Welcome back to another blog post on Soft Toy Repairs. Today we will discuss the primary concern of every soft toy momma and papa, Durability. How do I get a repair that is the most durable and the most bang for my buck?
Durability in Soft Toys
First, let us talk about the definition of durability in the world of soft toys; we typically assume durability to be:
General:
- Color Fastness
- Long-term resistance to wash
- Long-term resistance to abrasion
For furry fabrics (etc.: Minky)
Read here to compare Velour to Minky
- Minor to no fur loss
- Little to no fur matting
For stretch fabrics (etc.: Knit Polyester Stretch)
- Little to no pilling
- Little to no degradation of the elastic fibers
- Little to no thinning
For weave fabrics (etc.: Cotton)
Refer here for a full article on this fabric type
- Little to no fraying
- Little to no split fibers
- Slight to no loss of threads to degradation
However, there is no definite answer on the “most durable” fabric, as different materials excel in various durability aspects, making it difficult to pinpoint a single fabric as the ultimate champion of durability.
If patterns or specific colors are required, 100% cotton would be the most popular and common choice for its prominence in the textile industry, guaranteeing a high chance of finding a cotton fabric in the exact design you require.
It may also be possible to quickly locate repeated patterns like stripes or polka dots in lightweight synthetic blends.
A medium to heavy-weight mercerized cotton, nylon, polyester, or polyester blend may be a good choice if only durability is required. However, note that these materials tend to come in limited colors in solid print. Patterns of any kind or anything that is beyond standard colors are rare.
Beyond clothing fabrics, the next most durable textile is those used outdoors, such as curtains, camping, or upholstery. They are heavily weighted, very thick, and don't wrinkle easily. But they are heavy and uncomfortable to use in a soft toy.
Our Recommendation
|
Recommendation |
Prints? |
Color Variety |
Stretch? |
Fur? |
Durability |
|
Mercerized USA Cotton |
No |
Standard |
No |
No |
Very high among cotton |
|
Japan Cotton |
Yes |
Larger Variety |
No |
No |
Decent |
|
China Cotton |
Yes |
Vast Variety |
No |
No |
Not so good |
|
Suiting Fabrics (Cotton, Cotton Blend, Polyester) |
Stripes, polka, small detailing |
Limited, but special weaves available |
No |
No |
Not so good, this material prioritizes comfort |
|
Minky, Plush Fabric |
Prints are rare |
Standard |
Yes |
Yes |
Decent |
|
Premium Minky, Velour, Velvet |
Prints are rare |
Larger Variety |
Yes |
Yes - Denser than minky |
Very high among furs |
|
Standard Knit |
No |
Standard |
Yes |
No |
Decent |
|
Lycra / Elastane Nylon Blend |
No |
Standard |
Yes |
No |
Decent |
It's worth noting that proper care and maintenance also play a significant role in prolonging the lifespan of fabrics. Following the care instructions provided by the manufacturer, such as washing in cold water, avoiding excessive heat (sun) or friction (washing machine and abrasion), and avoiding harsh chemicals, can help maintain the fabric's quality and durability over time.