We’ve put together this comprehensive list to help you understand different fabric types for sewing and what to use them for.
While fabric shopping is one of life’s greatest pleasures, the sheer amount of different types of fabric available can sometimes be a tad daunting when you’re trying to figure out the right type for your next project.
Start foraging for different types of fabric and a world of discovery awaits you, and we’re here to help. We’ve put together a handy guide, featuring some of the most common fabrics – bookmark this page so you can refer to it the next time you’re foxed by fabric types.
Which fabric should I use?
Fabrics are made from different types of fibres, either natural or manmade, which influence how they behave. Fabrics can be woven, non woven and knitted, which affects their weight, drape and stretch. To add an extra ingredient into the mix, many fabrics can be bought in different weights, too.
If in doubt, start by thinking about what you want your fabric to do and choose one that suits. For example, if you’re making a summer dress then you’ll want something lightweight – we’d suggest a woven, natural fibre such as cotton, which is breathable but has a little synthetic fibre added to give it drape, like Challis.
It’s always good to physically feel and see a fabric before you buy, but with so many tempting online shops out there, you may not get the chance. Read our guide now and you’ll be armed with the information you need to always find the perfect fabric.
Beginners Guide to Fabric Types
Acetate
Fibre type: Manmade fibre (natural polymer)
Description: A shiny fabric that’s not very strong but rarely shrinks and has a wonderful drape to it
Use it for: Bridal and evening wear and often used for linings.
Acrylic
Fibre type: Manmade fibre (synthetic polymer)
Description: A wool like texture, colourfast, washable, strong and warm
Use it for: Sweaters, sportswear, knits and upholstery
Batiste
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton) or blend
Description: Lightweight, delicate and sheer. Drapes well
Use it for: Often used for baby clothes and blouses, handkerchiefs and lingerie
Bouclé
Fibre type: Natural fibre (wool) or blend
Description: Usually made from wool, this has a looped or knotted surface
Use it for: Coats, jackets, suits
Broadcloth
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton) or blend
Description: Tightly woven and may have slight ridge. Very strong and soft
Use it for: Shirts, skirt and quilt backings
Brocade
Fibre type: Natural fibre (silk, cotton) or blend
Description: Rich fabric woven with an all over raised design. Crisp so doesn’t drape well
Use it for: Evening and formal clothing
Calico
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton)
Description: Tightly woven inexpensive fabric
Use it for: Dresses, aprons, quilts and toiles
Cambric
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton)
Description: Lightweight, plain weave but densely woven
Use it for: Linens, shirtings , handkerchiefs, childrens wear, nightdresses.
Description: Soft and airy wool from the Cashmere goat, woven into fabric
Use it for: Coats, jackets, trousers, nightwear
Challis
Fibre type: Natural fibre or blend
Description: Lightweight woven fabric. Soft, fluid and easily washable
Use it for: Dresses, blouses and skirts that need to drape well
Chambray
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton or linen)
Description: Light to mid weight plain woven fabric with a coloured warp (usually blue) and a white weft.
Use it for: Mens shirting, dresses and blouses
Charmeuse
Fibre type: Natural fibre (silk) or manmade
Description: Luxurious, supple fabric , shiny on one side, excellent drape, medium weight
Use it for: Evening wear, lingerie
Cheesecloth
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton)
Description: Loosely woven, lightweight fabric which has slightly crinkly appearance
Use it for: Blouses, shirts and summer dresses
Chenille
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton) or manmade
Description: A heavy, velvet-like fabric with the pile or nap on one side only. It drapes well and is soft
Use it for: Jackets, shirts, loose tops, bathrobes
Chiffon
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton, silk) or manmade
Description: A lightweight, sheer fabric with an irregular surface and slightly rough feel. Tricky to work with
Use it for: Evening wear, especially as an overlay, blouses, scarves and lingerie.
Chintz
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton)
Description: Plain weave fabric with a shiny, almost wax-like surface and usually an all over bold print
Use it for: Curtain making, bedding or bags
Corduroy
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton)
Description: Mid to heavy-weight cotton with distinct ribs on the lengthwise grain. The number of the ribs (or wales) per cm can vary can vary from needlecord to jumbo cord
Use it for: Jackets, trousers, skirts and pinafores
Cotton
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton)
Description: Made from the fluffy seed pods of the cotton plant. It’s hardy, breathable, heat resistant and absorbs moisture
Use it for: Most garments as it comes in different weights to suit different needs
Crêpe
Fibre type: Natural fibre (silk, wool) or manmade
Description: A general term for all fabrics which are made by twisting the fibres to create a crinkled texture. Doesn’t crease easily
Use it for: Evening dresses, trousers and suits
Crêpe de chinea
Fibre type: Natural fibre (silk)
Description: The highly twisted fibres give this is a crinkled surface. Comes in three different weights
Use it for: Blouses, lingerie, dresses and trousers
Damask
Fibre type: Natural or manmade fibre or a blend
Description: A glossy fabric which has flat reversible patterns woven in
Use it for: Table linen and soft furnishings
Denim
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton)
Description: The warp and weft threads are different colours with one dominating on the surface. Hardwearing
Use it for: Jeans, jackets, skirts
Duchesse satin
Fibre type: Natural fibre (silk) or manmade
Description: High quality satin with a lustrous sheen
Use it for: Bridal and evening wear
Duck
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton)
Description: Tightly woven, heavy weight, plain weave fabric
Use it for: Trousers and workwear
Faux fur
Fibre type: Manmade fibre (synthetic polymer)
Description: Woven fabric covered with hair to resemble real fur, also called Fun Fur
Use it for: Outerwear, chidren’s costumes
Felt
Fibre type: Natural fibre (wool, bamboo) or manmade
Description: Non woven fabric where fibres are pressed together. Doesn’t fray and comes in varying thicknesses
Use it for: Craft projects, soft toys
Flannel
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton, wool) or manmade
Description: A soft twill weave that is brushed on one or both sides for softness
Use it for: Shirts, nightwear
Flannelette
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton)
Description: Soft and lighter weight than flannel and only brushed on one side
Use it for: Shirts, pyjamas and bedding
Fleece
Fibre type: Natural fibre (wool) or manmade
Description: Knit fabric with a deep soft pile that stretches across the grain
Use it for: Jackets, tops, childrenswear
Gaberdine
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton, wool) or manmade
Description: Sheer fabric with highly twisted yarns which gives it a grainy feel but is soft, fluid and strong
Use it for: Scarves, blouses and evening wear
Gingham
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton) or blends
Description: Check patterned fabric with two tone, contrasting checks
Use it for: Dresses and shirts
Habotai
Fibre type: Natural fibre (silk)
Description: Lightweight, plain weave, soft and glossy
Use it for: Summer blouses, lingerie or linings
Hessian
Fibre type: Natural fibre (jute)
Description: Loosely woven, heavy, plain wave fabric. Also known as Burlap
Use it for: Bags and upholstery
Ikat
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton)
Description: Handwoven fabric where the warp and weft threads are dyed different colours before being woven into intricate designs
Use it for: Trousers, shirts, dresses
Jersey
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton, wool, silk) or manmade
Description: General term for knitted fabrics from fine to heavier weights including single, double and interlock jerseys. Stretchy and crease resistant
Use it for: T-shirts, dresses and casualwear
Lace
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton) or manmade
Description: Decorative, open fabric made by knitting or looping yarns. Can be hand or machine made
Use it for: Often used as an overlay on other fabrics for formal wear or as a decoration.
Lamé
Fibre type: Manmade fibre (synthetic polymer) with metallic threads
Description: Woven or knitted lustrous fabric with a high surface sheen
Use it for: Evening and dancewear
Lawn
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton, linen)
Description: Fine, lightweight fabric with a crisp finish and crease resistant
Use it for: Summerwear, nightwear and handkerchiefs
Leather
Fibre type: Natural
Description: Created by tanning animal hides. Comes in a variety of weights and colours. Synthetic faux leather is similar but easier to stitch with
Use it for: Bags, belts, trousers and skirts
Linen
Fibre type: Natural fibre (from flax)
Description: Smooth surface, often with slub, breathable, strong, creases easily. More lustrous than cotton
Use it for: Blouses, dresses, lightweight jackets and trousers
Lycra
Fibre type: Manmade fibre (synthetic polymer)
Description: Trademark name for a brand of Spandex fibre. Strong and very stretchy
Use it for: Sportswear
Madras
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton)
Description: Handmade fabric originating from Madras, India. Features striped, plaid or check patterns
Use it for: Shirts and dresses
Modal
Fibre type: Manmade fibre (natural polymer)
Description: Resilient to shrinking and fading. Soft, absorbent and cool to touch.
Use it for: Underwear, bedding and towels
Moleskin
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton)
Description: Heavy, durable with a short velvety nap resembling suede
Use it for: Trousers and jackets
Muslin
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton)
Description: Lightweight, inexpensive fabric with a linen type weave
Use it for: Making test garments, backing and lining
Net
Fibre type: Manmade fibre (synthetic polymer)
Description: Open fabric made by weaving, knitting or knotting
Use it for: Underskirts, costumes, dance wear
Nylon
Fibre type: Manmade fibre (synthetic polymer)
Description: Strong, stretchy, quick drying and strong. Often blended with natural fibres
Use it for: Outdoor clothing, jackets and bags
Oilcloth
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton)
Description: Plain weave fabric usually plastic coated to make it wipeable and weatherproof
Use it for: Tablecloths, bags and rainwear
Organdy
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton) or manmade
Description: Sheer, stiffened and lightweight. Crisp and prone to creasing
Use it for: Summer wear and costumes
Organza
Fibre type: Natural fibre (silk) or manmade
Description: Plain weave, sheer fabric
Use it for: Bridal and evening wear or sheer curtains
Percale
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton)
Description: Soft and smooth, made from combed cotton
Use it for: Summer wear and light bedding.
Piqué
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton)
Description: Medium weight cotton with a waffle weave texture
Use it for: Blouses and children’s clothes
Plaid
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton, wool) or manmade
Description: A checked, woven design made from a variety of fabric weights
Use it for: Clothing and soft furnishings
Plush
Fibre type: Natural fibre or manmade
Description: Deep, soft pile fabric. Often knitted so it has some stretch
Use it for: Soft toys, jackets, costumes
Polyester
Fibre type: Manmade fibre (synthetic polymer)
Description: Strong, soft and supple and doesn’t crease. Drys quickly
Use it for: All clothing types and sportswear
PVC
Fibre type: Manmade
Description: Waterproof with a rubbery texture
Use it for: Outdoor uses, costumes and tablecloths
Poplin
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton)
Description: Lightweight fabric with fine cross ribs. Soft and durable and less prone to creasing than plain cotton
Use it for: Dresses, skirts and shirts
Rayon
Fibre type: Manmade fibre (natural polymer)
Description: Soft, drapes well and highly absorbent
Use it for: Shirts, skirts and dresses
Rip stop nylon
Fibre type: Manmade fibre (synthetic polymer)
Description: Lightweight, strong, wind and water resistant
Use it for: Outdoor and camping equipment, jackets and sportswear
Sateen
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton)
Description: Satin weave fabric, soft, durable with a gentle lustre
Use it for: Bed linen, linings
Satin
Fibre type: Natural fibre (silk) or manmade
Description: Smooth, shiny and drapes well
Use it for: Lingerie, nightwear, evening wear
Seersucker
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton, silk) or manmade
Description: Crinkled, puckered effect created during the weaving process. Lightweight and cool
Use it for: Summer wear
Shantung
Fibre type: Natural fibre (silk)
Description: Medium weight with slub effect and light lustre
Use it for: Dresses, bridal wear
Sheer
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton) or manmade
Description: Generic name given to lightweight, semi transparent fabrics usually with an open weave
Use it for: Lingerie, evening wear, lightweight curtain panels
Silk
Fibre type: Natural fibre
Description: Strong, lustrous fabric. Comes in a variety of weights and qualities.
Use it for: Lingerie, nightwear, evening wear
Spandex
Fibre type: Manmade fibre (synthetic polymer)
Description: Elastic fibres with high stretch that retains its natural shape. Commonly known as Lycra – one of its brand names.
Use it for: Sportswear, activewear and shapewear
Suede
Fibre type: Natural
Description: Leather which has a velvety napped surface and less durable than leather. Faux suede is similar but easier to stitch with.
Use it for: Jackets, skirts and bags
Taffeta
Fibre type: Natural fibre (silk) or manmade
Description: Crisp, smooth feel with a slight ribbed effect and body
Use it for: Evening and bridal wear
Tartan
Fibre type: Natural fibre (wool) and manmade
Description: Alternating bands of different coloured threads are woven to create checked patterns. Available in a variety of designs
Use it for: Traditional kilts, skirts, dresses
Terry cloth
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton, linen)
Description: Looped pile which is very absorbent. Also called terry towelling.
Use it for: Towelling, bathrobes, children’s clothing
Ticking
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton)
Description: Closely woven twill fabric which has white or natural coloured yarns woven with colours to make stripes
Use it for: Bedding, upholstery
Tulle
Fibre type: Natural fibre (silk) or manmade
Description: Finely woven, mesh fabric. Lightweight and softer than net
Use it for: Skirts, costumes and veils
Tweed
Fibre type: Natural fibre (wool)
Description: Warp and weft are different colours woven together to make distinctive patterns. Hardwearing with a slight slub
Use it for: Jackets, hats, suits, soft furnishings
Twill
Fibre type: Natural fibre or manmade
Description: Generic name for a fabric woven with diagonal ribs. Smooth, soft finish and its weave makes it durable
Use it for: Coats, jackets
Velour
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton, wool) or manmade
Description: Similar to velvet with an uneven pile but it has some stretch
Use it for: Leisure wear and evening wear
Velvet
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton, silk) or manmade
Description: Thick, soft pile. Frays easily but luxurious finish and drapes well
Use it for: Evening wear
Velveteen
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton)
Description: Short, dense pile with less sheen and drape than velvet but more body
Use it for: Jackets, skirts and soft furnishings
Vinyl
Fibre type: Manmade
Description: Resembles leather and made from PVC
Use it for: Bags, raincoats and tablecloths
Viscose
Fibre type: Manmade fibre (natural polymer)
Description: Can be matte or shiny with a silky, smooth feel and drapes well
Use it for: Bridal wear and linings
Voile
Fibre type: Natural fibre (cotton, linen) or manmade
Description: Soft, sheer, lightweight fabric with a loose weave
Use it for: Overlays on other fabrics in dressmaking or curtain panels
Wool
Fibre type: Natural fibre
Description: Woven from the hairs of animals including lambswool, angora, cashmere, mohair, alpaca or camel. Naturally stain and crease resistant, good at heat retention and absorbent.
Use it for: Coats, suits, dresses, trousers
Worsted
Fibre type: Natural fibre (wool)
Description: Tightly woven fabric with a smooth, hard surface
Use it for: Suits, jackets
Find your favourite fabrics
Now that you know all about the wonderful world of fabric, it’s time to start ordering some in for your next project. Check out our list of the best online fabric shops and treat yourself!
Simply Sewing magazine’s former Technical Editor Roisin loves every part of the dressmaking process, from sketching to sewing the final design, and enjoys working with luxury fabrics such as silk and chiffon. She’s a sewing pattern pro with a skill for adjusting and hacking patterns to fit and for editing dressmaking instructions to make them accessible to sewists of all abilities. Before she came to Simply Sewing, the tea-drinking fabric-lover ran her own handmade Lingerie Etsy shop. She drinks a lot of tea and shares a mix of dressmaking projects and fashion history on her Instagram @roisin_handmade.
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