They are both polyester fabrics. However, fleece is double sided with texture and print on both sides, while Minky/Cuddle fabric is single sided with a plusher, almost furlike feel. A lot of fleeces I have seen can just simply be cut to the size desired (i.e. lap size), bound and used as is, while Minky/Cuddle needs to be made into something with some kind of a lining and/or backing.