What Is Plush Fabric?

Plush is a fabric with a raised pile that gives it a soft, fluffy or velvety surface. The pile creates the characteristic cushioned feel associated with cuddly toys, cosy accessories and comfortable clothing. Depending on its construction, Plush can look smooth and compact or fuller and more fluffy.

Plush covers a broad range of fabrics. Some varieties have a short, dense pile, while others have longer fibres that create more volume. You'll often see Plush used for soft toys, blankets, costumes and decorative home textiles. Not every quality behaves the same way, though. Some fabrics stretch, while others have a stable backing.

At Nooteboom Textiles, the Pluche range includes plain-coloured polyester qualities with a soft pile surface. These fabrics are suitable for a variety of creative sewing projects, from plush accessories to decorative details and selected garments. The key is choosing a quality with the right pile, backing and flexibility.

Specifications

Construction: Pile fabric with raised fibres on the surface. Plush can be produced using different woven, knitted or bonded constructions.
Composition: Selected Nooteboom Pluche qualities contain 100% PES (polyester).
Fabric Weight: Selected Nooteboom qualities weigh approximately 265–280 g/m².
Fabric Width: 150 cm for the selected Nooteboom articles.
Stretch: The selected Nooteboom Pluche qualities are listed as non-stretch. Other types of Plush may have flexibility depending on their construction.
Appearance: Soft, raised pile with a smooth or fluffy finish, available in a range of plain colours.
Abbreviations: PES / PL = polyester, CO = cotton, PA = polyamide, EL = elastane.

What Are the Properties of Plush Fabric?

Plush gets its distinctive character from the raised fibres covering its surface. These fibres create a soft, three-dimensional texture and help trap air, giving the material a cosy feel. The length and density of the pile influence its appearance, thickness and warmth. A compact Plush can look quite different from a long-pile variety.

The backing also matters. It determines how much the fabric stretches, how stable it feels and how easily it can be sewn. A non-stretch Plush can work well for projects that need predictable dimensions, while more flexible qualities may be better suited to garments that move with the body. The exact result depends on the individual fabric.

What Does Plush Fabric Feel Like?

Plush feels soft, comfortable and gently cushioned. When you run your hand across its surface, the raised fibres move under your fingers and create a smooth or fluffy sensation. Short-pile qualities often feel more velvety, while longer-pile fabrics have a fuller, more tactile finish.

Turn the fabric over and you'll usually notice a different texture. The backing may feel flatter and firmer than the plush front. This is worth considering when making garments or accessories that touch the skin. Want a soft lining or a comfortable cushion? Check both sides before deciding how to construct your project.

Applications

Soft toys and plush figures, provided the finished products meet applicable safety requirements
Blankets and decorative throws
Cushion covers and soft home accessories
Costume details, character outfits and theatrical accessories
Jackets and decorative garment panels in suitable qualities
Comfortable sweatshirts and selected casual clothing styles
Scarves, collars, cuffs and other soft accessories
Decorative nursery accessories and textile projects designed for their intended age group

Wash Instructions

Washing: Always follow the care label. Washable polyester Plush may allow a gentle wash at 30°C, but the backing and pile construction can require different treatment.
Drying: Air dry where possible. Avoid high-temperature tumble drying, which may damage or flatten the pile.
Ironing: Avoid ironing directly on the plush surface. Heat and pressure can permanently alter the raised fibres.
Dry Cleaning: Choose professional cleaning only when the individual product label permits or recommends it.
Special Care: Wash inside out when suitable and avoid bleach, harsh friction and contact with rough fasteners. Handle the pile gently while damp.

Other Information

Certifications: Textile safety certifications vary by article. Check the individual product page rather than assuming every Plush quality has the same certification.
Pile Direction: The surface can look lighter or darker depending on the direction of the fibres. Keep the pile running consistently across pattern pieces.
Pilling and Flattening: Repeated rubbing or pressure can affect the pile. Resistance depends on the fabric's construction and intended use.
Cutting and Sewing: Layers can shift because of the raised surface. Fabric clips, careful pinning and a suitable presser foot can help.
Loose Fibres: Cutting may release small fibres from the pile. Remove loose fibres before sewing and clean the work area afterwards.
Product Safety: Softness alone does not establish suitability for babies or toys. Check the fabric, seams, attachments and applicable finished-product requirements.

What Is the Difference Between Plush and Minky?

Plush and Minky are closely related terms, but they aren't always interchangeable. Plush describes a broad category of fabrics with a raised, soft pile. Minky is a more specific type of plush fabric, usually made from polyester with a short, smooth surface.

One of Minky's recognisable features is its texture. Some qualities have raised dots, often called Dimple Minky, while others are smooth. Plush can have a wider range of pile lengths and surface finishes, from compact and velvety to long and fluffy.

Their stretch properties can differ too. Many Minky fabrics have a knitted backing and some flexibility. Selected Nooteboom Pluche qualities are listed as non-stretch, so they may behave differently when cutting and sewing.

Choose Minky for a soft blanket or flexible project where a smooth pile is desirable. A suitable non-stretch Plush can be useful for decorative accessories, toys or costume details that need a more stable base.

What Is the Difference Between Plush and Teddy Fabric?

Plush and Teddy both have raised fibres that make them feel soft and cosy. The biggest difference is usually the appearance of the pile. Plush can have a smooth, short or longer surface, while Teddy is known for its fluffy, often curly texture that resembles sheep's fleece.

This creates a different visual effect. A smooth Plush has a more even appearance, which can work well for toys, decorative details and soft accessories. Teddy adds visible bulk and texture, making it particularly popular for jackets, coats and warm home textiles.

Their warmth depends on the actual construction. A thick Plush can provide insulation, while a lighter Teddy may offer less warmth than its appearance suggests. Pile density, thickness and backing all play a role.

If you want a rounded, fluffy look with a wool-like texture, Teddy may be the better choice. For a smoother pile or a different level of volume, Plush offers more options.

Explore our Teddy Fabric Guide.

What Is the Difference Between Plush and Faux Fur?

Plush and Faux Fur are both pile fabrics, and some varieties can look remarkably similar. The distinction is mainly about their intended appearance. Plush is a general term for fabrics with a soft, raised surface. Faux Fur is specifically designed to imitate the look and texture of animal fur.

Faux Fur often has a longer pile, sometimes with fibres of different lengths or colours. This can create a realistic, natural-looking effect. Plush may have a shorter, more uniform surface, although long-pile Plush also exists.

That difference matters when designing accessories or clothing. Faux Fur is commonly used for statement coats, collars, costume pieces and decorative throws. Plush is especially popular for soft toys, cosy accessories and projects where softness is more important than a realistic fur effect.

Both can be bulky to sew. Long fibres may get caught in seams, and pile direction can affect the finished appearance. Compare pile length, backing and weight before selecting either fabric.

Discover our Faux Fur Fabric Collection.

What Is the Difference Between Plush and Fleece?

Plush and Fleece can both feel warm and soft, but their surfaces and constructions are often different. Plush has a distinct raised pile that creates a velvety or fluffy finish. Polar Fleece usually has a brushed surface that feels fuzzy rather than traditionally plush.

Fleece is widely used for practical clothing, blankets and warm linings. Its relatively lightweight construction can make it comfortable for casual layers and outdoor garments. Plush is frequently selected when the tactile surface is a prominent feature of the design.

Their flexibility also varies. Many Fleece fabrics have some give because of their knitted construction, while Plush can have a stable or stretchy backing. Selected Nooteboom Pluche qualities are non-stretch, so they should not automatically replace a flexible Fleece in a sewing pattern.

Choose Fleece for a practical warm layer or comfortable jacket lining. Consider Plush when you want a more prominent soft pile, whether for accessories, decorative panels or cosy home projects.

Practical Tip

Before cutting Plush, run your hand along the surface to identify the pile direction. Lay all pattern pieces the same way so the finished panels have a consistent appearance. For thicker qualities, cut carefully from the backing to avoid trimming too much of the pile. Use clips or pins to keep the layers aligned and test your needle and stitch length on a scrap. When sewing, gently move trapped fibres out of the seam with a blunt needle or small brush. This can help restore the soft surface around the stitching.

FAQ

Is Plush fabric always made from polyester?

No. Plush refers to a fabric with a raised pile, not a particular fibre. It can be made from polyester, cotton, other synthetic fibres or blends. The selected Nooteboom Pluche qualities are made from 100% polyester, but other compositions exist.

Is Plush fabric stretchy?

Not necessarily. The amount of stretch depends on the backing and construction. Some knitted Plush fabrics are flexible, while selected Nooteboom Pluche articles are specifically listed as non-stretch. Check the individual product before choosing a fitted garment pattern.

Is Plush fabric suitable for making soft toys?

Plush is commonly used for soft toys because of its comfortable surface. However, the finished toy must meet the relevant safety requirements for its intended users. Pay particular attention to secure seams, fibre shedding, attachments and any age-related restrictions.

Does Plush fabric shed or lose its softness?

Some Plush fabrics release loose fibres during cutting, and repeated use may change the pile's appearance. How well the surface holds up depends on the quality and construction. Gentle washing, careful drying and avoiding excessive heat can help preserve its softness.

Can Plush fabric be washed in a washing machine?

Some polyester Plush qualities can be machine washed on a gentle programme, but not all Plush fabrics have identical care requirements. The backing, pile and finishing may affect the correct cleaning method. Follow the individual care label and avoid excessive heat or friction.

Do you have a specific question about Pluche or an application?
Our AI assistant will help you immediately.

Ask a question

Back

Written by

Dave Van der Steen Nooteboom Textiles

Posted on

13/11/2026