Muslin Fabric

Muslin is an incredibly versatile 100% cotton fabric with three primary uses. Dressmakers use basic, unbleached muslin to sew practice test garments known as “toiles.” Parents and clothing designers use a softer, layered version called “double gauze” for baby swaddles, reusable nappies, and breathable summer clothing. Finally, untreated muslin is used heavily in the kitchen for straining liquids, making jam, and producing cheese.

A “toile” (sometimes called a muslin) is a test version of a garment. Because high-quality fashion fabrics like silk, wool, or tailoring crepe can be very expensive, dressmakers will first sew their pattern using cheap, unbleached muslin. This allows them to test the fit on the body, make alterations, and practice tricky sewing techniques before cutting into their final, expensive fabric.

Standard single muslin is a single layer of very loose, sheer cotton that is slightly stiff, making it ideal for mock-ups, crafts, and filtering. Double gauze consists of two distinct layers of very fine, loosely woven cotton that are joined together with tiny, invisible stitches. This double layer makes the fabric incredibly soft, highly absorbent, and opaque enough to be worn as beautiful summer clothing without needing a lining.

Yes, because it is a loosely woven natural cotton fibre, muslin is notorious for shrinking significantly in its first wash (sometimes up to 10%). If you are sewing a garment to wear, making curtains, or creating baby swaddles, you must pre-wash and dry your muslin before cutting your pattern. However, if you are simply using it to make a temporary dressmaking toile that will never be washed, pre-washing is not necessary.