Calico Fabric
Fabric Glossary
Calico is a plain-woven, unbleached cotton fabric that has a natural, slightly coarse texture. It’s often off-white or cream in colour and may contain small flecks of cotton seed. As an affordable and versatile fabric, calico is widely used in both sewing and craft projects. Calico fabric is a great choice for beginners and practical projects, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for many sewing needs.
Uses:
Calico is commonly used for toiles (test garments), quilting, lining, home furnishings, crafts, and eco-friendly bags. It’s also popular in schools and workshops for practice and prototyping.
Pros
- Affordable and easy to sew
- Natural and biodegradable
- Can be dyed or printed for custom projects
Cons
- Not as soft or refined as finished cotton
- May shrink if not pre-washed
- Creases easily and can fray
