Common fabrics for plush toys

Natural Fibers

Cotton

Pros

Gentle and safe for newborns and sensitive skin.
Prevents the toy from getting too hot or stuffy during long hugs
Smooth surface is perfect for showing clear, detailed printed patterns or facial expressions.
Provides an authentic, organic, and comfortable feel, unlike synthetic fibers.

Cons

Lacks the plushness and warmth of a true plush toy.
Prone to creasing, making the toy look messy or old quickly after play.
Highly absorbent, takes a long time to dry thoroughly after washing.
The lack of elasticity means it’s not as satisfyingly squishy and doesn’t reform shape well.

Wool

Pros

Creates a thick, warm, and distinctly premium hand-feel for collectible toys.
Excellent fiber resilience allows the toy to hold its shape well despite repeated squeezing.
Provides excellent, natural warmth for a comforting snuggle.
The strong fibers are built to last, making it a valuable heirloom piece.

Cons

Significantly increases the purchase price, making it less accessible.
Requires special washing (hand wash/dry clean) to prevent shrinking and matting.
Can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, limiting its suitability.
Some sensitive skin may find the texture slightly itchy or rough.

Plush & Pile

Short Plush / Velboa

Pros

Very easy to clean and sanitize at home without special care.
Stands up well to rough handling and frequent use without losing its texture.
The short pile allows facial features and embroidered details to stand out clearly.
Great value for money, making it the most common and accessible plush toy material.

Cons

The hand-feel is not as smooth or luxurious as higher-end fabrics like Minky.
Feels rough and different when rubbed against the pile direction.
Seam lines and stitching are more obvious than on long plush fabrics.
Does not offer the deep, cozy fluffiness of long-pile toys.

Long Plush / Faux Fur

Pros

Offers the softest, warmest, and most satisfyingly fluffy hugging experience.
Perfect for creating lifelike animal characters with authentic-looking fur.
The long fibers conceal stitching effectively, giving the toy a professional, seamless finish.
The texture makes the toy look more luxurious, sophisticated, and gift-worthy.

Cons

Can shed fibers, posing a small but potential ingestion risk for infants.
Long pile easily traps dirt and can mat/harden after washing.
Small details like eyes and embroidered noses can be lost or hidden by the long fur.
The long fur can easily become tangled or flattened from frequent play.

Minky

Pros

Offers a superior, silky-smooth hand-feel that is exceptionally pleasant to touch.
High-quality Minky resists pilling and maintains its luxurious softness through numerous washes.
The “dimple dot” version offers a unique, pleasurable tactile experience for babies.
Holds dye brilliantly, resulting in rich, deep, and fade-resistant colors.

Cons

More expensive than standard plush, increasing the total purchase cost.
As a synthetic fabric, it is not as breathable and can feel warm during prolonged cuddles.
May generate static electricity, easily attracting dust, lint, and pet hair.
The smooth pile easily shows press marks or finger trails on the surface.

Fleece/ Coral Fleece

Pros

Highly cost-effective, offering a soft toy option at a low price point.
Dries very fast after washing, making it extremely practical for frequent cleaning.
Provides a cozy, warm feel without adding significant weight to the toy.
Cut edges won’t unravel, meaning fewer loose threads and greater durability around seams.

Cons

Highly prone to pilling after repeated washes and friction, making the toy look aged.
Lacks the refined softness and sheen of Minky or Velboa, feeling less premium.
Tends to attract and hold onto lint and small particles easily.
Over time, especially if pulled or overstuffed, the fabric may stretch and lose its original shape.

Specialty

Felt

Pros

Allows for very clean, precise cuts, perfect for detailed eyes, smiles, and logos.
Great for parts that need to stand up and hold their shape, like horns, ears, or crowns.
Highly cost-effective for adding colorful, non-fluffy accents and small parts.
It’s easy for parents to cut a new piece and glue it on to repair damaged details.

Cons

The material is stiff and not cuddly, unsuitable for any main body parts.
As a non-woven material, it can tear under stress more easily than knit or woven fabrics.
The surface is prone to pilling and fuzzing with friction, making it look worn quickly.
Liquids and stains can easily penetrate and spread, making thorough cleaning difficult.

Spandex Blends

Pros

The extreme stretch creates a satisfying, very soft, slow-rising “mochi” hand-feel.
Always returns to its original shape, no matter how much it’s stretched or squashed.
The blend often feels cool and smooth against the skin.
Allows the toy to be stuffed very tightly for a firm, satisfying squeeze.

Cons

The addition of spandex fiber increases the fabric’s cost significantly.
Sharp objects can easily snag or create permanent holes in the stretched fabric.
Its difficult production may lead to longer manufacturing times for the toy.

Vegan Leather

Pros

Spills and dirt can be easily wiped away with a damp cloth, keeping it sanitary.
Provides a great realistic texture for paw pads, noses, and accessories like jackets or boots.
The surface is tough and resistant to scuffs and wear in high-contact areas.
Can be cut to create clean, defined shapes, adding a modern, stylized look to the toy.

Cons

The surface is not soft or warm, making it unsuitable for large body parts of a plush toy.
The non-porous material does not allow air circulation.
Needle holes and scratches leave permanent, irreversible marks on the surface.