Common Clothing Fabric

Common Clothing fabric

Below are some of the most common garment fabrics you will come across. Most fabric stores are stocked with hundreds or even thousands of fabrics, but most fall into these simple categories.

cotton

Cotton is a natural fiber and one of the most commonly used clothing fabrics. Can be used alone or blended with man-made fibers to reduce cotton content and reduce fabric wrinkling. The weights of cotton are endless, but most clothes are sewn with light to medium weights.

calico

Calico is a plain weave, usually a neutral off-white. It is usually inexpensive and is often used for test patterns and sewing muslin. Calico is used for doll making such as Millie doll sewing patterns. Calico can have a more open weave, so if you plan to sew something other than a tester, use a tight weave. Because it is a natural fabric, it is easy to shrink.

Chambray

Chambray looks like light-colored, thinner denim that's usually a little stiff. It makes beautiful blouses and skirts where a small figure is required. I used chambray for this paisley dress.

corduroy

Corduroy has a bunch of rope running down the fabric. These ropes can be of different thicknesses, thus providing fabrics of different appearances and thicknesses. It usually has a good figure and makes for beautiful skirts and dresses with a simple silhouette without too much clumping.