Sign up for 10% off your first order

Spend £85 for free shipping

Visit us - Make an Appointment here
Cotton Fabric for Dressmaking

Cotton Fabric for Dressmaking

Cotton fabric in every weight, from fine lawns and crisp poplins to brushed cotton, denim and canvas. It's breathable, easy to sew and washes well, so it's a go-to for dressmaking, from shirts and dresses to children's clothes and everyday makes. Narrow it down with the filters, or go straight to cotton poplin, cotton lawn, cotton shirting or brushed cotton. Sold by the metre or half metre depending on the fabric.
View as:

Cotton is the fibre most people learn to sew on, and for good reason. It cuts cleanly, presses well, holds a seam and doesn't slip about under the machine. It's also one of the most varied fabrics we stock: the same fibre can be woven into something almost sheer or something tough enough for a work jacket, so the weave and weight tell you more than the word "cotton" on the label.

Choosing a cotton by weight

Lightweight cottons such as cotton lawn, voile and muslin are fine, soft and breathable, for blouses, summer dresses, nightwear and linings. Pima cotton lawn, woven from extra-long staple cotton, is the softest of these.

Mid-weight cottons include cotton poplin, shirting and seersucker. They have more body, so they suit shirts, shirt dresses, skirts and shorts that need to hold their shape.

Heavier cottons such as denim, canvas, twill and brushed cotton are hardwearing or warm, for trousers, overshirts, jackets, pyjamas and winter clothes.

Printed cottons run across every weight, from small florals on lawn to bold designs on poplin and canvas. Use the pattern and colour filters to narrow them down, and order a sample if the scale of a print matters for your make.

For knitted cotton with stretch, see cotton jersey fabric.

100% cotton or a blend?

Pure cotton is breathable and comfortable, while a blend adds something cotton doesn't have on its own, such as stretch from elastane or fewer creases from polyester. To see only pure cotton, select Yes in the 100% Yarn Content filter. Looking beyond cotton? Our dressmaking fabrics collection covers linen, viscose, silk and wool as well.

Washing cotton fabric

Most cotton can shrink on its first wash, so pre-wash before you cut, using the method you'll use for the finished garment. Darker and brighter colours are best washed separately the first time. Check the product page and care label for any fabric that needs gentler handling.

What is the difference between cotton poplin and cotton lawn?

Both are lightweight woven cottons, but they feel quite different. Cotton poplin has a smooth surface and a slightly crisp handle, so it's popular for shirts, shirt dresses, skirts and trousers. Cotton lawn is finer and lighter, with a softer feel and a more fluid drape that suits blouses, summer dresses and children's clothing.

What is the softest cotton fabric?

For a fine, smooth fabric, cotton lawn, and pima cotton lawn in particular, are the softest cottons we stock. For softness with warmth, brushed cotton and winceyette have a raised surface that feels cosy against the skin, which is why they're used for pyjamas and winter shirts.

Does cotton fabric shrink when washed?

Cotton can shrink on its first wash, especially if it hasn't been pre-treated by the manufacturer. We recommend washing your fabric before cutting out, using the same method you'll use for the finished garment, and letting it dry completely before you sew.

Is 100% cotton fabric better than a cotton blend?

Not necessarily. 100% cotton offers natural breathability and comfort, while cotton blends can add stretch, crease resistance or durability. The best option depends on the project. To see pure cotton only, select Yes in the 100% Yarn Content filter.

Can cotton fabric be worn all year round?

Yes. Lightweight cotton lawns, voiles and poplins suit spring and summer, while heavier cottons such as brushed cotton, twill, denim and canvas suit autumn and winter. Choosing the right weight matters more than the fibre itself.

Join 30,000 Makers

Get 10% off your first order

Be first to see new arrivals and limited fabrics before they sell out.

No spam. Just beautiful fabrics.

Join 30,000 Makers