Types of Fabric

92 Leading Types of Fabric, Their Properties, and Uses – Everything You Need to Know

Regardless of whether you’re making new clothes or attempting to add modern patterns into the existing dress, you’ll need a piece of cloth or fabric. Fabric plays a vital role in sewing clothes. If you take a nice piece of fabric and learn some sewing hacks to sew it in an ideal way, it will last longer. Different types of fabrics are available today, and choosing the right fabric type can be tricky.

The suitable textile makes all the difference in your dress, from soft jersey material to classy silk to different cotton and canvas fabric types. Choose a fabric by researching its usefulness and characteristics. When you start sewing fabric on your own, this type of information can help you a lot.

To help you clear your confusion and create a better understanding of the types of fabrics, take a look at this fabric guide.

Table of Contents

Different Types of Fabrics – How It’s Made

Fabric is essential for sewing good-quality clothes. It is a material made by processing fibers together. The simple equation for fabric is, 

Fabric= Fiber+Construction

The first natural cellulose fiber is called flax which is found in the flax plant. Each thread was separated into individual strands in older times and then plaited manually to prepare a basic fabric. This fiber was dyed from plants when required. All-natural fabrics among different types of fabrics and their forms such as linen, wool, silk, and cotton are organic. They are available and renewable fibers.

6 Different Types of Fabrics You Should Know

Fabric can be made from one single fiber or blended fiber. Find the most suitable material for your next sewing project or start learning easy beginner sewing projects.

Chiffon

Chiffon is a thin, lightweight fabric with a sheer or translucent look. It is a plain-woven fabric that is made from a yarn that gives a rough feel. The thread is made from polyester or rayon. 

These types of fabric are delicate and can be dyed in different colors. It is found in blouses, dresses, and scarves. Most wedding dresses and prom dresses are made from chiffon as it is light and flowing material.

Types of fabric
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Linen

Linen is the next popular fabric among women. It is said that linen was the oldest material known by humanity. This fabric is made from natural fibers, and thus, it offers breathability and coolness. As linen fabric is easy to handle, they are considered a fascinating sewing fabric. 

Linen is better than cotton but worse than Viscose. It can help you in making good summer dresses. Embroidery looks nice on linen fabric.

Cotton

Cotton is a famous fabric all around the world. It is made from natural fibers of cotton plant seed hair and is composed of different lengths of fibers. The fluffy fiber’s extraction process from the cotton seeds is known as Ginning. It is then spun into cloth and can be used for a different purpose. 

Cotton is a supreme fabric that is preferred for its comforts, durability, and versatility. It is a highly breathable fabric and can be found in clothing such as shirts, underwear, dresses, etc. Chino, muslin, chintz, etc. different types of fabrics for clothes are made from cotton.

All types of fabric
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Silk

Silk is produced by the silk worm’s cocoon, which is found in South Asia, China, and Europe. It is considered as the world’s most luxurious natural fabrics and is known for its shine, softness, and elegance. It gives any dress a smooth and shimmering look. Silk is a strong and durable fabric, and thus, it is challenging when it comes to cleaning. 

Formal attire, wedding and evening gowns, skirts, ties, scarves, and lingerie can be sewn from silk fabric.

Bamboo/Jute

Bamboo or jute fabric is sturdy and stiff material. They are rich in texture and shine. Sewing projects such as table runners, rugs, bath runners, etc., can work great with jute. This fabric is flexible and affordable, so anyone can purchase it and use it.

Jute cloth
Image Source: Gem Jute

Wool

The wool fabric feels a bit hairy as it is a natural fiber obtained from a goat, Sheep, or Llama. Wool fabric is ideal for winter clothes as it keeps the body warm. These types of fabric are durable and can be found in rich colors. It is dust-resistant and wrinkle-free fabric but can be pretty expensive. 

When you learn to sew clothes using wool fabric, you should use linen with it as the raw wool may feel itchy against the skin. Tweed, Cashmere, Cheviot, and Merino wool are the different types of wool fabrics available in the market.

Different types of fabric
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11 Types of Fabrics With Name – A Complete Fabric Glossary

You should know every type of fabric with pictures since a better understanding of each fabric type and its properties can help you easily remove stains. This glossary of types of fabrics with names will give a broad knowledge of each fabric type.

Batik – Beautiful and Bold

Batik fabric is a bold and beautiful fabric that comes in different patterns, designs, and unique colors. Wax and dyes are used to make specific patterns on the fabric. The watercolor background with a unique pattern is suitable for many dress styles and beachwear. 

Batik fabric is a mixture of rayon, cotton, and other natural fibers since they can absorb dyes.

Batik fabrics
Image Source: Pinterest

Canvas – Suitable for Outdoor

Canvas is a plain-weave fabric that is specifically made from heavy cotton and linen yarn. Since canvas fabric is durable, sturdy, and heavy-duty, it is the most appropriate fabric for outdoor usage. 

Different colors and patterns are available in canvas fabric. It is a thick fabric and demands advanced sewing techniques.

Chiffon – French and Feminine

Chiffon is another excellent choice of fabric. It is a soft fabric that can be blended with rayon, silk, or polyester. It has tiny wrinkles, which makes it a little rough. These wrinkles are created from s-twist and z-twist crepe yarns, which are twisted clockwise and counter-clockwise. 

This fabric is an ideal fit for the sheer fabric category. You should use French seams and narrow hems to adapt to the patterns.

Blue and ivory ombre silk chiffon
Image Source: Sewport

Faux Fur – Ideal for Winter Wear

Faux fur comes from modern synthetic adoption and gives a dramatic look to your winter clothes. It is available in many shaggy fur, animal prints, and fun colors. While you learn how to sew outfits with faux fur, you should take extra precautions and may require to trim the seam allowances.

Felt – Feel Good

Felt fabric is fantastic for craft items. It is made from natural wool or can be adopted from a synthetic fabric. Since the edges of this fabric don’t fray, it makes them an ideal choice for appliqué.

Lace – Embrace Style

Lace is used to giving an elegant look to any dressing style. It is a delicate fabric type that can be used in bridal wear. Different types of lace fabric are available in the market with different patterns and colors. Right from Broderie Anglaise to Chantilly, you can pick different types of lace for your outfit.

Lace fabric
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Leather and Faux Leather

You need a special needle, and sewing techniques for leather and faux leather since this material tends to perforate. Faux fabric can be used with other fabric as a support, making it easier to sew it. You can also check 35 intermediate sewing projects to sew your leather outfits. 

These types of leather are an ideal fabric for bags, belts, and clutches. Modern faux fabric is so advanced that you cannot believe it is real once it is appropriately sewn.

Sheer Fabrics – Assortment of Silky, Soft, and Beautiful choice

Voile, Organza, Chiffon, Batiste, and georgette fabrics fall under the sheer fabric category. Sheer fabrics are often sewn with narrow hems and French hems. If your sheer fabric frays a lot, you can increase the seam allowance on your chosen pattern.

Stretch Fabric – Fun to Sew and Versatile

Jersey fabric, Cotton Lycra, Cotton knit, and many different types of fabrics with stretch quality are considered an ideal choice for a wide range of dresses. It is essential that you first check the pattern whether it is suitable for stretch knit or not. You can use stretch needles and a Teflon foot to prevent skipped stitches.

Thick Fabric – Extra Bulky Fabrics

Thick fabric demands extra skills and precautions while setting them on your machine. You should look out for the best tips and tricks of sewing to ease the process of sewing this fabric. Some types of denim, canvas, twills, corduroy, and to name a few, come from the thick fabric category.

Velvet – Super Plush and Soft

Velvet is a soft, luxurious fabric associated with royalty because of its rich finishing and complex manufacturing process. Velvet gives a smooth pile effect, and its quality is decided by the pile tuft’s density and how well they are mixed with the base fabric. 

This type of fabric can be made from silk, cotton, nylon, linen, or polyester, thus making it a versatile material. Shirts, coats, blouses, evening wear, etc., can be made from velvet fabric.

What are the different types of fabric
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5 Types of Fabric Material for Dresses

The amazing thing about different types of fabric material is that it is available in different colors, patterns, and textures. Have you ever considered which fabric will be ideal for your sewing project? Read 10 reasons to start sewing clothes today to understand how you can sew dresses in a better way.

Different types of fabrics are used for a variety of purposes. One fabric material can be suitable for a dress, but the same material can’t be used for sewing coats. Thus, you should look for different fabric materials which can become an ideal base for your sewing project.

Fleece

Fleece is made from a mixture of any type of polyester and synthetic fibers. It is an affordable material that comes with lightweight, soft and robust properties. Fleece fabric is ideal for sewing hats, jackets, jumpers, and blankets.

Polyester

Polyester is made from petrochemicals such as coal and petroleum, and it is man-made synthetic fiber. They are durable but don’t absorb liquids such as sweat. 

Polyester blends are popular in the textile industry because their durability can add strength to any other type of fabric, and other fabrics can increase breathability in polyester fabric.

Polyester fabric
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Rayon

Rayon is also known as Viscose which is made from wood pulp. This type of fabric material is used as an alternative to silk since it gives a smooth feel to any material. 

It is much cheaper to produce, making it an ideal choice for clothing items such as jackets, blouses, dresses, and carpets. Many designers use rayon with care labels and hang tags for draped tops and dresses.

Satin

Satin is among the three major textile weaves, and it is not made from fiber. The satin fabric was initially made from silk, but it is now made from wool, cotton, and polyester. This luxurious fabric is shiny, glossy, elegant, and matte on the other side. 

Due to its sleek and smooth texture, it is used in evening and wedding gowns, corsets, skirts, lingerie, outerwear, and shoes. Even though it is considered one of the strongest natural fibers, it doesn’t offer elasticity and can lose strength over a period.

Satin fabric
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Denim

Denim is another sturdy and robust material that is made from a blend of warm cotton yarn and white cotton stuffing yarn. It is famous for its vivid texture, durability, and comfort. 

Denim can be dyed with indigo to make blue jeans. It can also be used for jackets, dungarees, dresses, and even furniture and home décor.

Different types of fabric for clothes
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5 Different Types of Textile – A Simple Guide

Textiles are categorized based on different components. It includes cords, threads, nets, and many more. It is created from fibers and threads from artificial or natural materials and then made into fabrics using different weaving, felting, and knitting methods. 

Sometimes you can get confused between different types of textiles and fabrics. Thus, you should check this guide on different types of textiles – Natural fiber and Man-made fiber.

Natural Fibers

Natural fibers are made from naturally available ingredients. They are obtained from plants and animals and serve a wide variety of purposes. Each natural fabric has its unique property and composition that make it ideal for each application. 

For example, cotton is one such natural fabric that is easy to work on any sewing project. Natural fibers are also categorized into Plant-Based and Animal-based.

Plant-Based

Fabrics made from plants have become popular for a long time. Manufacturers now prefer plant-based types of textile fabrics as they are environmentally friendly. Cotton, linen, hemp, coir, and ramie are known as plant-based fibers.

Animal Based

Animal-based fibers have come from the fur or skin of the animal. These types of textile fibers are knitted or woven fabrics and used for creating coats, blazers, jackets, and other clothing items.

Man-made Fibers

The first man-made fiber was produced and distributed in 1910 to replicate silk. They replace silk and rayon fibers because of their favorable properties. The demand for natural fabrics decreased, and the public accepted man-made fabrics. 

After that, polyester, acrylic, and spandex came into existence. These types of fabrics were more comfortable, cost-effective, and breathable.

Cellulosic

Cellulosic fiber is the extraction of cellulose which is found in woody plants. Caustic soda and carbon disulfide are mixed to make this material and then process a spinneret to create the fiber. The production methods are known as modal, lyocell, Viscose, and recycled man-made fiber processes.

Synthetic

Synthetic fibers are formed through a chemical process. This fiber is cheap and can be considered a suitable replacement for natural fibers. Thus, the demand for synthetic fiber has increased.

7 Different Types of Cloth Materials Used in the Textile Industry

There are various types of clothing materials used in the textile industry for making beautiful garments. Different types of cloth materials are essential for the textile industry, and it is made from an interlocking network of yarn or threads. 

Clothes can be made from knitting or weaving yarns together, and sometimes it goes through the heat for mechanical and chemical treatment. Here is the list of different types of cloth fabrics used in the textile industry on a regular basis.

Crepe

Crepe is another wool, silk, or synthetic fabric which is made from twisted yarn that gives a distinctive wrinkled and bumpy appearance. It is a light-to-medium weight fabric that is used for dresses, suits, blouses, trousers, etc. 

This cloth material is also ideal for home décor items such as window treatments, pillows, and curtains.

Crepe fabric
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Georgette

Georgette is a lightweight type of crepe fabric. It is made from pure silk and synthetic fibers such as polyester, rayon, and Viscose. Georgette fabric is available in 20, 40, and 60 grams so that you can purchase it based on your usage. 

This type of cloth material creates a crinkle effect on the clothes. Georgette has a dull, matte finish, and it is similar to silk chiffon. This fabric is available in solid colors and floral prints.

Types of textiles
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Organza

Organza material can be made from synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyester. It is a lightweight, sheer, woven fabric that was originally made from silk. It is a durable fabric and prone to tears. 

The number of holes per inch can define the quality of these types of clothes material – more holes mean good quality. 

Organza fabric is used in wedding gowns and evening wear since it is shimmery and creates decadent silhouettes.

Khadi

Khadi is a handwoven natural fabric made from cotton, and it is also known as Khaddar. It includes wool and silk and gives a rugged texture. Khadi is available in different variations, designs, and colors. It is used for making winter and summer clothes. 

Because of industrialization, khadi is now produced by machines. It does not only save time but also helps in creating different cuts and designs. Khadi is a popular cloth material in India.

Types of fabric weaves
Image Source: Khadi London

Jacquard

Jacquard fabric comes with detailed and precise weaving patterns. The patterns are woven on the fabric itself, and it is not embroidered. It is also used to produce other fabrics such as damask and brocade. It is famous in the Indian textile industry for making lehengas, sarees, and upholstery materials.

Dyed Fabric

The process of applying dyes on a textile material such as yarns, fabrics, or fibers to change its color is known as dyed fabric. The dye is fixed onto the fabric at a predefined time and temperature with advanced absorption, diffusion, or bonding methods. 

This clothing material is popular in the market due to its eye-catching and trendy fabric. The dyes are made from natural fibers or chemical pigments to fix the fabric with the desired color.

Dye fabric
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Jersey

Jersey is made from yarn. Most of the fabrics are woven, but jersey fabric is knitted. This clothing material is ideal for regular t-shirts, leggings, and shirts. You can get many prints and colors.

8 Different Types of Fabric Materials – The Fabrics of Our Lives

We encounter different types of fabric materials in our day-to-day life, but we hardly know their names. Here are the names and properties of the essential fabrics that you must know.

Cashmere

Cashmere is a wool fabric that is made from pashmina and cashmere goats. These types of fabric materials are lighter than average wool and are known for their softness and excellent insulation. Cashmere can be mixed with other types of wool fabrics such as merino to give weight.

Damask

Damask fabric is created by mixing two different weaving techniques. It is a jacquard-patterned, reversible fabric. The textile’s background is made of twill, plain, or sateen weave. It can be found in single or multi-colored and combined with other textiles such as cotton, wool, silk, linen, and rayon.

Damask fabric
Image Source: Design Pool

Modal

Modal is another form of rayon and a plant-based textile. It is produced from beech-tree pulp and used for clothing like pajamas, bed sheets, towels, and underwear. This fabric can be combined with other fibers such as spandex and cotton. As it gives a soft feel, Modal is considered a luxurious textile and more expensive than cotton.

Muslin

Muslin is made using the plain weave technique. It is a loosely woven type of cotton fabric and is used in a wide range of applications in fashion prototypes. 

It is a lightweight and translucent material and is suitable for testing patterns, and can mimic drape. In addition, this fabric is simple to sew with.

Muslin fabric
Image Source: MasterClass

Spandex

Spandex is also known as Lycra. It is a synthetic fiber and characterized by its elasticity. Different types of fibers can be blended with spandex to give it elasticity. Spandex can be used for manufacturing jeans, athleisure, and hosiery.

Spandex fabric
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Tweed

Tweed is a rough woven fabric that is made from wool. These materials fibers can be woven using twill or plain weaves. Wool tweed fabric can be made by using different colored threads to achieve vibrant colors and dynamic patterns. 

Tweed fabric is often available in vertical lines and small square patterns. It is the most suitable fabric for jackets and suits.

Buster mineral tweed fabric
Image Source: Sewport

Gingham

Gingham is another cotton blended fabric that is made from dying yarn woven with a plain weave. Gingham is a two-color pattern and preferred in red and white combination. 

It is a reversible fabric that has the same design on both sides. It is used in manufacturing some shirts, dresses, and tablecloths.

Chenille

Chenille is a combination of two different types of yarn and fabric that produces soft fabric. It is also a woven fabric that is made from different types of fibers such as silk, rayon, wool, and cotton.

Chenille fabric
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What Are the Different Types of Cotton?

Cotton is everywhere. It is a popular choice for making dresses. Cotton is available all around the world, and it comes in a beautiful texture. It can be mixed with different fabrics to create a vast range of different fabrics. Nearly 70% of the world’s clothes are made from cotton fabric. Here are the basic types of cotton you will encounter at first.

Long Staple

It is a kind of smooth and soft cotton which is used for clothing.

Short Staple

A short staple is a soft rough cotton which is used in making regular-wear clothes.

Extra-long Staple

These types of cotton are found in high-quality and can be used in making fine quality Egyptian cotton.

Pima Cotton

Pima cotton is hard-wearing cotton that is grown in the USA. Pima Cotton and Egyptian cotton have been scientifically approved cotton and have undergone tests to verify that they are high-quality standard cotton.

Pima cotton fabric
Image Source: Scrappy Apparel

10 Best Types of Cotton Fabric and Their Uses

Cotton fabric doesn’t require any introduction. It is one of the most popular dressmaking used in the world. Many people choose cotton for its comfort, beauty, necessity, and some prefer it out of preference. Whatever can be your excuse, you come across cotton many times in day-to-day life. Cotton is known for its many qualities, which makes it an ideal choice for sewing projects.

Brushed Cotton

Brushed cotton’s one or both sides are brushed, which gives it a fluffy and soft feel. It is used for making winter clothes as it creates warmth. Many casual shirts and pajamas are also made from brushed cotton.

Batiste

Batiste is a thin, soft, and lightweight cotton fabric, just like a cotton lawn, but thick fabric. Good quality Batiste is made from combining only long, parallel fibers and creating a smooth and lustrous look. 

It is used to make handkerchiefs, lingerie, blouses, and summer clothes.

Different types of cotton
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Birdseye

Birdseye is another soft and lightweight cotton fabric. It can absorb liquid.

Chambray

Chambray cotton is made from two yarn colors, among which one is white, and that’s why it is found in a multi-colored look. Each yarn is woven together in a way that doesn’t leave any gap. Chambray cotton is used for making summer dresses and shirts.

Cotton Poplin

A crisp fabric that is thin and a subtle sheen is known as poplin. Poplin is a durable fabric and can be made from a silk, synthetic, and wool blend. Some lightweight poplin is used to make structured dresses and buttoned shirts.

Linen Cotton Mix

Linen and cotton fabric is used to make another fabric that looks like linen but is wrinkle-free.

Seersucker

Seersucker fabric is a light-to-medium-weight cotton material that comes with a crepe-stripe effect. In addition, it is a different types of cotton fabric with alternating smooth and crinkle stripes. These types of cotton fabric are used for dresses, summer suits, and tops.

Types of cloth materials
Image Source: Hockerty

Terrycloth

Terry Cloth is an absorbent knit fabric and is often used in making robes, baby items, and towels.

Terrycloth
Image Source: The Laundress

Voile

Voile is a pleasing, soft, and sheer cotton fabric with a slight crepe effect. This cotton fabric is made from acetate, silk, plain woven, or rayon fabric. 

It is a lightweight and see-through fabric that gives a net-like look. This cotton fabric is used to make nightgowns, lightweight home décor, lining, and embroidery.

Whipcord

Whipcord is another useful, rugged cotton fabric that has a diagonally ribbed surface. This fabric is used to make suits, sportswear, and coats.

7 Most Used Types of Silk Fabrics

Silk is the queen of all fabric types as it gives a delicate touch and looks when wearing it. It is produced from silkworms and has two different glands that can produce liquid from it, and then once it comes into contact with air, it turns into a solid fiber. 

Silkworms produce 1,000 yards of silk fibers during their moth stage.

No sew fleece
Image Source: Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

Silk fibers are then woven into different types of silk fabric. Even the experts face difficulty while identifying the type and quality of the silk with a naked eye. They use a magnifying glass to understand the quality. Silk fabrics are classified into different categories based on how they look, drapes, and their use in making different clothes.

Silk Charmeuse

Silk Charmeuse is a soft, lightweight silk fabric with a satin-ish, glossy face and dull matte finish on the other side. Charmeuse is a silk fabric that comes to your mind when thinking about silk since it is a shinier fabric. It is an ideal silk fabric for making dresses, gowns, scarves, lingerie, and loose blouses. 

It is also preferred by brides for making their wedding dresses as it gives a sleek, satiny, and creamy look. While sewing and washing, you need to take extra care of this fabric as it can snag, and the threads can become loose.

Silk Dupioni

Silk Dupioni is a medium-weight, tight woven double-threaded silk with a nubby texture. The best thing about these types of silk fabric is it doesn’t get creases or wrinkles, and it is quite strong compared to other silk fabrics. 

It is made from weaving two different colors of yarns; thus, you should pay special attention to the occasional black sleek which goes through weave since it is the original cocoon of the silk fabric. This type of silk fabric is used in sewing clothes, jackets, and evening wear.

Silk fabric
Image Source: Pinterest

Broadcloth/Habotai

Silk Broadcloth is a lightweight, soft silk fabric. It has a smooth surface and dull matte luster on the other side. This silk fabric feels like cotton, and it can sew without any expert help. Broadcloth is used in making tailored clothes and shirts.

Broadcloth reference
Image Source: Proper Cloth

Pongee

Silk pongee has a soft, drape, and textured surface. It is light silk and affordable silk fabric. It is available in different weights and is used for silk painting.

Shantung

Silk Shantung is also known as Tussah. This silk fabric is medium to lightweight silk that gives a crisp feel to your attire. It is made from silkworms fed on an oak tree. A shiny and delicate fabric that does not wrinkle is used for making shirts, trousers, and dresses.

Noil

Silk Noil is made from tiny silk fibers which are left from combing and carding. It is not raw silk but a low sheen and bulky silk fabric which comes with a nubby texture. 

The short fibers, along with many knots, are used in weaving Noil fabric. Noil silk looks like cotton, but it is soft silk that has a good drape. Noil can shrink in the wash.

Silk noil fabric
Image Source: Sartor Bohemia – The Art of Fabric

Silk Crêpe-backed Satin

Silk crêpe-backed satin is a reversible silk fabric with satin on the front part and a crepe on the backside. This silk fabric is a light-to-medium weight fabric that gives a smooth touch and lustrous shine. It is ideal for making ball gowns, blouses, and bridal wear.

3 Types of Polyester Fabric – Know Everything You Need

Polyester is another type of synthetic fabric that is made from petroleum. Polyester is one of the popular fabrics in the textile industry due to its many different properties. In some sewing projects, polyester can be the sole substitute, but it is blended with other natural fibers most of the time. For example, it can be used with cotton to improve its durability, shrinkage, and wrinkle effects. 

Polyester is also an environment-resistant fabric, and that makes it an ideal choice for outdoor usage. There are many different types of polyester fabric available in the market.

Ethylene Polyester

Ethylene polyester is one of the popular types of polyester fabric. It is derived from petroleum ethylene which plays a vital role while making polyester fiber that interacts with other essential chemicals to create a fibrous compound. 

This type of polyester material can be recycled and save a lot of time in the production process.

Types of polyester fabric
Image Source: Creative Mechnisms

PCDT Polyester

PCDT Polyester making process is similar to PET polyester. However, this polyester type has a different chemical structure. This type of polyester fabric is not popular, but it offers greater elasticity and resilience. It is used for making heavy types of textiles such as furniture coverings and curtains. 

The acid is mixed with different chemicals comprising poly-1 and 4-cyclohexylene-dimethylene terephthalate to make a PCDT polyester. After a chemical reaction, a spin melt is produced, which is a PCDT polyester.

Plant-based Polyester

Ethylene glycol is used with dimethyl terephthalate to create plant-based polyester. The plant-based polyester uses ethylene sources such as cane sugar rather than petroleum ethylene.

5 Types of Wool Fabric You Should Know

Wool fabric is created by stacking natural fibers together that form the fleece of animals like rabbits, camels, sheep, etc. The fiber’s natural structure can absorb a lot of moisture which means it is static-resistant and odor-resistant. 

People have been wearing different types of wool fabric since 6000 BC and prefer making wool garments for the winter season. Though there are many different types of wool fabrics available in the market, you should at least know six wool types.

Merino Wool

Merino wool is the softest wool fabric, which comes from the merino breed of sheep. Today much merino wool is exported from Australia. It is one of the expensive and long-lasting wool fabrics used to make wool socks and sweaters.

Lambswool

Lambswool is the first shearing of the young lamb. After that, it is shorn for over seven months. It is also known as virgin wool. This wool is soft, smooth, and delicate at the shearing level and has hypoallergenic properties.

Types of wool
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Alpaca Wool

Alpaca wool is a soft, luxurious, and medium weight wool fabric used for making coats, outerwear lining, blankets, high-end suits, and bedsheets. Huacaya and Suri are the two different breeds of alpaca which produce different types of wool fabrics. Huacaya is used for making knit clothes since it is thick wool, whereas Suri is used to make woven clothes silkier.

Flannel

Another popular wool fabric comes with a napped and brushed surface. Flannel wool is used in making nightwear clothes such as pajamas.

Vicuna Wool

Vicuna is one of the rarest wool which is obtained from alpaca and Ilama. These types of wool fabric are better than cashmere as it is warm. It needs to be preserved in its natural state since it’s allergic to chemicals. 

Vicunas can be shorn every two years and no more than five times. The production process of vicuna wool is expensive, and thus, the jacket made from vicuna wool can cost you around $21,000.

Vicuna wool
Image Source: Scabal

4 Best Types of Linen Fabric for Your Sewing Project

Linen fabric is popular in the textile industry for making day-to-day items. It is a strong, crisp, and absorbent fabric which is produced from the fiber flax plant. Linen is an ideal choice when making summer clothes as the fabric is cool to wear. 

There are many different types of linen fabric used in the textile industry, and you should know about it for your next sewing project.

Holland Linen

Holland Linen is another variation of plain-woven fabric. This linen fabric is mixed with oil and starch to make it hard and opaque for sunlight penetration. Since it has a light-blocking unique property, It is used for making window shades and lampshades.

Cambric Linen

Cambric linen fabric is another type of plain-woven fabric that originated from Cambria, France. It is one of the finest quality linen fabrics and is used to make some delicate items such as lingerie and handkerchiefs.

Sheeting Linen

The sheeting type of linen is made wide so that it can be used to manufacture sheets. It is a heavy linen fabric and suitable for designing suits and dresses.

Venice Linen

The Venice type of linen fabric is a combination of damask fabric. Large floral prints and graceful drapes are signature marks of Venice linen.

Types of linen
Image Source: Pinterest

4 Stunning Types of Stretch Fabric

Stretch fabric is one type of fabric that stretches the fibers to a particular degree and returns to their original size without causing any problem. Today, stretch fabric is used in making swimwear, lingerie, and other products. So even if you’re wearing jeans at your home, they might have stretch fabric in them as well. There are four types of stretch fabrics you should know.

Spandex and Spandex Blend

Spandex fabric can be stretched at least 400% of its original size. If you mix it with other fabric, then it can still leave 20% of its elasticity to the other material. Nylon, cotton spandex, and polyester can be blended with spandex.

Rubber/Latex

Rubber or latex can be adopted from the sap of rubber trees and then apply to other fabrics for water resistance and stretch. As pure rubber is not breathable and causes skin irritation, it is not applied in making clothes.

Knits

Knits is a 2-way stretch fabric that is used in making clothes such as hats and socks.

2-way and 4-way

2-way types of stretch fabric are comfortable to wear since they have weft or warp stretch. It is used in making sports and activewear types of garments. The fabric stretch in the 2-way fabric is low, near 0% to 25%. 

The 4-way can be extended in crosswise and longwise directions. It creates better elasticity, making it an ideal choice for sportswear. They are knitted fabric and not woven.

5 Types of Fabric Weaves to Know – Most Common Types of Textiles

Fabrics are manufactured and processed in a variety of designs and patterns. The fascinating master art of form using thread is known as weaving. Fabric weaving is a great part of our history, and with modern industrialization, it has evolved. 

Modern fabric weaving differs in terms of style, thickness, pattern, durability, and the way they drape. Understanding different types of fabric weave techniques can make a lot of difference in your sewing project.

Plain Weave

Plain weave is the simplest fabric weaving technique that uses warp and weft thread interlacing in and over pattern. It’s cost-effective manufacturing process, flat and tight surface and durability makes it one of the popular weave choices. Crepe, organdy, muslin, and taffeta are some examples of plain weave fabric types.

Twill Weave

Twill weave is one of the most used types of fabric weaves in the textile industry. It creates chevron, diagonal, corkscrew designs and makes it easy to recognize this weave type. It also helps in making strong and soft fabrics which creates more drapes than any other weaves. 

The backside of the fabric has a rough surface and shows the exact opposite pattern from the front side. It creates durable and wrinkle-free denim, velvet, jersey, gabardine, etc., fabrics.

Satin Weave

Satin weave is known for its elegant and silky appearance. It is recognized by four or more weft yarns covering one or vice versa. The fabric made from this weave type is flexible, smooth, and offers excellent durability. Charmeuse and peau de soi are the types of satin weave fabrics.

Satin weave
Image Source: Pinterest

Rib Weave

In rib weave, weft or warp yarn is woven during the weaving process since it is a thick yarn. The weft yarn is raised and creates a ribbed-like effect on the fabric. Some of the fabrics made from rib weave are poplin, faille, and broadcloth.

Basketweave

Basketweave is another variation of plain weave, but it creates a basket pattern. This pattern creates an over-over and under-under pattern rather than an over-under pattern. Fabrics made from basketweave can shrink in the wash, and it creates some challenges while sewing.

What Are the Different Types of Jersey Fabric and Their Characteristics?

Jersey fabrics are a knit fabric that is processed through knitting machines twisting a single yarn to make loops in a single row. Jersey fabric was made from wool in the past, but today it is made from “jersey” fabric which is different from the “athletic jersey” fabric used in the garment. Jersey materials are soft, drapey, and versatile. 

Different types of jersey fabric have different characteristics and are used for various purposes. You should know five different types of jersey fabric.

Single Jersey

Classic single jersey fabric weighs less than 140g per sq. meter. It has one flat side and the other piled side. It is a bi-elastic fabric which means it can be stretched in four directions (4-way stretch). 

Double Jersey

Double jersey fabric is knitted with two needles on two needle beds. These types of jersey fabric are reversible fabric, so they can either double-reverse or double-face. Double jersey fabric is preferred over single jersey fabric due to its better quality drapes. It is used in skirts, blazers, and suits.

Double jersey
Image Source: Taiwantrade

Interlock Jersey

Interlock jersey is similar to double jersey fabric, but the stitches are tight, giving the fabric a compact look.

Stretch Jersey

A Stretch jersey is another type of jersey fabric that is obtained from wool or polyester or the combination of spandex with other fabric.

Slub Jersey

Irregular slub yarn is obtained in the weaving jersey fabric, which gives it a unique texture pattern.

3 Types of Knit Fabric Used in Making Clothes

T-shirts are made from knit fabric. It is a stretchy fabric that helps in making beautiful clothes. Knit fabric comes in different vibrant colors and prints. There are different types of knit fabric available which you should know to sew clothes.

Jersey Knit

Jersey knit is a light to medium weight knit fabric that is obtained from the weft knitting process. It is the preferred knit fabric for making t-shirts and dresses as it gives good drapes to any types of clothing aesthetics

The two sides of the material have different stitches, such as one side has knit stitches, and the other side has purl stitches.

Lace Knit

Lace knitting is a beautiful knit fabric that combines beautiful lace with the elasticity of knitting. These types of knit fabric are tough to maintain.

Sweater Knit

Sweater knits are used for making sweaters. This fabric is closely knitted and gives a strong, stable look. Some sweater knits have texture, while others are left with open holes between knitting and making a sheer look.

Yolks pullover sweater
Image Source: Craftsy

Conclusion

For any designer or someone trying their hands-on sewing dresses, proper knowledge of all types of fabric and custom woven labels are essential. Fabric plays a vital role in your sewing project, so choose it wisely. First, use this guide to understand different types of fabrics with pictures, their properties, and their usage. Then, make sure you choose the ideal types of textile fibers for your project, which gives comfort and helps you look stylish.