Fabric names are not the final standard
Labels such as short pile, long pile and ultra-soft are only a starting language. Pile direction, density, texture, color appearance, thickness and sewn behavior shape the result. Materials with a similar name can still differ by specification or batch.
Begin with the character’s visual need
Characters needing crisp outlines and clear graphic boundaries often benefit from stable surfaces and controllable color. Characters that need fluff, fur or an animal-like feel must be checked to ensure pile does not hide facial features or edges.
Size changes how the fabric reads
At small sizes, pile and texture can cover eyes, mouths or seam lines. At larger sizes, drape, stretch and behavior after stuffing become more visible. Choose material alongside finished size, not from a hand-feel swatch alone.
Use physical references for color
Screen colors, artwork colors and actual fabric colors may differ. When color needs approval, a physical swatch, color reference or approved sample shared by both sides is a more reliable reference than a screenshot.
How to describe the choice
- State the intended visual effect: smooth, fluffy, textured or animal-fur-like.
- Share finished size and where facial features or graphics sit.
- Prioritize one or two of hand feel, durability, color and cost before comparing options.
What common fabric families are used for
Crystal and Anlun super-soft fabrics support fine short surfaces; PV plush and sherpa emphasize volume or texture; velboa, corduroy, velvet, flocked and suede-like fabrics can serve garments, accessories or controlled surfaces. Trade names are only starting labels—density, backing, direction, stretch and colour still need review.
The 18+ figure describes regular fabric families, not guaranteed availability of every colour, weight or testing status. Pantone matching, functional finishes and custom dyeing need separate material confirmation and lead time.
| Finished size | Starting evaluation | Main risk | Physical check |
|---|---|---|---|
| About 10 cm | 1–1.5 pile or flat surface | Pile covers eyes and mouth; seam share is high | Front, profile and narrow limbs |
| About 15 cm | Start at 1–1.5; vary locally | Pile bridges seams and softens embroidery edges | Map material around recognition features |
| About 20 cm | Evaluate 1.5–3 and local longer pile | Volume changes silhouette and proportion | Review after stuffing and grooming |
| Above 3 pile | Use selectively for strong fur effects | Facial and seam definition may disappear | Require actual fabric and prototype |
What to record during material approval
Record the swatch or source reference, colour, pile direction, backing stretch, feel and use area. When face and body use different fabrics, check whether unequal stretch pulls the joining seam.
Screens communicate direction but do not replace a physical swatch or approved sample. Production planning should also define how batch variation and substitutions will be handled.
- Character-defining silhouette and expression
- Finished size and feature zones
- Intended touch and use
- Embroidery, printing, appliqué and component needs
- Potential destination-market material scope
Additional project control
This page also uses a project-control layer: confirm the actual artwork, finished size, physical fabric, technique files, approved sample and target-market scope before production. The Chinese edition contains the detailed factory-side mechanism notes; the English edition is written around the same buyer decisions rather than presented as a literal translation.