Fabric Fundamentals: Your Guide to Choosing the Right Material for Any Project!
Whether you’re a sewing newbie or a seasoned stitcher, picking the right fabric can make or break your project! With so many options available, knowing the differences between fabric types is key to sewing success. Let’s dive into the world of fabrics and explore the different types you might come across, plus tips on the best sewing needle and machine foot to use for each!
1. Cotton: The Versatile Classic 🌱
Cotton is a natural, breathable fabric that’s perfect for many projects. It’s a go-to for beginners due to its easy handling.
Best Needle: Universal needle (size 80/12 or 90/14)
Best Machine Foot: Standard foot
Tip: Pre-wash to avoid shrinkage, and use a lighter cotton like voile for a softer effect.
2. Linen: Light and Airy 🍃
Linen is a natural fabric known for its textured look and cool feel.
Best Needle: Universal needle (size 90/14)
Best Machine Foot: Standard foot
Tip: Press with steam to reduce wrinkles, or embrace the casual, crinkled look.
3. Wool: Warm and Cozy 🐑
Wool is a thick, insulating fabric perfect for winter wear.
Best Needle: Universal or ballpoint needle (size 90/14 or 100/16)
Best Machine Foot: Walking foot to help feed the thick fabric evenly
Tip: Line scratchier wool for comfort and avoid shrinkage by handwashing.
4. Silk: Luxurious and Elegant ✨
Silk is a natural fiber that’s smooth and shiny.
Best Needle: Microtex or sharp needle (size 60/8 or 70/10)
Best Machine Foot: Straight stitch foot for precision
Tip: Use silk pins to avoid leaving marks, and handle carefully to prevent slipping.
5. Satin: Shiny and Smooth 🌟
Satin has a glossy surface and a dull finish on the other.
Best Needle: Microtex or sharp needle (size 70/10)
Best Machine Foot: Teflon foot to reduce friction
Tip: Finish raw edges to reduce fraying, and sew slowly for control.
6. Velvet: Plush and Rich 🎩
Velvet is known for its soft texture and opulent appearance.
Best Needle: Universal needle (size 80/12 or 90/14)
Best Machine Foot: Walking foot or roller foot to glide over the pile
Tip: Cut in the same direction to avoid color variation, and use a pressing cloth.
7. Denim: Durable and Stylish 👖
Denim is a sturdy cotton twill fabric often used for jeans and jackets.
Best Needle: Denim needle (size 90/14 or 100/16)
Best Machine Foot: Jeans foot for thick layers
Tip: Use heavy-duty thread for thicker projects, and sew slowly for bulky seams.
8. Jersey Knit: Stretchy and Comfy 🧶
Jersey is a stretchy, lightweight fabric great for casual wear.
Best Needle: Ballpoint needle (size 70/10 or 80/12)
Best Machine Foot: Walking foot or stretch foot to help feed the fabric
Tip: Use a zigzag stitch to retain the stretch and prevent popped seams.
9. Fleece: Soft and Warm ❄️
Fleece is a synthetic fabric known for its softness.
Best Needle: Universal needle (size 90/14)
Best Machine Foot: Walking foot to manage thickness
Tip: Trim seams to reduce bulk, and use a longer stitch length.
Click here for tips on working with fleece fabric
10. Chiffon: Light and Sheer 🕊️
Chiffon is delicate and lightweight, great for evening wear.
Best Needle: Microtex or sharp needle (size 60/8)
Best Machine Foot: Straight stitch foot
Tip: Stabilize with tissue paper when sewing, and use a narrow hem.
Click here for tips on sewing with chiffon fabric
11. Canvas: Heavy-Duty Hero 🏕️
Canvas is durable and commonly used for bags and outdoor items.
Best Needle: Heavy-duty or denim needle (size 100/16)
Best Machine Foot: Walking foot or jeans foot
Tip: Use a longer stitch length, and trim seams for a cleaner finish.
12. Felt: Soft and Easy to Work With 🧸
Felt is a non-woven fabric great for crafts.
Best Needle: Universal needle (size 80/12)
Best Machine Foot: Standard foot
Tip: Sharp scissors help with clean cuts, and felt doesn’t fray, making it perfect for no-sew projects.
Click here for tips on sewing with felt fabric
13. Metallic Fabric: Sparkly and Glamorous ✨
Metallic fabrics add sparkle to costumes and fancy outfits.
Best Needle: Metallic needle (size 80/12)
Best Machine Foot: Teflon foot to prevent sticking
Tip: Avoid high friction sewing to protect the metallic finish and finish seams to prevent fraying.
Click here for tips on sewing with metallic fabric
14. Corduroy: Textured and Durable 📚
Corduroy is textured with raised ridges called “wales.”
Best Needle: Universal needle (size 80/12 or 90/14)
Best Machine Foot: Walking foot to manage thickness
Tip: Cut in the same direction for consistent color, and use a longer stitch length.
15. Organza: Sheer and Stiff 🕊️
Organza is often used for bridal wear and decorative projects.
Best Needle: Microtex or sharp needle (size 70/10)
Best Machine Foot: Straight stitch foot
Tip: Hem edges to avoid fraying, and handle gently for delicate projects.
16. Rayon: Soft and Drapey 🌸
Rayon is soft and semi-synthetic, known for its drape.
Best Needle: Universal needle (size 70/10 or 80/12)
Best Machine Foot: Standard foot
Tip: Wash gently to avoid damage and use a press cloth when ironing.
17. Leather and Faux Leather: Bold and Stylish 👜
Leather is thick and requires special care when sewing.
Best Needle: Leather needle (size 100/16)
Best Machine Foot: Teflon foot to glide over the fabric
Tip: Avoid pinning to prevent marks, and trim seams to reduce bulk.
Click here for tips on sewing with faux leather fabric
18. Brocade: Elegant and Ornate 🏰
Brocade features intricate patterns and metallic threads.
Best Needle: Universal needle (size 80/12)
Best Machine Foot: Standard foot
Tip: Finish edges to avoid fraying, and press carefully to protect the design.
19. Neoprene: Flexible and Waterproof 🌊
Neoprene is thick and used for water-resistant projects.
Best Needle: Stretch needle (size 90/14)
Best Machine Foot: Walking foot for thick layers
Tip: Trim seams to reduce bulk, and use a longer stitch length.
20. Tulle: Light and Whimsical 🎀
Tulle is a netted fabric perfect for tutus and veils.
Best Needle: Universal needle (size 70/10)
Best Machine Foot: Straight stitch foot
Tip: Use multiple layers for volume, and handle delicately to avoid tears.
With these tips, sewing with different fabric types will be a breeze! For even more sewing know-how, check out Sewing Bee University for tutorials, and stock up on fabric from Joann’s collection with our affiliate links.
Happy stitching! ✨🧵