Absolutely.
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!
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.
Yes, there is a nap to the fabric. Use nap layouts when cutting out your patterns.
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.)
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.
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!
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.
The higher the number, the heavier and warmer the fabric. In ounces the average difference is:
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:
Polartec® fabrics have been developed and tested to ensure that the fabric will not pill.
Most fabrics that we sell are 100% Polyester. Any exceptions will be noted.