8 Popular Fabrics For Sewing

There are many different types of fabric available and each one has its own set of characteristics. Some fabrics wrinkle easily, some will shrink, while others are very durable. As well, some fabrics are easier to care for then others. Below is a list of eight different types of fabric, a brief description of the fabric's characteristics and how to care for them.

Cotton

Characteristics of cotton:

Made from a natural fiber,
Very durable,
Soft, and
Wrinkles easily.

Care Guide:

Easy to care for.
Machine wash and dry.
Iron on medium heat.

Polyester

Characteristics of polyester:

Man made,
Very strong,
Easy to iron, and
Cotton is often mixed in when polyester is used for clothing.

Care Guide:

Easy to care for.
Machine wash and dry.
Iron on medium heat.

Velvet

Characteristics of velvet:

Made from a variety of fibers, including silk and cotton,
The fibers used to make velvet influence how soft and luxurious it will feel, and
Hard to sew with.

Care Guide:

Dry clean only.

Silk

Characteristics of silk:

Made from natural fibers,
Regarded as a luxurious and elegant material,
Very strong, and
Easy to dye.

Care Guide:

Hand wash only in cool water.
Hang to dry.

Wool

Characteristics of wool:

Comes from a natural fiber,
Many different types of wool, depending on which animal it came from,
Very warm,
Easily absorbs moisture, and
Can feel scratchy.

Care Guide:

Machine wash on gentle cycle.
Lay flat to dry.

Fleece

Characteristics of fleece:

Soft,
The right side draws moisture away from your skin, and
The wrong side brings moisture to your skin.

Care Guide:

Easy to care for.
Machine wash and dry.

Flannel

Characteristics of flannel:

Soft,
Fuzzy, and
Very warm.

Care Guide:

Easy to care for.
Machine wash and dry.

Linen

Characteristics of linen:

Comes from the natural fiber of the flax plant,
Stronger than cotton,
Easy to dye, and
Fade resistant.

Care Guide:

Easy to care for.
Machine wash and dry.
Iron on medium heat.

Looking for fabric your next sewing project? Then check out our selection of Sewing Fabrics & Kits. Create your own wall hanging or select a bold and colourful fabric that gets noticed!