Fur has been considered a staple in fashion for centuries now, but in recent years, there has been a growing debate over whether faux fur or real fur is the better choice when it comes to ethics and sustainability. While both fake fur and genuine fur have their pros and cons, there are several differences …
Printed fabrics are very popular in fashion and home sewing and it’s no wonder that there are so many print designers and options for printed fabrics available to us. I have covered the different types of weaves before, and possibly the various print styles too, but today I wanted to focus in on the different …
When it comes to designing fashion or even just making your own clothes, the fabric you choose can be the difference between a garment that looks amazing and a garment that looks like something you bought at the mall or from a high street store. A lot of times, people end up disappointed in their …
You may have spotted quite a few people talking about seersucker fabrics over on Instagram during the summer months. This is because it is a fabric that is perfect for lazy and hot summer days. But what is seeksucker fabric and how is it made? How do you sew with it? And most importantly of …
Velvet is a fabric loved by many – except me perhaps? – and is used by many designers in fashion, from simple velvet dresses to elaborate velvet jackets. It is seen to be a luxurious fabric type and can be made from a variety of materials – silk, cotton, rayon and more – and in …
I do love a variety of fabrics and materials when it comes to designing and constructing garments, but one that sits close to the top of my list has to be jacquard fabric! It is known for its avant-garde design and long-lasting quality, but Jacquard has woven itself into the complex history of the textile …
Leather is a natural product being a type of material (not a fabric type) that is made from the hide of animals. As it is a natural product, you’ll find that it will vary in both color and texture from one animal hide to another. Leather is also susceptible to damage, especially from sunlight and …
If you’ve ever worn an item with stretch factor in the fabric, chances are that you’ve worn elastane. But what is elastane and how does it differ from other stretch materials like spandex and lycra? And is elastane toxic to wear or perhaps sustainable? That’s what this article is about! What Is Elastane? Elastane is …
Gabardine fabric is a type of textile with a twill weave and is used heavily in tailoring. It can be woven with natural fibres such as cotton and wool, or as a blend. It is viewed as a durable fabric. Historically, gabardine has been used as a fabric for garments since the 15th century. With …
Most of us will be very familiar with cotton as a dressmaking fabric, but are you aware of the wide range of different types of cotton fabric that are at your disposal? Cotton has been grown and used as a fabric for thousands of years. So it’s no surprise that cotton can be found in …
Twill is a widely-used and adaptable fabric and yet we often don’t really notice its use in our everyday lives. When asked ‘What is twill fabric?’, most people wouldn’t necessarily know that they probably have twill fabric all around them in their everyday lives. Twill has a range of uses and its durability is what …
What is rayon? Is it a fabric that you should buy and sew or is it a new fangled one that can be ignored? Does rayon have any sustainability credentials or is it another ‘modern’ fabric with no benefit to the environment? Today, you’ll learn all about rayon including how to work with it at …
Georgette is a popular fabric choice amongst both professional and home dressmakers. Woven from silk and synthetic fabrics, there are a number of different types of georgette fabric that have evolved since the early twentieth century when georgette fabric first made an entrance into the dressmaking world. We’ll explore the different varieties of georgette in …
Have you ever wondered what chiffon fabric is? Chiffon is a sheer and lightweight fabric made from cotton, nylon, polyester or silk. It has a very soft and fluid feel to it. You can use it for dresses, blouses, scarves and other types of clothing, but the best part about chiffon fabric is that it …
Sewing tulle can be a challenge. While it is a beautiful fabric perfect for creating stunning dresses, skirts and even tutus, sewing with tulle takes some special know-how to get it right. In this guide, you’ll learn about the different types of tulle and the best ways to sew it, so that your next project …