In the US, COVID-19 cases are not letting up, and another lockdown is sure to follow. The chances are that we will all find ourselves right back where we were in spring, but this time amid cold weather. What better way to spend your free time around the holidays than by learning a new and creative skill like sewing? Sewing seems daunting, but our easy guide will help you tackle different topics that beginning sewists face. Up first is sewing with winter fabrics, which is a short way to say warm and cozy fabrics that’ll keep the cold out even when you’re just lounging around the house or partaking in holiday zoom parties and want to show off your creations.
Let me begin with an explanation: Winter fabrics are typically thick, providing insulation and protection from cool temperatures. Beginner fabrics are those that don’t stretch or slip when being handled, which makes pinning, cutting, and sewing easier to manage.
Now onto the beginner winter fabrics!
Cotton
Cotton is suitable for all levels of sewists, including beginner ones, and it doesn’t need much of an introduction. Cotton comes in many weights, blends, and colors. With minimal stretching and sliding, it’s relatively easy to sew. Create anything you can imagine with the help of high-quality cotton fabric. Try the Juniper Skirt to get sewing with cotton.
Fleece
This ultra-soft and cozy fabric is heavily used in loungewear. Fleece is great for casual everyday clothing like coats and jackets to stay warm while you’re running out for the necessities, and it’s perfect for layering. Bonus— the edges don’t fray, making it beginner-friendly. Lastly, fleece is relatively inexpensive, so when mistakes happen, it won’t break the bank to have a bit extra on hand. Try the Bixa Sweatshirt to get sewing with fleece.
Flannel
The warmth and fuzziness that this textile provides make it popular for cooler temperatures. It’s easy to sew since it isn’t too thick, doesn’t slip and slide, and has a slight amount of give. A bonus for the beginner is its brushed texture, which helps to hide mistakes and imperfections. Flannel is mostly seen in PJs, shirting, and suiting, but it’s also an excellent option for lining to add a layer of warmth in the wintery weather. Flannel is another affordable fabric, which also makes it great for beginners. Try the Cress Skirt to get sewing with flannel.
Tweed
A classic winter favorite is tweed. Find it in suiting (most famously associated with Chanel) and outerwear thanks to its durability, but it also is seen in skirts and dresses. The natural pattern found in tweed is excellent at camouflaging stitching errors and offers a pattern without the need for seam lines to match up. Tweed is not as easy to work with as the fabrics above, but it’s still manageable, as tweed comes in weights that make it easier to sew. Try the Gladiolus Blazer or the Winterberry Cape to get sewing with tweed.
Wool
Gorgeous and incredibly warm (thanks to it’s naturally insulating properties), wool is a winter go-to for many. Available in a variety of weights, wool is beginner-friendly when selected in a lighter weight that feeds easily through a sewing machine. Wool is great for suits, sweaters, jackets, dresses, and skirts. Try the Geranium Coat to get sewing with wool.
Gather your sewing supplies, pick your fabric, and get into it! Tell us in a comment below what you’re looking forward to making this holiday season!
Thank you so much Stephanie, i always like your posts so informative. And THANKS to all the Mood’s crew who put so much effort in this blog, you are helping and motivating sewing beginners like me with all your patterns and tutorials. Regards!