Alpine Fleece
Alpine fleece is a soft, warm fabric that has two different sides. The right side looks like smooth sweatshirt fabric, while the wrong side has a fluffy, cosy fleece layer.
This combination makes it feel soft against the skin while also keeping you warm — perfect for colder weather.
Properties:
Soft, warm, stretchy, double-faced, cosy fleece backing
Common uses:
Jumpers, hoodies, joggers, children’s clothing, autumn and winter garments
💡 Beginner Tip
Alpine fleece is thicker than regular jersey, so it can be slightly trickier to sew. Using a stretch needle and sewing slowly can help you get neat results.
Canvas
Canvas is a strong and durable fabric, usually made from 100% cotton or a cotton blend. It has a firm structure and a slightly textured surface, which makes it ideal for projects that need to hold their shape.
Compared to softer fabrics, canvas is much more rigid and hard-wearing.
Properties:
Strong, durable, thick, structured, tear-resistant
Common uses:
Bags, rucksacks, cushions, beanbags, aprons, outdoor projects
💡 Beginner Tip
Canvas can be quite thick, so use a strong needle (like a universal or jeans needle) and sew slowly, especially when going over multiple layers.
Cotton
Cotton is a natural fabric made from the fibres of the cotton plant. It is one of the most commonly used fabrics in sewing and comes in many different types, such as poplin, cretonne, and quilting cotton.
Because there are so many variations, cotton can feel light and soft or slightly firmer depending on the specific type.
Properties:
Breathable, soft, natural, versatile, easy to sew
Common uses:
Clothing, children’s garments, quilts, home décor, beginner sewing projects
💡 Beginner Tip
Cotton is one of the easiest fabrics to work with, which makes it perfect for beginners. It doesn’t stretch or slip much, so it’s great for practising basic sewing techniques.
Corduroy
Corduroy is a durable fabric with a distinctive ribbed texture, created by raised lines called “wales.” It is usually made from cotton or a cotton blend and has a soft feel while still being strong and sturdy.
The thickness of the ribs can vary, from fine corduroy with narrow lines to wider, more textured versions.
Properties:
Soft, durable, warm, textured, structured
Common uses:
Trousers, jackets, skirts, children’s clothing, dungarees, bags
💡 Beginner Tip
Corduroy has a nap (pile), which means the fabric looks slightly different depending on the direction. Make sure all your pattern pieces are cut in the same direction so the colour appears consistent.
Cuff fabrics
Cuff fabric is a stretchy, ribbed fabric used to neatly finish the edges of garments, such as sleeves, trouser legs, and necklines. It helps the garment sit comfortably against the body and keeps its shape over time.
Cuff fabric is usually more elastic than regular jersey, which allows it to stretch and then return to its original shape.
Properties:
Stretchy, elastic, soft, comfortable, shape-retaining
Common uses:
Sleeve cuffs, trouser hems, necklines, sweatshirts, children’s clothing
💡 Beginner Tip
Cuff fabric is usually cut slightly smaller than the opening it’s attached to. This helps it stretch gently and creates a snug, neat finish.
Denim
Denim is a strong cotton fabric that is best known for making jeans. It has a distinctive diagonal weave and is often blended with fibres like elastane to add a bit of stretch and improve comfort.
Denim can range from lightweight and soft to thick and sturdy, depending on the type.
Properties:
Durable, strong, structured, tear-resistant, long-lasting
Common uses:
Jeans, jackets, skirts, dresses, bags, dungarees
💡 Beginner Tip
Denim can be quite thick, especially at seams. Use a strong needle (like a jeans needle) and sew slowly when going over multiple layers.
Faux Fur
Faux fur is a soft, fluffy fabric designed to look like real animal fur, but it is completely synthetic and animal-friendly. It can be made as a woven or knitted fabric and is often used for warm, cosy projects.
High-quality faux fur can look very realistic while still being easy to care for.
Properties:
Soft, warm, fluffy, insulating, animal-friendly
Common uses:
Coats, jackets, trims (like hoods or collars), cushions, blankets, home décor
💡 Beginner Tip
Faux fur can be quite bulky and sheds when cut. Try cutting only the backing fabric (not the fur itself) using small scissors or a craft knife — this helps keep the edges neat and reduces loose fibres.
Faux Leather
Faux leather is a fabric with a plastic coating that gives it the look and feel of real leather, while being completely animal-friendly. It is usually made from a textile base with a synthetic surface layer.
There are different types of faux leather, including smooth finishes (similar to nappa), suede-like textures, and soft imitation lambskin.
Properties:
Durable, smooth, water-resistant, easy to care for, crease-resistant
Common uses:
Bags, jackets, coats, skirts, trousers, upholstery projects
💡 Beginner Tip
Avoid using pins, as they can leave permanent holes in faux leather. Instead, use fabric clips to hold pieces together while sewing.
Felt
Felt is a non-woven fabric made by pressing and matting fibres together, rather than weaving or knitting them. This gives it a dense, slightly firm texture that doesn’t fray when cut.
Felt can be made from natural fibres like wool or from synthetic fibres such as polyester.
Properties:
Dense, soft, structured, non-fraying, insulating
Common uses:
Craft projects, appliqué, toys, bags, home décor, autumn and winter accessories
💡 Beginner Tip
Felt doesn’t fray, so you don’t need to finish the edges. This makes it perfect for simple projects and quick sewing — especially when working with small pieces.
Flannel
Flannel is a soft fabric, usually made from cotton, that has been brushed to create a slightly fuzzy surface. This gives it a cosy feel and helps trap warmth, making it ideal for cooler weather.
Flannel is gentle on the skin and comfortable to wear, which makes it especially popular for sleepwear and relaxed clothing.
Properties:
Soft, warm, breathable, cosy, slightly brushed texture
Common uses:
Pyjamas, shirts, children’s clothing, blankets, loungewear, autumn and winter garments
💡 Beginner Tip
Flannel has a soft, brushed surface, which can make it shift slightly while sewing. Using a few extra pins or clips can help keep your fabric layers aligned and prevent slipping.
French Terry
French terry is a knitted fabric similar to sweatshirt fabric. It has a smooth surface on the right side and small looped threads on the wrong side.
It is lighter than fleece, making it comfortable to wear while still providing a bit of warmth.
Properties:
Stretchy, breathable, soft, comfortable, medium weight
Common uses:
Hoodies, sweatshirts, dresses, children’s clothing, loungewear
💡 Beginner Tip
The looped side of French terry can sometimes catch while sewing. Use a ballpoint or stretch needle to help your machine glide smoothly through the fabric without damaging the fibres.
Jersey
Jersey is a soft, knitted fabric that is often made from cotton, viscose, or blended fibres. It is known for its stretch and comfort, which makes it very popular for everyday clothing.
There are different types of jersey, including single jersey (lighter and more stretchy) and double jersey (thicker and more stable).
Properties:
Stretchy, soft, breathable, comfortable, flexible
Common uses:
T-shirts, dresses, leggings, children’s clothing, hats, scarves
💡 Beginner Tip
Jersey fabric can curl at the edges when cut, which can make it tricky to handle. Gently pressing the edges with an iron can help keep the fabric flat while you sew.
Lace
Lace is a delicate fabric with decorative patterns and open, airy spaces. It is often used to add detail and texture to garments and can range from fine and lightweight to slightly more structured.
Lace comes in many different styles, patterns, and colours, from simple designs to more intricate, decorative looks.
Properties:
Lightweight, delicate, decorative, airy, elegant
Common uses:
Dresses, skirts, blouses, lingerie, trims, evening and occasion wear
💡 Beginner Tip
Lace can be delicate, so use a fine needle and sew gently to avoid damaging the fabric. Placing a piece of tissue paper underneath while sewing can also help support the fabric and prevent it from catching.
Linen
Linen is a natural fabric made from the fibres of the flax plant. It is known for its light, airy feel and is especially popular for warm weather clothing.
There are different types of linen, including pure linen (made from 100% linen fibres) and blended linen (often mixed with cotton for a slightly softer feel).
Properties:
Breathable, lightweight, cooling, natural, slightly textured
Common uses:
Dresses, blouses, shirts, trousers, summer clothing, bed linen, tea towels
💡 Beginner Tip
Linen often has small natural slubs (slightly thicker threads), which are part of its characteristic look. Don’t mistake these for flaws — they’re normal and give linen its unique texture.
Lining
Lining fabric is used on the inside of garments or other sewing projects to create a clean and comfortable finish. It covers the inner seams and helps the garment sit smoothly against the body.
Lining can also make clothing easier to put on and take off, especially when worn over other layers.
Properties:
Smooth, lightweight, breathable, comfortable, often anti-static
Common uses:
Jackets, coats, blazers, skirts, dresses, bags, curtains
💡 Beginner Tip
Lining fabric is usually cut slightly differently from the outer fabric (often a little shorter or with small adjustments). This helps the lining sit neatly inside the garment without pulling or showing on the outside.
Muslin (double gauze)
Muslin is a lightweight cotton fabric with a simple, plain weave. It is commonly used for testing sewing patterns before cutting into more expensive fabric.
The term “muslin” can also refer to a softer, loosely woven version (often called double gauze), which is popular for baby items and lightweight clothing.
Properties:
Lightweight, breathable, soft, easy to sew, affordable
Common uses:
Pattern testing (toiles), practice projects, baby items, lightweight clothing, crafts
💡 Beginner Tip
Double gauze muslin is very soft and loosely woven, which means it can shift and stretch slightly while sewing. Using a slightly shorter stitch length and sewing slowly can help you achieve neater seams.
Quilting Cotton
Quilting cotton is a medium-weight cotton fabric with a smooth surface and a tight weave. It is commonly used for quilting and craft projects and is known for its stability and wide range of colourful prints.
Because it holds its shape well and is easy to handle, it’s a popular choice for beginners.
Properties:
Stable, breathable, soft, durable, easy to sew
Common uses:
Quilts, craft projects, bags, dolls and toys, beginner sewing projects
💡 Beginner Tip
Quilting cotton has very little stretch, which makes it easier to control while sewing. This makes it a great fabric for practising straight seams and basic techniques.
Silk
Silk is a natural fabric made from the fibres of silkworm cocoons. It is known for its smooth texture, natural sheen, and lightweight feel.
Silk drapes beautifully and feels very soft against the skin, making it a popular choice for elegant and delicate garments.
Properties:
Smooth, lightweight, breathable, temperature-regulating, slightly delicate
Common uses:
Dresses, blouses, scarves, lingerie, evening and bridal wear, home décor
💡 Beginner Tip
Silk can be very smooth and slippery, which makes it tricky to cut accurately. Placing the fabric on a non-slip surface or cutting it in a single layer can help you get more precise pieces.
Softshell
Softshell is a multi-layer fabric, usually made from polyester. It typically has a smooth, durable outer layer that is water-repellent and wind-resistant, combined with a soft inner layer that provides warmth and comfort.
This combination makes softshell ideal for outdoor clothing that needs to be both protective and flexible.
Properties:
Water-repellent, wind-resistant, breathable, durable, slightly stretchy
Common uses:
Jackets, trousers, waistcoats, outdoor clothing, children’s outdoor wear
💡 Beginner Tip
Softshell doesn’t usually need edge finishing because it doesn’t fray easily. This makes it a great option for simple projects and clean finishes.
Terry Cloth
Terry cloth is a soft fabric with small loops on the surface, which give it a fluffy and absorbent texture. It is usually made from cotton and is commonly used for items that need to soak up moisture.
The looped surface helps the fabric absorb water quickly, making it ideal for everyday use.
Properties:
Soft, absorbent, fluffy, comfortable, textured
Common uses:
Towels, bathrobes, baby items, washcloths, headbands, loungewear
💡 Beginner Tip
The looped surface of terry cloth can catch on your presser foot while sewing. Using a walking foot or sewing slowly can help feed the fabric evenly and prevent pulling.
Tulle
Tulle is a lightweight, net-like fabric made from nylon or polyester. It is known for its fine, open structure, which gives it a soft, airy, and slightly stiff feel.
Because of its transparency and volume, tulle is often used to create layers and decorative effects.
Properties:
Lightweight, airy, transparent, delicate, slightly structured
Common uses:
Dresses, skirts, wedding wear, ballet tutus, petticoats, costumes, decorative layers
💡 Beginner Tip
Tulle can be slippery and difficult to control while sewing. Placing a piece of tissue paper underneath can help stabilise the fabric and make it easier to sew neatly.
Velvet
Velvet is a soft fabric with a dense, short pile that gives it a smooth, slightly shiny surface. It is available in different types, from more affordable versions like panne velvet to higher-quality cotton or silk velvet.
The pile reflects light differently depending on the direction, which gives velvet its rich, changing appearance.
Properties:
Soft, smooth, slightly shiny, luxurious, textured
Common uses:
Dresses, skirts, evening wear, jackets, cushions, curtains, decorative home textiles
💡 Beginner Tip
When sewing velvet, avoid pressing directly with the iron, as it can flatten the pile. Instead, use a pressing cloth or steam gently without touching the fabric to keep its texture intact.
Viscose
Viscose is a soft, lightweight fabric made from natural cellulose (usually wood pulp) that is processed into fibres. It is often described as a semi-synthetic fabric because it comes from natural materials but is chemically processed.
Viscose has a smooth feel and drapes nicely, which makes it popular for flowing garments.
Properties:
Soft, lightweight, breathable, smooth, absorbent
Common uses:
Blouses, dresses, skirts, linings, lightweight clothing, home décor
💡 Beginner Tip
Viscose can shift slightly while sewing because of its fluid drape. Let the fabric feed naturally through the machine without pulling it, as pulling can stretch the seam and distort the shape