Types of Fabric
Choose the best fabric for your next sewing project with this list of fabric types.
If you are just learning how to sew, it is time for you to learn about the different types of fabric you can use for your projects.
This is especially important when you plan on creating more intense projects like wearables or free sewing patterns that use fancy fabrics that can be harder to work with.
The first step to learning how to sew with different types of fabrics is to learn what they are! This is why AllFreeSewing has compiled a glossary of all the types of fabric you might be sewing with!
Refer back to the list or even print it out to use during your sewing endeavors. Sewing for Beginners: Types of Fabric has all the information you need!
Sign Up For More Free Patterns >>>
PLUS! Check out this video below from Angel Hickman Peterson for even more information about fabric and working with it for sewing projects.
Cotton: A very versatile, light-weight, and easy to sew fabric that is easy to wash
Cotton Voile: Lightweight, plain-weave that is partially see-through and good for draping.
Cotton Lawn: Also a lightweight fabric, but is crisper and sheer

Corduroy: Very thick and ribbed fabric, often used for clothing.
Denim: Heavy-weighted fabric that does not stretch or drape well.
Fur and Faux Fur: Either animal fur or a synthetic fabric created to resemble animal fur, very bulky, can be difficult to work with.
Knit: Comes in a wide variety of weights, stretchy and great for garments.
Lace: Decorative fabric that is see-through. Often harder to work with and can be very delicate. Great for accents.

Netting: Like lace, this fabric is transparent and used for accents.
Polyester: Man-made fabric that is very popular. Low water absorbency. Often used for clothes. Not as popular as it once was.
Silk: Very delicate and light-weight fabric. Very slippery and oftentimes difficult to work with. often used for lining.
Satin: Varies in weight (light to heavy). Similar to silk in appearance and difficulty to work with.
Spandex: Extremely stretchy fabric used to create tight, form-fitting pieces that make moving easier.

Looking for projects using particular fabrics? Then be sure to take a look at 600+ Sewing Projects by Types of Fabric Materials
Read NextFabric Baskets Tutorial
Free projects, giveaways, exclusive partner offers, and more straight to your inbox!
Tags / Related Topics
Your Recently Viewed Projects
Images from other crafters


flowergirl
Jun 04, 2018
Thanks for compiling his list together. As a beginner with very little experience, you might get excited about a fabric you saw and want to use it but then discover that it's not that easy. Next I'll be on the lookout for how to sew using the different types of fabrics.

Cheryl E
Apr 17, 2017
Having an overview of fabric types can come in handy for a beginning sewer. Using inappropriate fabric for any sewing project can set up a sea of frustration not just for a beginner but for the more seasoned sewer as well. The back of any pattern has suggested fabric types to use and I have found adhering to the pattern suggestion worth following.
Lynn K
Feb 20, 2017
Thank you for this excellent tutorial! I have seen thousands of instructions on the internet detailing how to sew this or to make that but this is the first time I have seen anything that offers any information with what material might be best suited to what kind of project. Such a simple concept but so valuable to someone who is new to sewing. Thanks again!

sewitsmadebywendy 8490505
Jan 12, 2017
This is a good list of fabrics for the beginner seamstress. When learning to sew, choosing the correct fabric is very important for the end results of the project and how it fits. This is not a comprehensive list of fabric choices but a good beginning for the new sewist.

FatFrog
Dec 02, 2016
This list is a nice starting point, but I am looking for something a little more comprehensive. Is there another source where I could get a more complete list and may something with the best ways to use each fabric? I would appreciate any guidance in what to study - books, websites, tutorials, classes.

Report Inappropriate Comment
Are you sure you would like to report this comment? It will be flagged for our moderators to take action.
Thank you for taking the time to improve the content on our site.
Project of the Day
Jewelry Box Sewing Kit
Get ready to hit up your local thrift stores because this organization project is something every sewist needs in her studio.… Continue reading: "Jewelry Box Sewing Kit"

Something worth saving?
- SAVE all your favorite patterns
- ADD personal notes
- QUICKLY reference your patterns
Our Newest Projects & Articles
- How to Sew a Simple Coaster
- Sweet Dreams Easy Quilt Pattern
- Refashion a T-Shirt That is Too Small
- May Flowers Spring Wreath DIY
- Easy Shopping Bag
- Dresden Plate Quilt Block
- Chair Cover Sewing Pattern
- Scraptastic Face Wipes
- Easy DIY Heart Pillow (With Reverse Applique)
- Why Do Clothes Shrink in the Dryer?
Free eBooks
- 11 Free Vintage Patterns: How to Sew Retro-Inspired Clothing for Ladies
- 11 Sewing Room Ideas: How To Organize Your Room
- 15 Sewing Patterns for Women's Dresses & Other Pretty Projects
- 25 Sewing Crafts from Bloggers
- 9 Insanely Awesome Sewing Ideas: How to Sew a Pillow, DIY Home Decor, and More
- Designer Inspired Sewing: 9 Beautiful Designer Inspired Knock Off Patterns
- Fabulous Fabric Flower Tutorials: 7 Ways to Learn How to Make Fabric Flowers
- Sewing for Baby: 11 Small Sewing Projects for Your Little One
- Sewing For Beginners
- Simple Sewing Projects: 16 Easy Sewing Projects for Beginners