12 types of fabric commonly used for garment sewing

12 types of fabric commonly used for garment sewing

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but these fabric types are a good place to start when shopping.

• Cotton voile: Voile is a lightweight, semi-sheer fabric with a great drape. Usually made of 100 percent cotton or cotton blends including linen or polyester. 

• Cotton lawn: Lawn is very similar to cotton voile but is slightly crisper. 

• Chambray: Chambray is another smooth, lightweight fabric. It doesn’t drape as well as rayon challis, cotton voile or cotton lawn.

• Denim: Denim is a heavy-weight fabric with very little drape or stretch.

• Double gauze: Double gauze is a unique fabric in that it is literally two layers of gauze woven together. The double layer of fabric eradicates the main problem of sewing clothing from gauze (the sheerness), while retaining the good qualities (extremely light and breathable).

• Flannel: Flannel is a soft, lightweight fabric. It works well for colder-temperature shirts, pants and jackets.

• Knit: In the knit fabric category, there are several types of knit, varying from lightweight to medium weight. Knit fabric is your go-to for any garment that needs to have a great deal of stretch. Patterns are designed for either woven fabric or knit fabric, and patterns sized for knit fabric will often specify the degree of stretch needed in the fabric.

• Linen: Linen is a medium-weight fabric with little elasticity (hence the wrinkles). But it conducts heat very well, which is why it’s a popular choice for warm-weather anything.

• Rayon challis: Rayon challis is a smooth, lightweight fabric. It drapes well and is slightly heavier than other lightweight fabrics, like cotton voile and cotton lawn.

• Satin: Satin can vary from lightweight to heavyweight, depending on the type of satin. Like silk, it has a glossy appearance.

• Silk: Silk is a lightweight, delicate fabric that drapes well. It has a slightly shimmery appearance. Silk can be slippery and more difficult to work with. It also makes a great lining fabric.

• Wool: There are over 200 different types of wool, coming from 40 different breeds of sheep, so the weight will vary depending on the type of wool. Wool is extremely hard-wearing and versatile. It’s also very warm and a good choice for colder weather garments.

Sources: http://www.craftsy.com