Popular Fabrics For Crafting
A list of my most used fabrics in craft projects. This is just a quick guide, however individual fabrics can vary so much in feel, texture and colour, that I recommend getting hold of a sample before embarking on a big project.
Cotton - a natural, versatile, breathable fabric that is easy to work with, making it perfect for everything from quilts to garments. Cotton comes in various weights and finishes, here are some popular ones;
Poplin - a very versatile fabric that is tightly woven and lightweight. Its popularity for use in quilting, means you can get a wide range of colours and beautiful patterns.
Lawn - Soft and lightweight, with fine, smooth finish. Lawn gives that airy, breezy feel, perfect for a summer dress.
Sateen - a slightly heavier weight fabric that boasts a luxurious sheen and a smooth, soft texture..
Twill / Drill - heavy weight fabrics with a distinctive weave. They are are durable and sturdy, often used for items that have heavy use like bags, trousers and curtains.
Denim - has a robust structure and is known for its use in jeans. Available in various weights and finishes, denim can suit anything from casual wear to trendy jackets.
Canvas - sturdy and durable, canvas is great for bags, upholstery, and outdoor projects, standing up to the test of wear and tear.
Polycotton - a blend of polyester and cotton, with the softness and breathability of cotton, and durability and wrinkle-resistance of polyester.
Fleece - Soft and warm, fleece is perfect for cosy projects, and as a non woven fabric will not fray.
Minky - (often labelled cuddleplush or cuddle fleece) is a soft and cuddly fabric that boasts a plush, velvety texture. It comes in different lengths, with a longer length almost mimicking fur.
Faux fur - a soft synthetic material that imitates the look and feel of real animal fur. It's often used in clothing, accessories, and home decor.
Felt - a soft, versatile fabric made from natural (wool) or synthetic fibres. It is perfect for crafting as it non woven, so will not fray like most other farbics.
Linen - known for its crisp texture and natural fibres, linen is great for warm-weather clothing and adds a beautiful drape to any project.
Jersey Knit - This stretchy fabric is ideal for casual wear. It's soft, comfortable, and perfect for t-shirts and dresses.
Velvet - Soft and plush, velvet adds a touch of elegance to any project, often used in evening wear and plush home décor.
Corduroy - Recognised by its distinctive wale, corduroy is warm and sturdy, making it suitable for trousers, jackets, and shirts.
To put a sewing pattern onto fabric, you can use a few different methods. I like to swap between these methods depending on the pattern design.