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Appreciated since ancient times, already in the era of the Greeks and Romans, felt was highly valued for making clothing and upholstery. Today, it is also used as fabric packaging in various sectors, including food.
Its history is long and ancient, but its characteristics have not changed: today as then, felt is considered a versatile and durable material.
In this article, we want to introduce you to all the features and curiosities of this fabric and show you how felt bags can also adapt to sectors with more particular requirements, such as the food industry.
What is felt: are we sure it is really a fabric?
Felt is made from animal hair, particularly sheep’s wool. It cannot be defined as a true fabric (it is identified as a nonwoven fabric) because it is not structured through warp and weft, but is obtained by felting the fibers. Nevertheless, it can be cut, sewn, and glued like any fabric: in the case of handmade felts, it is even possible to create garments and accessories without using any stitching.
The earliest traces of this material date back to the third millennium BC, when, during the times of the Greeks and Romans, it was used for making clothes, headgear, and cloaks.
Its name derives from the city of Feltre, a Roman municipality famous at the time for advanced shepherding, where sheep and goat wools were subjected to fulling and traded to northern regions of the Roman Empire.
For its production, sheep carded wool is most commonly used, but hair from hare, rabbit, beaver, otter, goat, or camel are also suitable.
Felt manufacturing and maintenance
The method of producing felt is known as felting and consists of a process of compression combined with heat and moisture. More precisely, the fibers are wet with hot water, then soaked with soap and mechanically rubbed (this can also be done by hand).
It is an irreversible process; however, the resulting wool batt can then be shaped as desired to take the required form.
It is a durable and long-lasting material but becomes more delicate when wet. Machine washing is therefore not recommended: to clean it, mix a small amount of detergent (neutral or specifically for wool) with lukewarm water and brush until the dirt is removed. Finally, rinse gently, always with lukewarm water, and leave it to dry flat, laid out horizontally.
In its most traditional form, felt takes on the color of the hairs used, but with the use of dyed wool roving, various colors can be achieved.
Features: durability and softness, but above all versatility and style
Felt is thus a very particular material, warm yet lightweight.
It is also appreciated for its versatility because it is waterproof and robust: the fibers it is made of are interlocked in every possible direction. This makes it stronger compared to woven fibers, which sooner or later tear.
The advantages of felt can be summarized in the following list:
- warm
- soft
- lightweight
- dense, does not tear or fray
- flexible
- water-resistant and insulating
- versatile
- customisable with prints and embroidery
Because of these characteristics, it has been used to make coats, blankets, scarves, but especially hats. It is also used in packaging or as an accessory for jewelry, thanks to its sophisticated appearance.
Felt for the food industry
The food sector requires the use of safe and certified packaging. Usually, natural fabrics such as hemp and cotton are used. However, when paired with certain products, felt can add value to the packaging: this is the case for bottles of oil or wine, sealed jars of preserves, candies and legumes, gift boxes of tea and coffee.
For example, this felt bag can be used to contain bottles for sale in-store or as gift wrapping for the just-purchased product. The versatility of felt is evident in this bag, as it can also be used for other products in different sectors.
Likewise, this felt bag with drawstring closure can help store any object and, customized with embroidered company logos, can give your food product packaging a more elegant and lasting touch.
Perfect as packaging for Panettone, Pandoro, Easter Colomba, or as packaging for Christmas gift baskets, a felt bag is ideal for presenting your products with elegance and originality during the holidays.
Beyond food: felt for fashion, cosmetics, and hi-tech products
We have emphasized more than once that felt is a versatile fabric, and this is demonstrated by our production of bags made of this material which, modified according to accessories and sizes, can be used in a wide range of sectors.
For example, here is our charming grey felt bag (felted wool blend) which, with its drawstring closure, can become a delightful jewelry packaging or a lovely spice holder for your online shop.
Felt is also resistant to inks and can be customized with your brand’s graphics via screen printing. It is a very sturdy packaging and therefore offers more protection than other fabrics, yet at the same time it is soft and pleasant to the touch, making it suitable for containing more delicate objects such as sunglasses and tech items.
A felt bag can contain small bottles of cooking oils and essences (considering the food sector). But it is so versatile that it is also perfectly suited to the cosmetics industry. In the form of a felt pouch with zip closure and handle, it is ideal for protecting beauty products, makeup, and barbershop items, as well as essential objects to carry when travelling such as hair dryers, bottles, and brushes.
It is 100% ecological and eco-sustainable: you can also place natural cosmetics inside, and after purchase, your customers will be able to reuse it over time as a travel pouch.
And for the hi-tech sector? We offer the felted wool pouch in gray melange effect. A very convenient model in shape and size similar to a classic handbag with a long handle: ideal for carrying tech items like phones and headphones, but also luxury accessories such as wallets. It can therefore prove to be a useful yet elegant packaging, also suitable for evening outings.
Which bag is best for your brand?
Do you want to create fabric packaging that matches your products? In our catalog, we offer many alternatives, not only in felt! Hemp, linen, cotton, jacroki… thanks to our passion and ongoing research into new materials, we can help you create the bag that fits your wishes and meets your every need.
Take a look at the catalog to discover our creations!
