Fabric
Read the fabric.
Compare fibre, fabric structure, typical weight, uses, needle starting points and care checks for 22 sewing fabrics.
Fabric names describe different things: fibre, weave, knit or finish. The compositions below are common examples, not a guarantee about a bolt. Weight and project uses are editorial starting points. Exact weight and care are not published for a generic fabric name; use the bolt label. Needle type comes from the SCHMETZ fabric chart; size depends on thickness.
| Fabric | Common fibre examples | Construction | Typical weight | Uses | Needle starting point | Care | Definition source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quilting cotton | cotton | plain weave | medium | blocks, bags | Universal · size varies | Follow bolt label; sample wash first | Source · 2026-11-04 |
| Poplin | cotton or blends | plain weave | light–medium | shirts | Universal · size varies | Follow bolt label; sample wash first | Source · 2026-11-04 |
| Canvas | cotton, linen or blends | plain weave | heavy | totes | Jeans · size varies | Follow bolt label; sample wash first | Source · 2026-11-04 |
| Denim | cotton or blends | twill | medium–heavy | trousers | Jeans · size varies | Follow bolt label; sample wash first | Source · 2026-11-04 |
| Corduroy | cotton or blends | pile weave | medium–heavy | trousers | Universal · size varies | Follow bolt label; sample wash first | Source · 2026-11-04 |
| Chambray | cotton or blends | plain weave | light | shirts | Universal · size varies | Follow bolt label; sample wash first | Source · 2026-11-04 |
| Oxford | cotton or blends | basket weave | medium | shirts | Universal · size varies | Follow bolt label; sample wash first | Source · 2026-11-04 |
| Gabardine | wool, cotton or blends | twill | medium | tailoring | Universal · size varies | Follow bolt label; sample wash first | Source · 2026-11-04 |
| Seersucker | cotton or blends | puckered weave | light | summer clothes | Universal · size varies | Follow bolt label; sample wash first | Source · 2026-11-04 |
| Cotton lawn | cotton | plain weave | light | blouses | Microtex · size varies | Follow bolt label; sample wash first | Source · 2026-11-04 |
| Voile | cotton, silk or blends | plain weave | light | sheers | Microtex · size varies | Follow bolt label; sample wash first | Source · 2026-11-04 |
| Batiste | cotton or blends | plain weave | light | linings | Microtex · size varies | Follow bolt label; sample wash first | Source · 2026-11-04 |
| Sateen | cotton or blends | sateen weave | medium | linings, cushions | Universal · size varies | Follow bolt label; sample wash first | Source · 2026-11-04 |
| Chiffon | silk or synthetics | plain weave | light | overlays | Microtex · size varies | Follow bolt label; sample wash first | Source · 2026-11-04 |
| Organza | silk or synthetics | plain weave | light, crisp | structured overlays | Microtex · size varies | Follow bolt label; sample wash first | Source · 2026-11-04 |
| Taffeta | silk or synthetics | plain weave | light–medium | formal wear | Microtex · size varies | Follow bolt label; sample wash first | Source · 2026-11-04 |
| Flannel | cotton, wool or blends | brushed weave | medium | shirts | Universal · size varies | Follow bolt label; sample wash first | Source · 2026-11-04 |
| Jersey | cotton or blends | single knit | light–medium | T-shirts | Jersey · size varies | Follow bolt label; sample wash first | Source · 2026-11-04 |
| Interlock | cotton or blends | double knit | medium | tops | Jersey · size varies | Follow bolt label; sample wash first | Source · 2026-11-04 |
| Rib knit | cotton or blends | rib knit | light–medium | cuffs | Jersey · size varies | Follow bolt label; sample wash first | Source · 2026-11-04 |
| Fleece | polyester or blends | pile knit | medium–heavy | layers | Universal · size varies | Follow bolt label; sample wash first | Source · 2026-11-04 |
| Felt | wool or synthetics | nonwoven | varies | craft shapes | Universal · size varies | Follow bolt label; sample wash first | Source · 2026-11-04 |
Which sources did we use?
- Bills Khakis fabric glossaryclothing maker glossary · read 2026-11-04
- Mood fabric dictionaryfabric supplier glossary · read 2026-11-04
- Schmetz Fabricmaker reference · read 2026-11-04
- SewingCritic project fabric choices and yardage methodeditorial synthesis and original calculation · read 2026-11-04