• Can I use a conventional sewing machine to sew Polarfleece and Polartec fabrics?

    Absolutely.

  • Is sewing with fleece difficult?

    No, it's different but not difficult. Once you've worked with Polarfleece and Polartec fabrics and gotten used to the thickness you will find it's actually easier to use than other fabrics in many instances. The fabric is very forgiving, you don't have to interface it, you don't have to line it, and you don't have to finish your edges. Once you start working with it, you will be addicted!

  • Which side of the fabric is the right side?

    To determine which side of the fabric is the right side of the Classic Series, simply pull along the selvage, the selvage will roll to the right side of the fabric. On the Polartec Windbloc® fabric, it is necessary to do a water test. Water will ball up and fall off from the right side of the fabric. Please note many styles behave differently to determine the face. Rolls are typically rolled so that the Face is Face UP when unrolled onto a table. We always fold with the Face together.

  • Is there a nap to the fabric?

    Yes, there is a nap to the fabric. Use nap layouts when cutting out your patterns.

  • Do I need to pre-wash the fabric?

    There is no need to pre-wash the fabric because the fabric won't shrink and the colors won't bleed. (Exception, Polartec Power Stretch® fabrics may shrink up to 5% in length and 7% in width. Pre-washing is recommended.)

  • How do I press the fabric?

    Do not put a hot iron on Polartec fleeces. If you feel pressing is necessary, finger pressing should be adequate. If a flatter seam is desired, topstitch the seam allowance in place.

  • What kind of a needle would you recommend?

    Universal Point Size 12/80 recommended for Polartec Classic 100, Universal Point Size 14/90 recommended for Polartec Classic 200, and Prints Stretch Needles Size 14/90 recommended for Polartec Power Stretch. Remember to change your needle often!

  • How do I care for Polarfleece and Polartec fabrics?

    Machine wash warm, tumble dry low. It's best to wash with like fabrics. Do not use bleach or fabric softeners. Do not dry clean.

  • What's the difference between Polartec Classic 200 and Polartec Classic 300 series?

    The higher the number, the heavier and warmer the fabric. In ounces the average difference is:

    • 100 - 5.7 oz per square yard
    • 200 - 7.4 oz per square yard
    • 300 - 9.7 oz per square yard
  • What's the difference between Polartec fleeces and copycat fleeces?

    Be careful of the imitations! Other manufacturers are producing fleeces that may appear to be similar to Polartec fleeces, but they aren't. They will cut costs by:

    • producing a thinner fleece (less oz per square yard).
    • producing a fleece that pills. Polyester is a strong fiber that doesn't break away from itself when it meets abrasion. The longer thread of other fleeces will pull into itself and pill.
    • producing a fleece that matts. It is the ability of the fibers to stand upright that provides Polartec fleeces with it's thermal qualities.
    • producing prints whose colors and lines are fuzzy instead of vivid and clear.
  • Will the fabric pill?

    Polartec® fabrics have been developed and tested to ensure that the fabric will not pill.

  • What is the Fiber content of the fabric?

    Most fabrics that we sell are 100% Polyester. Any exceptions will be noted.

  • What is "Aged" fabric?

    An "Aged" designation is not based on quality! "Aged" fabrics are rolls that have been in our warehouse for 2 years or more - they have been deeply discounted to open up space for incoming stock. "Aged" rolls are first quality fabric that may be either excess or production rolls. These rolls are deeply discounted and are sold "as-is".

  • Do you offer inspection services for second quality rolls?

    Polartec does not indicate the reason for second quality designations on their rolls. If you want to ensure no specific flaws in second quality rolls, you can email customerservice@milldirecttextiles.com and request an inspection. The cost of inspection is $2.00/yard with a 10 yard minimum. We will report back detailing any noticeable flaws including location and images.

    Alternately, if you'd like us to open a roll for a quick check, you may request a slit bag quick check for $5.

  • The rolls that you have in stock are too large for my needs. Can I buy less than a roll?

    We sell rolls as they are shipped to us from Polartec, but understand that some larger rolls may be more than your business can use. For rolls over 60 yards we offer roll splitting services for $1.50/yard. There is a 30 yard minimum for a split roll.

    If you need less than 30 yards, please see our sister company for cut yardage at millyardage.com.