Fabric 101
One of the more difficult aspects of sewing is picking the right fabric. The fabric you choose affects everything: how your project drapes, feels, moves, and even how forgiving it is while you learn. If choosing fabrics has been holding you back from starting, this guide is for you! Below, you’ll find a list of common fabric types, its attributes, and some project ideas to boost your creativity.
Cotton
Feels like: Smooth, crisp, and breathable. Comes in endless prints.
Best for: Pillowcases, tote bags, skirts, pajama pants, quilting projects.
Why it’s great: Easily cuts straight, presses nicely, behaves well under the needle.
Watch out for: Shrinkage—wash, dry and iron before cutting!
Pro tip: Quilting cotton is the sewing equivalent of training wheels: steady, friendly, and always ready to help.
Linen
Feels like: Textured, slightly rougher than cotton, gets softer with every wash.
Best for: Summer tops, pants, tablecloths, home décor.
Why it’s great: Breathes beautifully, looks elegant even when wrinkled.
Watch out for: Frays easily and wrinkles like it’s its job—serge or zigzag raw edges.
Pro tip: “Pre-wash twice” is the secret handshake for linen lovers.
Muslin
Feels like: Soft, light, usually unbleached.
Best for: Practice runs (before cutting expensive fabric), linings.
Why it’s great: Cheap and forgiving.
Watch out for: Shrinkage – behaves like most other cottons, so prewashing is recommended.
Pro tip: Think of muslin as the scratch paper of sewing—perfect for testing patterns.
Cotton Poplin
Feels like: Smooth, tightly woven cotton or poly-cotton.
Best for: Shirts, dresses, linings, lightweight crafts.
Why it’s great: Looks polished, holds its shape, and is easy to sew.
Watch out for: Wrinkles a bit; starch spray is your friend.
Pro tip: Poplin is basically “dress-shirt cotton”—great for crisp seams.
Twill & Denim
Feels like: Sturdy, heavier, visible diagonal weave.
Best for: Jeans, jackets, bags, aprons.
Why it’s great: Strong, structured, lasts forever.
Watch out for: Needles can break if you don’t use a heavy-duty one.
Pro tip: Use a thicker thread, especially for topstitching jeans – gives it that professional look!
Satin
Feel: Shiny on one side, sleek, smooth.
Best for: Formalwear, linings, accessories.
Why it’s great: Gorgeous finish and beautiful drape.
Watch out for: Frays fast and every pin mark shows—handle gently.
Pro tip: Use sharp pins or clips, small stitches, and patience. Lots of patience.
Stop by the studio to shop these fabrics and supplies you need to get your project off the ground. We’re always ready to answer questions and offer guidance, so you can feel confident!
