Thinking about working with fleece? From seasoned DIY enthusiasts to people just starting out in the cozy world of fleece, I’ll bet that one of the first questions you’ll run into is: How wide is fleece fabric? But this doesn’t answer just a number-the whole wide fleece width idea is a door to crafting warm scarves, nice throws, and your very own neck pillow blanket.
Let’s further explore fleece width and why it is so important when it comes to crafts, sewing, and purchasing just enough fabric for one’s needs.
The Anatomy of Fleece Fabric
Fleece is a synthetic fabric and, generally, is made of polyester. It feels cozy, warms nicely, and is light in weight-the best else to jacket, or maybe for a pet bed, or a neck pillow blanket. But before you fall for the fleece, you need to know the width of the fabric you are buying because width is basically how much surface area you are going to get per yard and if it fits your project or not.
So, How Wide is Fleece Fabric?
Normally, the fleece fabric width ranges from 54 to 60 inches (137 to 152 cm). The most common width you will be finding from any store is somewhere between 58 to 60 inches. A fleece fabric is considered pretty wide in contrast with almost every fabric that is commonly 44 to 45 inches wide.
Sometimes special fleece or printed fleece (say that for licensed characters or seasonal patterns) might come narrower at around 50-56 inches width.
Here is a short rundown of the common fleece widths:
| Type of Fleece | Common Width (inches) |
| Solid Anti-Pill Fleece | 58–60 |
| Printed Fleece | 56–58 |
| Blizzard Fleece | 58–60 |
| Microfleece | 58–60 |
Note: Always check the label or ask the vendor—widths may vary by manufacturer or country.
Why Fleece Width Matters For Your Neck Pillow Blanket
The fabric width will simply save time, money, and headache if you are making a neck pillow blanket-that convenient thing that combines a neck pillow and blanket into one compact travel buddy.
Say you want to craft a 40″ x 60″ blanket that is foldable into a neck pillow. Using a 60-inch-wide fleece fabric, it would take you only 1.5 to 2 yards of fabric. Should the fabric be 54 inches wide, the pattern for cutting may have to be modified, or even two or more panels sewn together.
Some things to consider:
• Wider fabric = fewer seams: Less cutting and sewing yield a more perfect finish.
• More material per yard = less cost.
• Exact dimensions in your design = knowledge of the width to get the cuts just right.
More On Fleece
If you are buying fleece to create your own neck pillow blanket or a cuddly winter hoodie, here are a few pro tips:
1. Buy extra if you can.
If your fleece is printed or pattern matching, half to quarter of a yard extra gives you some room to breathe.
2. Use sharp tools to cut.
Fleece is thick and can shift during cutting, so use a rotary cutter, or very sharp scissors, to achieve a nice, straight line.
3. Do not stretch.
Fleece has a natural stretch one way (cross-grain)-measure carefully and don’t allow this stretch to distort your cutters.
4. Consider the grain.
When using fleece for dual-use items such as the neck pillow blanket, and coordinate the grain so the stretch is working for you-almost like any other wrapping or folding.
5. Opt for anti-pill fleece.
Ideally, you want a blanket that will look snappy after numerous plane rides and road trips instead of one begging for attention from lint rollers.
Where to Buy Fleece and How to Check its Width
Usually, fabric stores will list fleece width under the product details. Always check (from in-store or online) on width before buying.
Popular Retailers:
• Joann Fabrics
• Fabric.com
• Hobby Lobby
• Walmart
• Etsy (especially for custom or printed fleece)
Always check the fine print though. For instance, a listing would say “1 yard x 60 inches”-meaning the yard is the length, and 60 inches is the width.
Size Isn’t Just a Number-It’s a Design Decision
The fleece fabric width is not just a measurement; it’s a building block. Particularly when designing something as clever and comforting as a neck pillow blanket, an understanding of fabric width allows better sketching of patterns, smarter designing, and results that you can be proud to gift or sell.
Next time you’re in a fabric store, or scrolling through listings online, don’t just fall for a color or a pattern. Ask yourself: how wide is this fleece? Because with the right width, your next neck pillow blanket might just be a game-changer for travel.
Peachfurblog | Wholesale & Bulk Blankets 
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