True sewists know that fabric is not just fabric. The right types of fabric make or break projects. If you are brand new to the art of stitching, it can hard to know or figure out which fabric to use for what project. Sure, you know what patterns and prints are pretty, but that is not the most important part. This is why for this week’s Sewing Tips and Tricks Tuesday we are here to tell you what types of fabric you should use for different sewing patterns. This is especially important for your wearable sewing projects as you want them to fit perfectly. Beginner sewists or stitching experts who are new to making free clothing patterns are going to love having this little infographic handy. Print this free sewing printable out and hang it in your sewing room or even keep it saved on your phone or tucked into your purse the next time you check out the fabric store.
Learn what type of fabric to use for your sewing projects.
Check out Sewing for Beginners: Types of Fabric for more info on fabric.
Learn even more about different types of fabric with this quick and concise list from the editors of AllFreeSewing.com. From cotton to lace, this post will answer all of your questions.
Know some sewing tips and tricks that you would like to share?
Comment below and we might feature your trick here on Seams and Scissors! A great sewing hack can make a world of difference and there is absolutely no reason to keep them to yourself. Interested in writing a Sewing Tips and Tricks Tuesday post for us? Go ahead and email us at editor@allfreesewing.com or click here to submit your idea.
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Hi,
was thinking earlier today about fabrics and their suitability for various projects. After some research I found your post- Thanks for sharing. However, I have a couple of questions?
1- what about ankara fabric (wax prints)? it’s been used to make various types of garment, do you reckon it’s being stiffened when used to make a blazer jacket? and what garments would your recommend ankara be made?
2- I am amazed at how designers, as in Project Runway for example, use practically anything to make garments. Do you reckon they added anything to support the materials?
Thanks
This is sort of misinformed. You are suggesting “fabric types”, yet the options listed include fiber types (cotton, wool) which can exist in many many fabric forms, some appropriate for the category listed and some not. You also list some structures (knit) which come in a million fabric types and weights (jersey, chunky sweater knits, ribbing, cable knit). You do list some actual fabric types (denim, flannel) but an appropriate “fabric type” should include a fiber type (cotton) weight (lightweight) AND fabric type (gauze). Cotton lightweight gauze.
It’s confusing and misinformed. Under “shirts” you list cotton (which could mean A MILLION fabric types, many which would not work for a shirt) and you also list chambray. Chambray is a fabric type (good). Chambray IS cotton….
Emily your great, do you have info site??
Thanks
Thank you, Emily – I thought I was the only one that noticed this misleading information! From 50 years of sewing (& fabric hoarding) it’s easy for experience to be our guide but for those just starting, following this outline could end up wasting a lot of time and money….
This information is very wrong. The writer does not know the most basic info about fabrics and fibers. I can’t make skirts out of wool? I can’t make a shirt out of rayon. Fibers and weaves are totally mixed up without the writer knowing the difference. Newbies beware. This is a very misinformed post as others have said.
Thanks for giving us the opportunity to correct this info and warn others,particularly those newbies counting on more informed posts.
ETA to say “I can’t make a shirt out of rayon?”