Fabric Guide

🧵 Fabric Guide

Choosing the right fabric can make all the difference to your finished project. This guide is here to help you understand fabric types, weights, stretch, and what each fabric is best used for, so you can sew with confidence.

All our fabrics are digitally printed and Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certified, making them suitable for kidswear and everyday garments.

🪡 How to Choose the Right Fabric

Before choosing a fabric, consider:

  • What are you making? (tee, leggings, PJs, jumper, homewares)
  • Does it need stretch?
  • How much structure do you want?
  • Season & warmth

Use the sections below to find the best match for your project.

🧶 Cotton Lycra (Stretch Knit)

Composition: 95% Cotton / 5% Spandex
Typical Weight: 180–280 GSM
Stretch: 4-way stretch
Feel: Soft, smooth, breathable

Best for:

  • T-shirts & long sleeves
  • Leggings & bike shorts
  • Dresses & skirts
  • Pyjamas
  • Baby & kidswear

Why choose Cotton Lycra?

Cotton Lycra is one of the most versatile apparel fabrics. It offers excellent stretch and recovery, making it comfortable for everyday wear while still being easy to sew.

🧵 Cotton French Terry


Composition: 95% Cotton / 5% Spandex
Typical Weight: 260–280 GSM
Stretch: Moderate stretch
Feel: Smooth front with soft looped back

Best for:

  • Jumpers & hoodies
  • Track pants
  • Dresses
  • Lightweight layers

Why choose French Terry?

French Terry is cosy without being bulky. It’s ideal for trans-seasonal garments and is a favourite for kidswear thanks to its comfort and durability.

🧶 Brushed Cotton French Terry


Composition: 95% Cotton / 5% Lycra
Typical Weight: 280 GSM
Stretch: Moderate stretch
Feel: Soft fleece-style brushed back

Best for:

  • Hoodies & sweatshirts
  • Lounge pants
  • Winter dresses
  • Warm kidswear

Why choose Brushed French Terry?

The brushed backing adds warmth and softness, making it perfect for cooler months and cosy garments.

🧺 Cotton Waffle


Composition: 100% Cotton
Typical Weight: ~270 GSM
Stretch: Minimal stretch
Feel: Textured, breathable, absorbent

Best for:

  • Pyjamas & loungewear
  • Babywear
  • Robes
  • Homewares (tea towels, cloths)

Why choose Cotton Waffle?

Cotton Waffle has a beautiful texture and is breathable and absorbent, making it ideal for relaxed garments and home projects.

🧵 Rib Knit (Including Rib Cuff)


Composition: Cotton / Spandex blend
Typical Weight: 250–350 GSM
Stretch: High stretch
Feel: Soft with strong recovery

Best for:

  • Necklines
  • Waistbands
  • Cuffs
  • Fitted garments

Why choose Rib?

Rib knit is designed to stretch and bounce back, making it perfect for garment finishes and fitted pieces.

🧶 Woven Cotton Fabrics


Composition: 100% Cotton
Typical Weight: 110–150 GSM
Stretch: No stretch
Feel: Crisp to soft depending on weave

Best for:

  • Shirts & dresses
  • Shorts
  • Skirts
  • Home décor
  • Craft projects

Why choose Woven Cotton?

Wovens hold their shape well and are ideal when structure is needed.

📏 Understanding Fabric Weight (GSM)

GSM means grams per square metre and tells you how heavy the fabric is.

  • 200–230 GSM: Lightweight (tees, summer wear)
  • 240–260 GSM: Midweight (everyday garments)
  • 270–300 GSM: Heavier weight (jumpers, winter wear)
  • 350 GSM+: Extra structure (rib cuffs, waistbands)

Heavier doesn’t always mean better — it depends on the project.

✂️ Stretch vs Woven – What’s the Difference?

  • Stretch fabrics (Cotton Lycra, French Terry):
    Best for fitted and comfortable garments.
  • Woven fabrics (Poplin, Twill):
    Best for structured garments with no stretch.

Always match your fabric to your pattern’s recommendations.

🧼 Care Instructions (General)

  • Wash cold on gentle cycle
  • Do not tumble dry
  • Warm iron on reverse
  • Pre-wash before sewing to minimise shrinkage

🧡 Still Not Sure?

If you’re unsure which fabric is right for your project, we’re always happy to help.

👉 Browse our collections
👉 Message us for advice
👉 Follow along on Facebook & Instagram for sewing inspiration