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How To Choose The Right Fabric For Your Next Sewing Project: Fabric Buying Guide
The best thing about making your own textile creations is choosing fabric that reflects your personal style. This means you can make fashionable clothing pieces or decorative accents for your home that showcase your creativity while offering an expression of your individual aesthetics. With so many patterns, colours and textures to choose from, it can be challenging to pick the right fabric for your next project. While you should always consider the styling of your fabric, you also need to consider the material of the fabric, as this can influence the look and feel of your textile project.
Although it may seem challenging, don't worry, with over 50 years of experience in the sewing industry, we know a thing or two about sewing fabrics. We'll take you through everything you need to know about choosing the best fabric for sewing your next textile vision.
Quick Links
- Types Of Fabric To Choose From
- How Much Fabric Do You Need?
- What Fabric Is Best For The Project You're Making?
- How Can You Determine If A Fabric Is Of Good Quality?
- What Does Fabric Weight Mean?
- How To Tell If A Fabric Will Drape Or Hold Structure
- Beginner-Friendly Vs Advanced Fabrics
- Common Fabric Buying Mistakes To Avoid
Types Of Fabric To Choose From
At Spotlight, you can shop from so many different styles and types of material. It's best to know which types will suit your project goals.
Cotton
Cotton fabric is an incredible multipurpose material that can be used for a wide range of sewing projects. Cotton can be made into an enormous range of fabrics, including voile, sateen, poplin, flannelette and drill. Great for making quilts, garments and home decor projects, our range of cotton fabrics can be used to upgrade your wardrobe or elevate your home styling. At Spotlight, you can shop from an extensive range of different patterns and colours to suit your personal style. From lively floral patterns to timeless black and white fabrics, explore the full range in store or online at Spotlight.
Linen
Here at Spotlight, our collection of linen fabrics includes plain, embroidered and printed linens in different colours and traditional as well as modern designs, including florals and geometric prints. These fabrics are great for stylish tote bags or for table linen, such as table runners and placemats. You can also shop from a range of linen blends, including a selection of cotton linen fabrics which offer the moisture wicking properties of linen combined with the softness of cotton.
Wool
Wool is a natural fibre that brings a level of cosiness to a wide range of projects. This fabric is made from the fleece of a range of animals, with the most common being sheep and goats. The natural fibre of wool brings both durability and comfort to any textile creation. You can use wool to create snug scarves, beanies and gloves, perfect for keeping you nice and cosy on those chillier days.
Silk
Silk fabric is renowned for its soft texture and textile appearance. This fabric exudes an effortless elegance that elevates any textiles project. In addition to its appearance, silk also offers breathability and durability, making it a great fabric for projects such as flowing dresses, stylish scrunchies or even luxurious pillowcases.
Polyester
Polyester fabric is known for its durability and strength. It is also often blended with other fibres such as wool to make them softer, more affordable, and easier to care for. Spotlight is home to an extensive range of polyester fabrics in a wide variety of colours, textures and patterns.
Rayon/Viscose
Rayon and viscose are semi-synthetic fabrics, blending natural materials with synthetic properties for a unique blend. Both rayon and viscose fabrics are breathable, making these fabrics ideal for summer clothing projects.
Fabric Blends
At Spotlight, while you can shop a range of fabrics, you can also shop an extensive selection of fabric blends. These blends offer a fusion between two different fabrics, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of both materials. You'll often come across a range of cotton, polyester and linen blend fabrics.
Are Blends A Compromise Or An Advantage?
Combining fabrics to create a blended material allows you to enhance the durability of your material and improve comfort. Blending natural materials with synthetic fibres is a common combination that provides an easy to maintain material that can withstand daily use.
Should You Choose Natural Vs Synthetic Fabrics?
The choice between natural and synthetic fabrics is up to you! It ultimately comes down to the type of DIY project you'll be attempting. Natural fabrics are ideal for those with sensitive skin due to their breathability. On the other hand, synthetic fabrics are better if you're after a durable material, perfect for activewear and cushion covers.
How Much Fabric Do You Need?
When shopping for fabric, it can often be difficult to calculate how much fabric you need for your project. We'll take you through all the considerations to keep in mind when deciding on how much fabric you need.
Reading Pattern Yardage Requirements
Understanding how much fabric you truly need can't be difficult, so it may be worth looking at a pattern guide that lists exactly how much you need. Spotlight offers a range of sewing patterns that offer a helpful guide on how to create a number of pieces. These sewing patterns also outline the amount of fabric you need, making it easy to ensure you shop for the right amount of fabric.
What Does Fabric Width Mean?
The width of a fabric influences how much of the fabric you'll need for your project and refers to the measurement from one selvage to the other.
Why Should You Buy Extra Fabric?
When shopping for fabric, it's a good idea to add a few centimetres to your measurement for a number of reasons, including:
Shrinkage
Some sewing fabrics may be prone to shrinking in the wash, so it's best to prepare for this scenario by shopping for extra fabric and washing before beginning your project.
Pattern Matching
Keep your project design in mind when shopping for fabric. If you're intending to create a project that features a pattern that lines up perfectly on all pieces, then a few bits of extra fabric give you the opportunity to line up your patterns with ease.
Mistake Allowance
The most obvious reason for buying extra fabric is, of course, to allow for mistakes. By being prepared with additional fabric, it's not the end of the world if your fabric were to rip.
What Fabric Is Best For The Project You're Making?
With so many types of fabric available here at Spotlight, it can be a struggle deciding which fabric is best for your projects. We'll take you through the most common types of fabric for a range of projects.
Fabric For Garments
When choosing fabrics for your clothing projects, you should first stop to consider the type of clothing you'll be making. If you're making clothing for the warmer weather, you'll need lighter breathable fabrics such as linen, chambray and rayon, however, if you're looking for fabrics to keep you snug in the winter, consider thicker fabrics such as wool, flannel and fleece. Check out our Guide To The Best Fabric Types For Making Clothes for more information on the best fabrics for garments.
Fabric For Quilting
Certain projects require a specific fabric to guarantee quality in their results. For example, quilting projects specifically require quilting fabrics. These fabrics are both sturdy and decorative, and easy to control when sewing. Their sturdy construction ensures these fabrics won't warp over time, helping to keep your quilt blocks nice and precise. Check out our helpful buying guide and discover more about How To Select Quilting Fabric.
Fabric For Home Decor
The right fabrics can unlock a world of textile's projects, including homemade decorative accents. To make your own home decor, you'll want to look for stylish yet sturdy fabric. That's where upholstery fabrics come in. This range of fabrics includes a collection of both plain and patterned designs as well as a variety of materials, all designed to withstand everyday use, making upholstery fabrics great for footstools, cushion covers and other home decor. Read through our informative buying guide for more tips and tricks on How to Choose Upholstery Fabric.
Fabric For Crafts & Accessories
The fabric you choose for your crafting ultimately comes down to what you're thinking of making and the style you wish to showcase. Cotton fabrics are best for patchwork style projects, where felt is great for no-sew crafts, such as children's projects. If you're thinking of crafting accessories such as tote bags or scrunchies, consider our thicker fabrics, including canvas and denim, for a durable material. Explore our extensive range of fabric and experiment with different materials and designs for your next craft project.
How Can You Determine If A Fabric Is Of Good Quality?
Deciding if a fabric is ideal for your project is one thing, but determining if a fabric is of good quality is another. There are a few elements that can help you determine the quality of a fabric. Check out a few considerations right here:
Fibre Density
For projects that require a thicker, sturdier fabric, you should first make sure to check the fibre density of the fabric. Fabric with a higher density indicates that the fabric is heavier and more durable. These fabrics are typically stronger and often offer a comfortable texture. You can check the density of a fabric by holding it up to a light. If the fabric isn't intended to be sheer but still lets through a lot of light, it's an indicator that the fabric is not very dense.
Weave Consistency
The strength, durability and comfort of a fabric are all influenced by the consistency of the weave throughout the material. The weave of a fabric refers to the structure of the material. A consistent weave results in a smoother surface where the yarns are tightly constructed, which in turn prevents the fabric from fraying. Look for a consistent weave when shopping for fabrics to make garments and bed linen projects, as this not only ensures comfort, but also the ability to withstand regular washing.
Finish And Feel
The best way to test the quality of a fabric is by simply looking at the finish and feel. Good quality fabric has weight to it without feeling stiff and unflexible. In terms of appearance, pay attention to the surface of the fabric. Good quality fabric will be free of snags or pills and instead feature a smooth surface. You can also tell a good quality fabric by looking at the colours and patterns. Patterns should align, and colours should have a rich appearance from every angle.
Does Price Always Indicate Quality?
Price isn't always a great indicator of the quality of fabric. Often, very low prices may indicate a cheaper, mass-produced fabric, however, you can find good quality fabrics at great, affordable prices right here at Spotlight.
What Does Fabric Weight Mean?
The weight of a fabric refers to the density or thickness of the material. The most common, international, metric measurement for fabric weight is by measuring the GSM, which stands for Grams per Square Metre.
How To Tell If A Fabric Will Drape Or Hold Structure
Fabrics ultimately influence the final look of a project, and whether or not the fabric will drape or hold structure in your creation comes down to a number of factors. There are a few ways to determine the finish of your fabric.
Weave Type
The type of weave influences how the fabric will fall. Looser interlacing, as seen with satin fabrics, will allow for a softer drape. On the other hand, tighter interlacing, as seen with a plain weave, will result in a fabric that is able to retain its structure.
Fibre Behaviour
Looking at how the fibre of a fabric behaves in store will help determine the drape or structure of a fabric. If the fibres are flexible and smooth, then the fabric will typically showcase a nice drape. On the other hand, if the fibres are stiff, it's likely that the fabric will hold its structure.
Simple In-Store Tests
The easiest test you can do to determine the drape of a fabric is to simply let it hang naturally. Hold the fabric from the corner, letting it drape down naturally. Fabrics that fall in close folds will have a high drape, whereas fabrics that stick out will typically hold their structure more.
Beginner-Friendly Vs Advanced Fabrics
Before beginning a project, you should always consider the skill level required to achieve the final product. Fabrics are the same. Some fabrics will be a little more difficult to sew with than others, so you should always keep in mind your sewing experience when shopping for fabric for your next project.
Which Fabrics Are Hardest To Sew?
Fabrics that are either incredibly thick or incredibly thin are known to be the hardest fabrics to sew. Thicker fabrics are harder to sew through, whereas lighter fabrics are much more delicate and difficult to control.
Slippery Fabrics
Slippery fabrics are prone to moving out of place when sewing, making them difficult fabrics to work with. When sewing with slippery fabrics, make sure to stabilise your fabric to prevent it from moving and opt for a shorter stitch.
Stretch And Sheer Fabrics
Stretch and sheer fabrics are a little more delicate than thicker fabrics, making them harder to sew. Stretch fabrics receive their name from the fibre behaviour, meaning they are prone to stretching when sewing, whereas sheer fabrics are prone to slipping. Both fabrics shift easily, so it's important to stabilise your fabrics in place when sewing.
What Fabrics Should Beginners Avoid?
It's a good idea for beginner sewists to start with fabrics that are easier to sew, such as cotton decorator fabrics. Beginner sewists should avoid fabrics that are prone to slipping, such as sheer and silk fabrics, in addition to heavier textured fabrics such as leather.
Common Fabric Buying Mistakes To Avoid
Ignoring Fabric Weight
The weight of a fabric influences how your fabric will drape. Different projects require certain fabric weights, so ignoring this can impact the appearance of your finished work.
Choosing Based On Colour Only
While the pattern and colour are influential in the appearance of your fabric and project, it's important to use the correct and recommended fabric for a project.
Skipping Pre-Washing Considerations
Some fabrics must be pre-washed before being sewn to create your projects. Avoiding this step can lead to your garments, pillowcases or accessories shrinking in the wash. Make sure to always follow any pre-washing instructions to avoid shrinkage.
Buying Too Little Fabric
A handy tip is to buy more fabric than you need. It's always better to be left with extra fabric than to need to buy more. You never know when a fabric will be discontinued.
Not Checking Fibre Content
Fibre content influences the overall comfort of a fabric, which is incredibly important to consider when shopping for fabric for clothing projects. Ignoring the fibre content can lead to buying fabrics that aren't breathable or feel uncomfortable on the skin, making them unsuitable for DIY garments.
Find Bargains Galore On Fabric At Spotlight Today
The right sewing fabrics can help to bring your creative visions to life. Explore Spotlight's range of sewing fabrics and discover a great variety in material, pattern and texture. Spark your next creative journey by shopping our full range of sewing fabrics as well as our range of sewing supplies and sewing patterns online or at a Spotlight store near you. You can also check out our range of free sewing projects to inspire your next textile creation.
