Knowing fabric types by heart should be second nature to us sewers. That is why today, I’m sharing this awesome infographic to everyone — a must-read for all textile lovers! Choosing the right fabric when creating a new project is one of the most important steps we take. If we make the wrong choice, this can greatly affect our finished product.
In making the correct choice, we are moved either by the fabric’s texture or design and finding a happy medium between the two is sewing heaven! So for those who do not have a lot of time to research the different types of fabric, this infographic from Blinds.com is a quick cheat sheet on what you need to know. It might be a long read, but it’ll be worth it!
Fabric Types: Every Single Thing You Must Know About It
Fabric Types: Choose A Fiber
1. Natural Fibers
Cotton
- Popular
- Versatile
- Inexpensive
Flax/Linen
- Popular
- Versatile
- Inexpensive
Jute/Bamboo
- Durable
- Rich texture
- Sustainable
Wool
- Durable
- Great insulator
- Rich color
Silk
- Lustrous
- Fades easily
- More costly
2. Man-made Fiber
Polyester/Vinyl
- Inexpensive
- Doesn’t wrinkle easily
Rayon
- Widely used
- Versatile
- Often not durable
Fiberglass
- Flame retardant
- Durable
Fabric Types: Choose A Material
1. Staple Fiber
Any type of fiber in short lengths. Spin this together to create a yarn.
2. Filament Fiber
Silk or man-made fiber in continuous strands.
3. Yarn
Fibers of varying lengths spun together for a thicker, stronger strand.
Fabric Types: Choose a Construction Style
1. Non-Woven
The entire piece of fabric is dyed after construction. A mix of fibers can create a multi-colored effect.
2. Woven
Vertical and horizontal yarns interlace to form a fabric.
3. Knitted
Yarns create interlocking loops to form a fabric.
Fabric Types: Choose a Design + Color
1. Piece Dyed
The entire piece of fabric is dyed after construction. A mix of fibers can create a multi-colored effect.
2. Yarn Dyed
The yarn is dyed before the fabric is constructed.
3. Woven In
The pattern is created by weaving different colored fabrics together.
4. Printed
The pattern is applied to the face of the fabric, usually appears on only one side.
Fabric Types: Know Your Fabric
1. Canvas
Ultra heavy-duty plain weave made with cotton or linen.
From: China 3000 BC
Cultural Fact: Designed to be sturdy enough for sails and tents. Also called sailcloth.
Where to Use: Artists paint on it, but it’s also great for upholstery that needs durability more than softness. Use when recovering a footstool or ottoman.
2. Twill
Offset weave forms a diagonal pattern that is stronger and thicker and hides soil better than plain weave.
From: Scotland
Cultural Fact: Denim, tweed, houndstooth, and herringbone are all twills.
Where to use: Twill is often used in apparel, but it’s beautiful for curtains as well. The thick fabric drapes well and resists wrinkling.
3. Herringbone
Variation of the twill weave that forms a chevron or “V” pattern.
From: Ireland
Cultural Fact: Tweeds like herringbone were the “performance fabric” of their day for 19th-century sportsmen.
Where to Use: Herringbone fabrics drape beautifully as curtains and can provide excellent insulation.
4. Satin
Compact weave. Warp floats over many weft yarns to produce a sheen on one side.
From: China
Cultural Fact: Satin has been used for many years to cover ballet slippers and pointe shoes.
Where to Use: Use this statement-making fabric for making bedding, decorative pillows, and flowing draperies.
5. Shantung
Woven fabric with a strong horizontal stub, originally silk.
From: China
Cultural Fact: In The Sound of Music, Maria’s beautiful wedding dress was made of shantung silk.
Where to Use: This fabric has a slight sheen and flows beautifully for sheer drapes, Roman shades, and table runners.
6. Velvet
Woven or knitted fabric with a cut pile on the surface that gives it a fuzzy feel.
From: Kashmir
Cultural Fact: Velvet was a huge trend in 90’s fashion with icons like Princess Diana leading the way.
Where To Use: This fabric brings rich color and surprising durability to upholstery and offers amazing insulation for draperies.
7. Trellis
Design inspired by garden trellises and Moroccan tiles.
From: England
Cultural Fact: Some patterns feature quatrefoil designs, a classic symbol found in gothic architecture.
Where to Use: This pattern looks stylish anywhere. Try it on Roman shades, shower curtains or accent pillows.
8. Damask
A classic leaf-inspired pattern often in repeating pendants, can be jacquard or printed. Because of its heft, it is best used for drapery and upholstery.
From: Damascus
Cultural Fact: The damask pattern is often seen in brocade and upholstery fabrics.
Where to Use: This heavier weight fabric is perfect for draperies and tablecloth.
9. Ticking Stripe
Denim-like twill with double stripes, traditionally in indigo or black on white.
From: France
Cultural Fact: Originally used for mattress and pillow covers. Its tight weave and wax seal kept feathers from poking through.
Where to Use: This petite stripe works well for upholstery and bedding, especially with French country decor.
10. Awning Stripe
Wide striped design inspired by fabric awnings on storefronts.
From: United States
Cultural Fact: These bold stripes are seen most often in preppy, east coast style.
Where to Use: Use this pattern in wallpaper, rugs, Roman shades, and curtains for a bold color-blocked look.
11. Ikat
Threads are dyed several colors with a tie-dye type method and then woven to form intricate patterns.
From: Malaysia
Cultural Fact: The signature “hazy” look of ikat fabrics comes from the dye bleeding up the threads as it is colored.
Where to Use: Ikat is everywhere in the fashion world, it looks beautiful on windows, bedding, or even as a wall hanging.
12. Jacquard
The pattern is woven in so that reverse appears on opposite side.
From: France (Lyon)
Cultural Fact: Named for Joseph Marie Jacquard who invented the Jacquard loom in 1801.
Where to Use: Jacquard is a classic upholstery fabric and gives a furniture a formal look. Give it a try for draperies and tablecloths as well.
As they say, knowledge is power, so use it to create awesome sewing projects. But don’t expect yourself to memorize all these fabric types overnight. If you really want to master fabrics, I suggest you visit a fabric shop and see and touch the samples for yourself. It gives you a better idea of what kind of fabric you’ll have to work with and what’s probably best for the sewing project you’re taking on. Anyhow, I hope this guide has helped you heaps!
Do you have a favorite type of fabric that you’re always fond to work with? Feel free to share it with us in the comments section below!
Up Next: SEWING 101: Beginner’s Guide To Basic Sewing Stitches
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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published 0n October 12, 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
Shanandha says
October 12, 2016 at 8:56 PMBailey,
This is an ultimate reference for beginners. I have to admit I picked up plenty of fabric knowledge 🙂
This goes into my bookmark right away. By the way I love the infographics.
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September 26, 2018 at 10:49 PMgreat info thanks