fabric Glossary
🧵 Fabric Glossary
Your Guide to Common Fabric Types
Discount Fabrics Lincs – The Resource Room
Understanding fabric types is one of the most useful skills any sewer can develop. This handy guide introduces some of the most common fabrics you'll encounter and suggests where they are best used.
🌿 Natural Fibres
Cotton
Breathable, versatile and easy to sew. A popular choice for quilting, dressmaking, children's clothing and crafts.
Ideal for: Quilts, dresses, bags, crafts and home décor.
Linen
Made from the flax plant, linen is lightweight, breathable and perfect for warmer weather.
Ideal for: Summer garments, shirts, trousers and home furnishings.
🧵 Blended Fabrics
Polycotton
A blend of polyester and cotton that combines durability with easy care and affordability.
Ideal for: Crafts, bunting, school projects, dressmaking and general sewing.
Chambray
A lightweight woven fabric with the appearance of denim but a much softer feel.
Ideal for: Shirts, dresses and lightweight garments.
👗 Dressmaking Fabrics
Jersey
A knitted fabric with natural stretch and excellent comfort.
Ideal for: T-shirts, dresses, leggings and children's clothing.
Poplin
A smooth woven cotton fabric with a crisp finish.
Ideal for: Shirts, dresses, crafts and lightweight home décor.
Lawn
A fine, lightweight cotton fabric with a silky-soft handle.
Ideal for: Blouses, summer dresses and delicate garments.
Satin
Known for its smooth, shiny surface and beautiful drape.
Ideal for: Eveningwear, bridalwear and special occasion garments.
Tulle
A lightweight net fabric often used for decorative purposes.
Ideal for: Veils, tutus, costumes and party decorations.
🏡 Home Décor & Furnishing Fabrics
Canvas
A strong woven fabric that offers durability and structure.
Ideal for: Bags, cushions, upholstery and storage projects.
Upholstery Fabric
Heavy-duty fabrics specifically designed for furniture and soft furnishings.
Ideal for: Chairs, sofas, cushions and home décor projects.
Velvet
A luxurious pile fabric with a soft, rich surface.
Ideal for: Cushions, curtains, jackets and statement garments.
Corduroy
A woven fabric with distinctive raised ribs that provide texture and warmth.
Ideal for: Trousers, jackets, skirts and cushions.
❄️ Warm & Practical Fabrics
Fleece
Soft, lightweight and warm.
Ideal for: Blankets, jackets, pet beds and cosy accessories.
Waterproof Fabric
Specially treated or coated to resist water penetration.
Ideal for: Outdoor projects, bags, coats and accessories. 🪡 Sewing Essentials
Felt
A non-woven fabric made by compressing fibres together.
Ideal for: Crafts, appliqué and decorations.
Quilting Cotton
High-quality cotton designed specifically for quilting and patchwork.
Ideal for: Quilts, patchwork projects and crafts.