Let’s keep it real- choosing the perfect fabric for your project can be tough. I made many mistakes and decided to research so that you don’t have to. I’m going to break down the properties of popular fabrics and what types of projects they’re suitable to give you a jump start on all of your future sewing projects.
Let’s go!
We offer free sewing patterns, and within those posts, we do suggest alternative fabrics, but what happens if you want to get experimental or have a different vision for the pattern? Let me help you make your decision.
First, Mood has a very helpful page where you can shop fabrics by whatever project you’re working on. They even break most of them down by beginner, intermediate, and advanced skill levels based on how tricky they are to work with!
Let’s start with some tips for selecting the right fabric for your projects:
- Choose a fabric and project that matches your skill level.
- Think about where you’re wearing the fabric.
- Know the properties of the fabric you’re working with beforehand (this will allow you to pick one that washes, wears, and drapes in the desired manner).
- A fabric with a high cotton content is great for beginner sewists.
- Knits are stretchier than woven fabrics, so keep that in mind when choosing your fabric.
- Consider using fabrics like silk or a thick fabric like canvas, denim or knits, which are super stretchy, once you’ve mastered the basics.
- Perfect summer fabrics are cotton, linen, and jersey. They’re lightweight and breathable.
- Cotton and polyester are great options for everyday wear.
- Use a lining if the shell of your garment needs stability or additional opacity.
- If you choose a printed fabric you should keep in mind how easily you’ll be able to line up the print when sewing. Start by sewing large scale prints first
Properties of Commonly Used Fibers
Silk (Natural Fiber)
- Breathability: moderate
- Comfort: high
- Absorbency: low/moderate
- Resilience: low
- Luster: high
- Care: dry-clean only
- Heat Resistance: low
- Strength: high when dry, low when wet
- Drape: fluid
- Sewing level: advanced
- Will it shrink? yes
- End uses: couture garments and formalwear, bedding, and drapery
Wool (Natural Fiber)
- Breathability: high
- Comfort: moderate
- Absorbency: high
- Resilience: moderate
- Luster: low
- Care: launder with care
- Heat Resistance: low
- Strength: moderate
- Drape: moderate
- Sewing level: intermediate
- Will it shrink? yes
- End uses: outerwear, suiting, and upholstery
Linen (Natural Fiber)
- Breathability: high
- Comfort: high
- Absorbency: moderate
- Resilience: low
- Luster: low
- Care: launder normally (softer with each wash)
- Heat Resistance: high
- Strength: high
- Drape: moderate
- Sewing Level: beginner
- Will it shrink? no
- End Uses: summer tops, suiting, bedding, drapery, and upholstery
Rayon (Synthetic Fiber)
- Breathability: moderate
- Comfort: high
- Absorbency: moderate
- Resilience: low
- Luster: moderate
- Care: launder with care
- Heat Resistance: low
- Strength: moderate (weaker when wet)
- Drape: moderate
- Sewing Level: intermediate
- Will it shrink? yes
- End Uses: summer blouses and dresses, activewear, socks, bedding, curtains, and blankets
Polyester (Synthetic Fiber)
- Breathability: low
- Comfort: low-moderate
- Absorbency: high
- Resilience: high
- Luster: moderate-high
- Care: launder normally
- Heat Resistance: high
- Strength: high
- Drape: moderate
- Sewing Level: intermediate
- Will it shrink? no
- End Uses: pants, shirts, suiting, and bedding
Jersey (Synthetic Fiber)
- Breathability: moderate-high
- Comfort: high
- Absorbency: low
- Resilience: high
- Luster: moderate
- Care: launder with care
- Heat Resistance: low
- Strength: high
- Drape: moderate-high
- Sewing Level: intermediate
- Will it shrink? no
- End uses: undergarments, t-shirts, and winter apparel like sweaters and cardigans
Brocade (Natural or Synthetic Fiber)
- Breathability: moderate
- Comfort: moderate
- Absorbency: low
- Resilience: low
- Luster: high
- Care: dry-clean only
- Heat Resistance: low-moderate
- Strength: low
- Drape: voluminous
- Sewing Level: advanced
- Will it shrink? yes
- End uses: furniture and upholstery, clothing like dresses, suiting, tops, and outerwear
Specialty
Specialty fabrics are those intended for specific applications. These fabrics have shaped the textile industry like lace, leather, and faux fur.
Performance
Performance fabrics mix advancements in textiles and wellness into one. Compression, water-repellent, skin hydrating, and reflective fabrics are all features found in this category.
Printed and Patterned
Prints come in various fabric types. Keep in mind that your print or pattern should represent your skill level and the scale of the pattern should be consistent with the scale size of the garment or project you’re working on.
Linings
Linings are commonly used to provide opacity to fabric as well as some added warmth. Linings are made from various fibers. Some of the most common are silk, acetate, and cotton.
Now that you’ve gotten a major lesson in fabric properties and know which fabrics are best suited for certain types of projects, you’ll be able to select the right fabric(s) for your next project with ease. There’s no need to be reluctant when starting a project due to trying to find the right fit for it.
Which fabric is your go-to when sewing? Drop a comment below!
3 comments
Thanks for this informative post. My go-to fabric is cotton, but I’ve been meaning to use the linen in my fabric stash. It’s a little intimidating, but seeing linen listed at the beginner sewing level encourages me to start working!
This is by far the best sewing blog I have come across, and I have come across a lot!!!!!, I’m a beginner and I have no clue which fabrics to use, when to use them and etc. Your break down is a tremendous help… Not to mention all the free sewing patterns!!!! You’re AMAZING THANK YOU!!!!
Thanks for sharing this amazing post