How to choose fabric for your project
The right fabric depends on what you are making and how it will be used. Choose by fiber, weight, stretch and care. If you are new to sewing, start with stable, medium-weight cotton, which is easy to cut, press and sew.
- Quilting and easy garments: cotton fabric
- Warm items: flannel fabric and fleece fabric
- Clothing: apparel fabric
- Bags, aprons and covers: utility fabric
- Curtains and cushions: home décor fabric
- Dress-up and Halloween: costume fabric
Woven vs knit fabric
Woven fabric is made of threads crossing at right angles and has little stretch. It is easier for beginners and works well for shirts, dresses, bags and quilts. Knit fabric is looped, so it stretches and recovers, which suits t-shirts, leggings and activewear. Knits usually need a ballpoint or stretch needle and a stretch stitch.
Understanding fabric weight and width
Weight tells you how heavy the fabric is, from light voiles to heavy canvas. Pick lighter fabrics for blouses and linings, medium for dresses and quilts, and heavier for trousers, bags and upholstery. Common widths are 44 to 45 inches and 54 to 60 inches. Check your pattern's yardage chart for your width.
How much fabric to buy
Follow the yardage on your pattern for your size and fabric width. Buy a little extra for shrinkage, matching prints and mistakes. For quilts, add extra for backing and binding.
Before you sew
- Prewash natural fabrics to remove sizing and let shrinkage happen.
- Press the fabric flat before cutting.
- Match the needle and thread to the fabric.
- Use the right stabilizer if you will embroider.
Precuts, batting and patterns
Save cutting time with precut fabric such as fat quarters, strips and squares. Add batting for quilts and find a project in sewing patterns. For notions, browse zippers, buttons, elastic and trims.
Caring for your fabric
Follow the care label for each fabric. Wash cotton in cool or warm water, and avoid fabric softener on fleece to keep it soft. Store fabric folded in a dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Looking for a machine to sew it on? Compare sewing machines, or browse needles and thread.