We have everything you need to know about fabrics! Don’t stress, we can help with our Guide to Fabrics! Can you tell apart from your dobby from your cheesecloth? Do you know the waft from the weft? How much stretch is in sateen? What exactly is triple crepe? It can all be so confusing, especially for someone new to sewing or dressmaking. How do you decide what fabric goes best with what project? Never fear, we have the answers to these and many more fabric questions in our Guide to Fabric series.
Now as a word of warning, we recorded these videos a few years ago now and we do look a little different lol! However, the information in the series is excellent and still extremely relevant today. They are all definitely worth a watch and referring back to. Why not create a playlist and add them for future reference?
Guide to Fabrics – Fabric Terms
In the first video we talk you through all of the terms you may come across when buying fabric. Such as the difference between woven and knit fabric. We also discuss the weft, waft and bias on a fabric. There is so much to learn even from these simple terms and knowing the basics will help you understand fabric better.
Learn all about fabric terms and the different types of fabric in the above video.
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Guide to Fabrics – Guide to Cottons
Now, this may sound like a simple area to cover but cotton is by far the most popular woven fabric out there and there are SO MANY varieties. Each type of cotton fabric has its own unique properties so it’s really great to know the difference. In this video we cover 18 different types, including everything from dobby to denim!
Learn all about cotton and the different types of cotton fabric in the above video.
Guide to Fabrics – Guide to Silk
Silk is the top end of luxury when it comes to fabrics. It is another wonder of nature and natural fiber. Silk’s absorbency makes it extremely comfortable on your body during warm weather or when you are being active. This is why it has always been very popular in hot countries, but amazingly, silk fabric also keeps you warm in the cold. It does this by keeping warm air close to the skin and is therefore often used for underwear. Silk fabric is very versatile and is used in many styles of clothing for its drape and luxurious feel.
Learn all about silk and the different types of silk fabric in the above video.
Guide to Fabrics – Guide to Wool
Wool fabric is one of our favourite fabrics, especially as we live in the cold & wet UK! Wool and hair fibers have long been used to make clothing and the UK has a huge tradition of using these fibers in the clothing. Just think of the history behind tartan or tweed, it really is an industry we should be proud of! These fibers are most commonly taken from sheep and other animals, including cashmere and mohair from goats and angora from rabbits.
Learn all about wool and the different types of wool fabric in the above video.
Ready for a next-level professional finish on your handmade garments?
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Guide to Fabrics – Guide to Synthetics
Synthetic fabrics are textiles made from man-made fibers rather than natural fibers. There are many different types of synthetic fiber out there but we concentrate on the four main ones found in dressmaking fabrics. These are Polyester, Nylon, Viscose, and Acrylic.
Learn all about synthetics and the different types of synthetic fabric in the above video.
Guide to Knits
Jersey or Knit fabric is a textile that results from knitting the fibers rather than weaving (such as you find in woven fabrics). Knit fabric is extremely versatile and can you will find so many different types of knit fabric. Fibers such as elastane and nylon can be added to knits to give them more stretch and a different texture.
Learn all about knits and the different types of knit fabric in the above video.
Now, if you want to put all of this newly learned information to good use then just head to our Guide to Commercial Patterns online class. Commercial sewing patterns often come with a huge long list of fabrics that can be used in that particular project, and now you will know what they all are!
Happy Sewing !