Fabric Glossary

Batik fabric is a richly patterned textile made using a wax-resist dyeing technique, traditionally associated with Indonesia but now popular worldwide. Designs are created by applying wax to fabric before dyeing, resulting in intricate and often colourful patterns. Each piece of batik is unique due to the handcrafted process. Batik offers a distinctive look and artisanal quality perfect for creative sewing projects.

Uses:
Batik is commonly used for dressmaking, home décor items like cushions and tablecloths, accessories such as bags and scarves, and in crafts and quilting projects.

Brocade is a luxurious, jacquard-woven fabric known for its raised, often metallic patterns that are woven, not printed, into the cloth. Traditionally made from silk blends, modern brocades may also use synthetic fibres. The fabric has a rich, decorative look and a structured feel. Brocade fabric is ideal for projects where a bold, opulent finish is desired and works best with simple shapes that let the fabric shine.

Uses:
Brocade is commonly used for occasion wear like evening gowns, jackets, and waistcoats, as well as home décor items such as curtains, cushions, and upholstery.

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.

Chiffon is a lightweight, sheer fabric with a soft, flowing drape and slightly rough texture due to its twisted yarns. Traditionally made from silk, modern chiffon is often produced using polyester or nylon, making it more affordable and accessible.

Uses:
Chiffon is popular for evening wear, blouses, scarves, bridal gowns, overlays, and dance or stage costumes. Its elegant drape makes it ideal for layering and adding movement to garments. Chiffon fabric is perfect for creating soft, feminine garments but works best with experience or patience due to its delicate nature.

Corduroy is a durable, ridged fabric known for its distinctive vertical “wales” or cords, which give it a textured, velvety feel. Made primarily from cotton or cotton blends, corduroy is warm, sturdy, and ideal for cooler seasons.

Uses:
Corduroy is commonly used for trousers, jackets, skirts, dungarees, children’s clothing, and even bags and upholstery. Its combination of comfort and structure makes it a versatile choice. Corduroy fabric is a great option for casual, practical garments with a vintage or cosy feel, offering both style and durability.

Cotton is a natural, cellulose-based fibre spun into a wide range of plain, twill and knit fabrics. Breathable, soft and easy to care for, it’s one of the most widely used textiles worldwide, from everyday basics to premium shirtings.

Uses:
Cotton is incredibly versatile and is commonly used for dressmaking (T-shirts, blouses, dresses, jeans and kids’ wear), Home décor (sheets, duvet covers, curtains, table linens) and crafts & quilting (patchwork, toy making, reusable totes and more).

Versatile, planet-friendly and beginner-friendly, cotton fabric is the go-to staple for projects where comfort and ease of maintenance are top priorities.

Crepe is a lightweight to medium-weight fabric with a distinctive crinkled or pebbled texture, created through the use of tightly twisted yarns. It can be made from a variety of fibres, including silk, polyester, wool, or rayon, offering a range of finishes from matte to slightly lustrous.

Uses:
Crepe is commonly used for dresses, blouses, skirts, evening wear, suiting, and scarves. Its elegant drape and subtle texture make it ideal for both formal and professional garments. Crepe fabric is a stylish, go-to fabric for garments that need movement and elegance, offering a polished look with minimal maintenance.

Denim is a durable, twill-woven cotton fabric, traditionally dyed with indigo to create its iconic blue shade. Known for its rugged strength and classic look, denim has long been a staple in casual and workwear fashion.

Uses:
Denim is widely used for jeans, jackets, skirts, dungarees, bags, workwear, and even home décor items like cushions and upholstery. Denim fabric is a timeless fabric with universal appeal, perfect for everyday wear and tough enough for heavy-duty use.

Drill is a strong, durable cotton fabric with a diagonal twill weave, similar to denim but often lighter and smoother. It is tightly woven, making it ideal for sturdy garments and practical applications where strength and structure are needed.

Uses:
Drill is commonly used for uniforms, workwear, trousers, jackets, aprons, and upholstery. It’s also popular for bags, cushions, and other heavy-duty sewing projects. Drill fabric is a practical choice for hard-wearing clothing and utility projects, offering a great balance of strength and comfort.

Faux fur is a synthetic fabric designed to replicate the look and feel of real animal fur. Made from polyester, acrylic, or modacrylic fibres, it offers a cruelty-free and often more affordable alternative to genuine fur, with a wide variety of textures, colours, and pile lengths.

Uses:
Faux fur is used for coats, trims, costumes, blankets, cushions, home décor accents, and fashion accessories like hats and bags. Faux fur fabric is perfect for creating bold, cosy, and stylish pieces—ideal when you want the look of luxury without the ethical or maintenance concerns of real fur.

Felt is a non-woven fabric made by matting and compressing fibres together, traditionally from wool but also widely available in synthetic blends. It has a dense, smooth texture and doesn’t fray when cut, making it especially popular for crafting.

Uses:
Felt is commonly used in arts and crafts, toy making, decorations, costumes, hats, and even insulation or padding. It’s a go-to material for schools, hobbyists, and DIY projects. Felt fabric is ideal for creative, low-sew projects where convenience and colour variety are key, offering a fuss-free fabric for crafters of all ages.

Fleece is a soft, warm, and lightweight synthetic fabric, typically made from polyester. It’s designed to mimic the insulating properties of wool while being easier to care for and quicker to dry. Fleece is brushed on one or both sides to create a plush, cosy texture.

Uses:
Fleece is widely used for jackets, hoodies, blankets, hats, scarves, loungewear, pet beds, and linings for winter garments. Fleece fabric is a top choice for cold-weather projects and comfy clothing, offering warmth without the weight.

Foiling fabric features a shiny, metallic or holographic surface created by applying a thin foil layer to the fabric using heat and adhesive. This eye-catching finish adds sparkle and glamour, making it a popular choice for bold, decorative designs.

Uses:
Foiling fabric is often used in dancewear, costumes, stage outfits, party clothing, fashion accents, and accessories like bags or trims. It’s also used in crafts and decorative home items. Foiling fabric is perfect for special-occasion wear and standout designs where visual impact is key, but it’s best used in moderation or with proper care to maintain its shine.

Georgette is a lightweight, sheer fabric with a slightly crinkled texture and a soft, flowing drape. Traditionally made from silk but now often produced with polyester or other synthetics, georgette has a matte finish and a delicate, elegant feel.

Uses:
Georgette is commonly used for dresses, blouses, skirts, evening gowns, scarves, and layering pieces. It’s especially popular for occasion wear and bridal fashion due to its graceful movement. Georgette fabric is perfect for elegant, airy garments that require a floaty, romantic finish, though it may need careful handling during sewing and wear.

Gingham is a lightweight, plain-woven cotton or cotton-blend fabric featuring a distinctive check pattern, typically in white and one other colour. The checks are created by weaving dyed and undyed yarns in a balanced pattern, giving it a fresh, classic look.

Uses:
Gingham is widely used for dresses, shirts, children’s clothing, aprons, tablecloths, curtains, and crafts. Its timeless appeal makes it popular in both fashion and home décor. Gingham fabric is a charming and practical fabric, ideal for casual clothing, home projects, and adding a vintage or country-style touch.

Habutae faux silk is a lightweight, smooth, and glossy fabric designed to mimic the appearance and feel of real silk. Originally a Japanese silk weave, modern versions are typically made from polyester, offering an affordable and easy-care alternative to natural silk.

Uses:
Habutae faux silk is commonly used for linings, costumes, scarves, lightweight blouses, bridal wear, decorative crafts, and soft furnishings like drapes or table runners. Habutae faux silk fabric is ideal for creating elegant, flowing garments or linings without the high cost or delicate nature of real silk.

Hessian, also known as burlap, is a coarse, woven fabric made from natural jute or hemp fibres. It has a rough texture and rustic appearance, making it popular for both functional and decorative purposes.

Uses:
Hessian is widely used for sacks, upholstery backing, craft projects, garden protection, rustic wedding décor, notice boards, and eco-friendly packaging. Hessian fabric is a great choice for rustic styling, craft projects, and practical uses where durability and eco-friendliness are key.

Jersey is a soft, stretchy knit fabric originally made from wool, but now commonly produced with cotton, polyester, or blends. It has a smooth surface on one side and a slightly textured reverse, making it comfortable, flexible, and ideal for everyday wear.

Uses:
Jersey is widely used for T-shirts, dresses, leggings, underwear, loungewear, baby clothes, and soft accessories like beanies and headbands. Jersey fabric is a go-to fabric for casual, comfy clothing and is especially popular among home sewers for its ease of wear and versatility.

Lace is a delicate, openwork fabric made by looping, twisting, or knitting threads into intricate patterns. Traditionally crafted from cotton, silk, or linen, modern lace is often made with synthetic fibres for added durability and affordability.

Uses:
Lace is commonly used for bridal gowns, evening wear, lingerie, blouses, veils, trims, and decorative home items like curtains and table runners. Lace fabric is perfect for adding a touch of romance or sophistication to clothing and décor, offering beauty and intricacy—though it requires careful handling.

Leatherette, also known as faux leather or PU leather, is a synthetic fabric designed to imitate the look and feel of real leather. Made from a plastic coating (usually polyurethane) on a fabric backing, it offers a cruelty-free and cost-effective alternative to genuine leather.

Uses:
Leatherette is commonly used for upholstery, fashion items like jackets, skirts, and trousers, accessories such as bags and belts, and automotive or furniture coverings. Leatherette fabric is ideal for stylish, low-maintenance projects where the leather look is desired without the expense or ethical concerns of genuine leather.

Linen is a natural fabric made from the fibres of the flax plant. Known for its crisp texture and breathable quality, linen is strong, lightweight, and ideal for warm-weather garments and home décor. It has a slightly textured, earthy appearance that adds to its timeless appeal.

Uses:
Linen is commonly used for shirts, dresses, trousers, summer suits, tablecloths, curtains, napkins, and bedding. Its natural charm also makes it a favourite in sustainable fashion and minimalist interiors. Linen fabric is a stylish and sustainable choice for airy clothing and fresh home textiles—perfect for warm climates and relaxed, natural looks.

Lycra, also known as spandex or elastane, is a synthetic stretch fibre known for its exceptional elasticity. Often blended with other fabrics, Lycra adds flexibility and shape retention, making garments more comfortable and form-fitting.

Uses:
Lycra is widely used in activewear, swimwear, dancewear, leggings, underwear, sports bras, and figure-hugging fashion garments. Lycra fabric is the go-to fabric for active and performance wear, offering unbeatable stretch and support wherever freedom of movement is essential.

Muslin is a lightweight, plain-woven cotton fabric known for its soft texture and breathability. Available in various weights and finishes, muslin ranges from very fine and delicate to more coarse and utilitarian versions.

Uses:
Muslin is widely used for dressmaking toiles (mock-ups), baby wraps, curtains, quilting, craft projects, and culinary uses like cheese-making or straining liquids. Muslin fabric is an essential fabric for beginners and professionals alike, perfect for testing patterns, lightweight garments, and creative DIY projects.

Netting is an open-mesh fabric made by looping, knotting, or weaving threads to create a grid-like structure. It can be made from various fibres, including nylon, polyester, or cotton, and ranges from soft and delicate to stiff and structured.

Uses:
Netting is commonly used for tutus, veils, petticoats, costumes, dancewear, lingerie, insect screens, and craft decorations. It’s also used in sportswear and utility applications like laundry bags and net curtains. Netting fabric is perfect for creating volume, layering effects, and airy designs, making it popular in fashion, costume-making, and crafts.

Organza is a thin, plain-woven fabric traditionally made from silk but now commonly produced using synthetic fibres like polyester or nylon. It has a crisp texture and a sheer, lightweight quality that gives it an elegant, structured appearance.

Uses:
Organza is often used for bridal wear, evening gowns, overlays, veils, decorative bows, costumes, and home décor like curtains and event decorations. Organza fabric is perfect for adding a touch of sophistication and drama to special occasion garments and décor, offering a striking balance of lightness and structure.

Polycotton is a blend of polyester and cotton fibres, designed to combine the softness and breathability of cotton with the durability and wrinkle-resistance of polyester. It’s a practical, versatile fabric widely used in everyday clothing and home textiles.

Uses:
Polycotton is commonly used for shirts, school uniforms, dresses, bedsheets, pillowcases, crafts, and quilting projects. Polycotton fabric is a budget-friendly, easy-care fabric ideal for both clothing and household items, offering a practical balance of comfort and durability.

Polyester is a synthetic fabric made from petroleum-based fibres, known for its durability, wrinkle resistance, and ease of care. It’s one of the most widely used fabrics globally, often blended with natural fibres to enhance performance.

Uses:
Polyester is used in a wide range of products including clothing (like shirts, dresses, sportswear), home furnishings (such as curtains, upholstery, and bedding), bags, and craft projects. Polyester fabric is a practical choice for everyday garments and home goods, offering long-lasting wear and low maintenance—ideal for busy lifestyles.

Ponte Roma, also known simply as Ponte, is a double-knit fabric made from a blend of polyester, rayon, and spandex. It’s known for its stability, stretch, and smooth finish, offering both structure and comfort.

Uses:
Ponte Roma is ideal for structured garments such as dresses, skirts, trousers, blazers, and fitted tops. It’s also popular for workwear and occasion wear thanks to its flattering, body-skimming quality. Ponte Roma fabric is a great choice for stylish, tailored garments that need stretch and structure—perfect for creating polished looks with added comfort.

PVC fabric is a synthetic material made by coating a base fabric, usually polyester or cotton, with polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This results in a durable, waterproof, and glossy surface often used to mimic leather or vinyl finishes.

Uses:
PVC fabric is commonly used for rainwear, bags, upholstery, tablecloths, outdoor gear, costumes, and protective covers. PVC fabric is ideal for functional, weather-resistant items and bold fashion statements but requires care to avoid cracking or damage over time.

Quilting fabric typically refers to 100% cotton fabric specially made for quilting projects. It’s tightly woven, durable, and comes in a wide variety of colours, prints, and patterns designed to coordinate well in patchwork.

Uses:
Primarily used for making quilts, quilting fabric is also popular for crafting, patchwork, home décor projects like cushions and table runners, and small sewing projects. Quilting fabric is perfect for crafters and sewists looking to create beautiful, long-lasting patchwork and decorative items with classic cotton comfort.

Ripstop is a lightweight, woven fabric made with a special reinforcing technique that incorporates thicker threads at regular intervals, creating a grid pattern that prevents tears from spreading. It’s commonly made from nylon or polyester.

Uses:
Ripstop is widely used for outdoor gear such as tents, backpacks, parachutes, sportswear, jackets, and military uniforms due to its durability and resistance to tearing. Ripstop fabric is ideal for durable, functional items where strength and lightweight performance are key, especially in outdoor and active environments.

Satin is a smooth, glossy fabric characterized by its shiny surface and dull back, created through a specific weaving technique that produces a high sheen. Traditionally made from silk, satin is now often woven from polyester or nylon for affordability.

Uses:
Satin is commonly used for evening gowns, bridal wear, lingerie, linings, ribbons, and elegant home décor like pillowcases and drapes. Satin fabric is perfect for glamorous, formal garments and décor where a sleek, lustrous finish is desired, though it demands a gentle touch.

Scuba fabric is a thick, smooth, double-knit fabric made from polyester and spandex, resembling neoprene but lighter and more flexible. It has a soft, slightly spongy texture and excellent stretch and recovery.

Uses:
Scuba is popular for form-fitting dresses, skirts, activewear, swimwear, and structured garments like jackets due to its ability to hold shape and provide support. Scuba fabric is ideal for stylish, sculpted garments that need structure and stretch, offering a contemporary and polished finish.

Sequin fabric is a decorative material embellished with small, shiny discs (sequins) sewn or glued onto a base fabric, creating a sparkling, eye-catching effect. It’s often made with polyester or nylon backing for flexibility.

Uses:
Sequin fabric is popular for evening wear, dance costumes, party dresses, accessories, stage outfits, and festive decorations. Sequin fabric is perfect for special occasions and performance wear where bold, shimmering impact is desired, though it demands extra care in use and maintenance.

Sheeting fabric is a plain-woven, durable cotton or cotton-blend fabric typically used for making bed linens and household textiles. It has a smooth, tight weave that feels soft and comfortable against the skin.

Uses:
Sheeting is mainly used for bed sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, and sometimes lightweight curtains or linings. Sheeting fabric is a practical and essential choice for comfortable, everyday bedding and home textiles, balancing softness with durability.

Silk is a natural protein fibre produced by silkworms, prized for its luxurious softness, natural sheen, and lightweight feel. It’s one of the oldest and most elegant fabrics, known for its smooth texture and breathable qualities.

Uses:
Silk is commonly used for high-end clothing such as dresses, blouses, scarves, lingerie, ties, and formalwear, as well as luxury bedding and home décor. Silk fabric is ideal for elegant, sophisticated garments and luxurious home textiles, offering timeless beauty with a need for careful maintenance.

Suedette is a soft, synthetic fabric designed to mimic the look and feel of suede leather. Made from polyester or a polyester blend, it offers a smooth, velvety texture with a slight stretch.

Uses:
Suedette is popular for jackets, skirts, dresses, bags, upholstery, and accessories, providing a stylish suede effect without the cost or care requirements of real leather. Suedette fabric is a great choice for fashionable, easy-care garments and accessories that offer the suede look without the higher price or maintenance.

Suiting fabric refers to a range of woven textiles specifically designed for making tailored garments like suits, blazers, trousers, and skirts. These fabrics are typically made from wool, polyester blends, cotton, or synthetic fibres, offering structure, durability, and a polished appearance.

Uses:
Primarily used for formal and professional attire, suiting fabric is ideal for business suits, office wear, uniforms, and tailored dresses. Suiting fabric is essential for creating classic, professional outfits that combine style with durability and a refined finish.

Tartan is a patterned woven fabric featuring crisscrossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colours, traditionally made from wool. It is strongly associated with Scottish heritage and clans but is now popular worldwide in various fabric blends.

Uses:
Tartan fabric is commonly used for kilts, skirts, scarves, blankets, upholstery, and fashion garments like jackets and dresses. Tartan fabric brings timeless style and heritage to a range of clothing and home décor, offering both warmth and striking visual appeal.

Velvet is a luxurious, soft fabric characterized by its dense pile of evenly cut fibres, creating a smooth, plush surface with a rich sheen. Traditionally made from silk, modern velvet can also be made from cotton, polyester, or blends.

Uses:
Velvet is popular for eveningwear, upholstery, curtains, cushions, and accessories like bags and shoes, adding a touch of elegance and texture. Velvet fabric is perfect for creating opulent, tactile pieces that stand out, though it needs gentle handling to maintain its rich texture.

Viscose, also known as rayon, is a semi-synthetic fabric made from regenerated wood pulp, offering the softness of natural fibres with a silk-like drape. It’s breathable, lightweight, and has a smooth, fluid feel.

Uses:
Viscose is widely used for dresses, blouses, linings, skirts, scarves, and summer clothing, as well as in soft furnishings like curtains and cushions. Viscose fabric is a versatile, affordable alternative to silk, ideal for stylish, breathable clothing with a luxurious feel—just handle it with care to maintain its best qualities.

Voile is a lightweight, semi-sheer fabric made from cotton or cotton blends, and sometimes polyester. It has a soft, smooth texture and a delicate drape, making it ideal for airy and elegant applications.

Uses:
Voile is commonly used for summer clothing like blouses, dresses, and scarves, as well as sheer curtains, linings, and craft projects. Voile fabric is a great choice for soft, breathable garments and light home décor where a delicate, elegant finish is desired.

Wool is a natural fibre obtained from the fleece of sheep and other animals such as alpacas and goats. It is valued for its warmth, softness, and moisture-wicking properties, making it a staple in cooler climates.

Uses:
Wool is commonly used for coats, suits, jumpers, scarves, blankets, and other winter garments. It’s also used in felting and some upholstery. Wool fabric is ideal for creating warm, high-quality garments and textiles that offer natural comfort and longevity—perfect for autumn and winter wear.