Polycotton Fabric

Polycotton is a blended fabric, usually made from a mix of 65 percent polyester and 35 percent cotton. Pure 100 percent cotton is softer and more breathable, but it wrinkles easily and can shrink in the wash. Polycotton combines the best of both worlds: it is significantly cheaper, highly durable, resists shrinking, and requires much less ironing than pure cotton.

Yes, polycotton is a very popular choice for lightweight summer clothing, such as school uniform dresses and short-sleeve shirts. While it is not quite as cool or breathable as pure linen or 100 percent cotton due to its synthetic polyester content, the cotton blended into the fabric still allows air to circulate, making it comfortable for everyday wear.

Absolutely! While traditional quilters often prefer pure cotton, polycotton is a fantastic, budget-friendly alternative for beginners or those making everyday quilts and play mats. It is very easy to cut and sew. Just be aware that if you mix polycotton and pure cotton in the same quilt, they may shrink at slightly different rates when washed, so always pre-wash your fabrics first.

One of the biggest advantages of polycotton is its easy-care nature. Because of the polyester content, it is highly wrinkle-resistant. If you remove polycotton garments from the tumble dryer or washing line promptly, they often do not need ironing at all. If you do need to press a stubborn crease, make sure your iron is set to a low or medium synthetic heat setting to avoid melting the fibres.