What is Cotton Lycra Fabric? A Beginners Guide for Sewists
Cotton Lycra is one of the most popular fabrics for handmade clothing, and for good reason. Combining the softness and breathability of cotton with the stretch and recovery of Lycra (spandex), it's an incredibly versatile fabric that's comfortable to wear and easy to sew.
At Auggie + Co, our Cotton Lycra fabrics are digitally printed in vibrant designs and are OEKO-TEX® certified, making them a favourite for everything from baby clothing to everyday family wardrobes.
What is Cotton Lycra?
Cotton Lycra is a knit fabric made from approximately 95% cotton and 5% Lycra (spandex). The addition of Lycra provides excellent stretch and helps garments return to their original shape after wearing.
Unlike woven fabrics, Cotton Lycra stretches in multiple directions, making it ideal for fitted clothing.
What can you make with Cotton Lycra?
Cotton Lycra is suitable for a wide variety of sewing projects, including:
- T-shirts
- Leggings
- Dresses
- Rompers
- Baby grows
- Pyjamas
- Bike shorts
- Skirts
- Headbands
- Children's clothing
Because it's soft against the skin and breathable, it's especially popular for babies and young children.
Why choose OEKO-TEX® certified Cotton Lycra?
All of our Cotton Lycra fabrics are OEKO-TEX® certified, meaning they've been tested for harmful substances and are safe for the whole family.
This gives peace of mind when sewing clothing for babies, children and anyone with sensitive skin.
Tips for sewing Cotton Lycra
For the best results:
- Use a stretch or ballpoint needle.
- Sew with polyester thread.
- Avoid pulling the fabric while sewing.
- Finish seams with an overlocker or stretch stitch.
- Pre-wash your fabric before cutting.
Shop Cotton Lycra Fabric Online
Whether you're sewing your first T-shirt or creating an entire handmade wardrobe, Cotton Lycra is one of the most versatile fabrics you can own.
Explore our range of premium Cotton Lycra fabrics, available in beautiful exclusive prints and ready to ship throughout New Zealand.