cloth menstrual pads
  • Potty training pants

It can be used for anything that you would use fleece for, but want a lighter fabric. As it doesn’t fray when cut, it requires little finishing, although, as it is a stretchy fabric, you will need to take care that it doesn’t stretch too much when sewing.

Microfleece and cloth nappies

Microfleece is often used as the ‘stay dry’ layer in modern cloth nappies, as it wicks liquid away from the baby and into the nappy.  It was used in the first pocket nappies, which were designed in an attempt to create a dry feel cloth nappy.  It can also be used as a washable cloth nappy liner, simply by cutting into rectangle or hour glass shapes.

It often forms the built in liner layer of a modern cloth nappy, and is ideal for use as this.  It is hard wearing, as well as working well as a stay dry layer, and not being too thick or warm against your babies skin.

What do you use microfleece for? We’d love to hear your ideas.

1 thought on “What is microfleece?

  1. Wow this is cool! Never knew that about micro-fleece! I really like this series about all the different types of fabrics. I think it’s important to know what’s in your baby’s clothes and why! So thanks 🙂

Leave a Reply