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Fabric Fundamentals: Your Guide to Choosing the Right Material for Any Project!

Diana Cison

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.

  • Shop cotton fabric here at Joann

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.

  • Shop linen fabric here at Joann

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.

  • Shop wool fabric here at Joann

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.

  • Shop silk fabric here at Joann

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.

  • Shop satin fabric here at Joann

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.

  • Shop velvet fabric here at Joann

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.

  • Shop denim fabric here at Joann

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.

  • Shop jersey knit fabric here at Joann

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.

  • Shop fleece fabric here at Joann

  • 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.

  • Shop chiffon fabric here at Joann

  • 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.

  • Shop canvas fabric here at Joann

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.

  • Shop felt fabric here at Joann

  • 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.

  • Shop metallic fabric here at Joann

  • 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.

  • Shop corduroy fabric here at Joann

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.

  • Shop organza fabric here at Joann

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.

  • Shop rayon fabric here at Joann

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.

  • Shop faux leather fabric here at Joann

  • 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.

  • Shop brocade fabric here at Joann

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.

  • Shop neoprene fabric here at Joann

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.

  • Shop matte tulle fabric here at Joann

  • Shop shiny nylon tulle fabric here at Joann

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! ✨🧵