It’s a question I’ve gotten in several emails and comments “Coral Fleece vs Polar Fleece – what is the difference?”. 
There are so man different brand names of fleece and types it can be confusing! While Coral Fleece and Polar fleece are related – they are more like cousins than immediate family. Each has some unique properties that you should be aware of so you can make the best choice for your fleece sewing project!
Coral Fleece vs Polar Fleece
Coral Fleece is thicker and has a higher “pile” than polar fleece. In layman’s terms it’s furrier than polar fleece. It’s what gives it it’s name (think coral poking up from the sea) and makes it perfect for blankets. (Like this satin trim blanket – learn how to make it here!)
Coral fleece sheds on the edges due to it’s furry texture, and it tends have more stretch than most polar fleece. Due to those two reasons it’s necessary to finish the edges of coral fleece, however with polar fleece it’s not needed.
Coral fleece tends to be more expensive (especially the nicer brands like Shannon) than polar fleece. It is considered a step up or nicer fabric than polar fleece.
Coral fleece and polar fleece are both polyester synthetic fabrics and both can melt when too much heat is put to the fabric.
Coral fleece does not work tie or no sew projects. Polar fleece will work for tie and no sew projects and crafts (like tie blankets – get my ultimate guide here).
Coral fleece tends to be used primarily for blankets and baby items. Polar fleece is used for both children and adults for clothing and blankets.
Coral fleece does not pill due to it’s furry texture, Cheaper forms of polar fleece can pill after long use and washing.
On Coral fleece the right side is the side that has the higher pile or is furrier, but both sides are soft. On polar fleece the it can sometimes be difficult to tell the front from the back as the sides can appear identical.
On Coral fabric never use fabric softener when washing – it will make the furry fibers stick together and it will lose it’s wonderful soft texture.
Both Coral fleece and Polar fleece are wonderful fabrics and have their pros and cons. Hopefully this article has shown you the difference between the tow and will help you be able to decide which to use on your sewing project!
Fleece Fun has many sewing projects and free patterns to help you get started! Be sure to check out out master Index here.
Working With Different Fabrics:
- What is the Anatomy of Fabric?
- 7 Things you need to know about sewing with Minky Fabric
- How to Sew with Faux Fur
- Which Fleece is Which? Your Quick Start Guide to Fleece
More How to Sew Lessons:
- How to get started sewing with a sewing machine
- How to Unpick a Seam
- How to Make a Button Hole
- What are the parts to a Sewing Machine?
- What is a Straight Stitch and How to Sew it
- What is a Basting Stitch?
- How to read a Sewing Pattern
- How to Make a Rolled Hem or a Baby Hem
- What to Look for a in a Good Sewing Machine
- What are the must have sewing tools?
- Traditional Sewing Pattern VS Digital
- How to Choose a Sewing Machine
- 5 Easy Ways to Save Money on Crafts and Fabric
- You can see all the How to Sew Lessons Here
If you want to learn more about the different types of fleeces there’s an excellent article here.
Lynn says
Thanks for the patterns and tips on using fleece. I do have a question about using fleece and coral fleece, how do we know which one we’re ordering online? Are there key words to look for? I don’t recall seeing anything labeled coral fleece.
Thanks,