How to Choose the Best Fabric for Sewing Clothes

How to Choose the Best Fabric for Sewing Clothes

Choosing the right fabric can make or break your sewing project. At VerigaPatterns, we want you to enjoy every step of creating your garments, and selecting the perfect fabric is the first key to success. This guide will help you understand fabric types, weights, stretch, and other essential features for garment sewing.

Don't forget

  • If you are buying fabric for a pattern online, be sure to check the description provided with the pattern. In most cases, you will find information about the recommended fabric there.

Step 1: Know Your Project

Before buying fabric, ask yourself:

  • What garment are you making? Dresses, tops, skirts, or coats all require different fabrics.
  • What season or occasion is it for? Lightweight fabrics are perfect for summer tops, while heavier fabrics are ideal for jackets or winter wear.
  • How structured or flowy should it be? The fabric determines the drape and fit of your finished garment.

Step 2: Understand Fabric Types

Here are the most common fabrics for garment sewing:

  • Cotton: Easy to sew, breathable, perfect for everyday clothing

       

  • Linen: Lightweight, breathable, ideal for summer dresses and blouses.

       

  • Silk: Luxurious drape, great for formal wear, but can be slippery to sew.

       

  • Wool: Warm and structured, suitable for coats and winter skirts.

       

  • Knit fabrics (jersey, interlock): Stretchy, comfortable, perfect for t-shirts, dresses, and activewear.

       

  • Denim and Canvas: Sturdy fabrics for pants, jackets, or bags.

       

Step 3: Consider Fabric Weight and Drape

  • Lightweight fabrics – flowy and soft; perfect for blouses, dresses, or scarves.
  • Medium-weight fabrics – versatile; good for shirts, skirts, and dresses.
  • Heavyweight fabrics – structured; suitable for coats, jackets, and pants.

The drape of a fabric affects how your garment hangs. Always feel and fold the fabric before buying to see how it moves.

Step 4: Check Stretch and Bias

  • Stretch fabrics – required for fitted garments and activewear.
  • Non-stretch fabrics – used for structured pieces like skirts, coats, or tailored dresses.
  • Bias cut – can affect how fabric stretches and drapes; consider for dresses or bias-cut skirts.

Step 5: Fabric Care and Maintenance

Before buying, check the care instructions:

  • Washability: Can you machine wash, or does it require dry cleaning?
  • Shrinkage: Pre-wash fabric if it’s likely to shrink.
  • Durability: Choose stronger fabrics for frequently worn garments.

Step 6: Swatch and Test

Whenever possible, take small fabric swatches home. Pin or baste a small sample to see:

  • How it sews on your machine
  • How it drapes on your body or mannequin
  • How colors and textures look under different lighting

Final Tips

  • Always buy slightly more fabric than your pattern recommends to account for mistakes or pattern matching.
  • Mix fabric types carefully for linings, facings, or contrasting details.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment—trying new fabrics is a great way to learn and improve your sewing skills.

Choosing the right fabric will make working with VerigaPatterns PDF patterns easier and more enjoyable, and help you create garments that look professional and feel great to wear.

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