Viscose Fabric for Dressmaking

Viscose is made from wood pulp that's dissolved and spun back into a fibre, so it sits between natural and synthetic: plant-based in origin, but manufactured. In the US the same fibre is called rayon, which is why you'll see both names on patterns and product listings. What dressmakers value is the handle. It's cool against the skin, takes dye and print well, and falls into soft folds rather than standing away from the body.

Types of viscose fabric

Viscose challis is a lightweight plain weave and the most fluid of the group, the usual choice for summer dresses, blouses and gathered skirts. Our viscose challis fabric page has the full selection.

Viscose twill has a diagonal weave that gives it more weight and body, so it suits shirts, culottes and trousers that need a bit of structure. See viscose twill fabric.

Viscose crepe has a fine, pebbly texture and a heavier drape, which helps it hang well in midi skirts, wrap dresses and occasionwear.

Viscose jersey is knitted rather than woven, so it stretches. Use it for patterns designed for knits, from T-shirts to jersey dresses, and browse it on our viscose jersey fabric page.

Viscose blends mix viscose with linen, elastane or other fibres for texture, stretch or fewer creases. They're grouped together under viscose blend fabric.

Tencel and lyocell are also made from wood pulp, by a different process, and behave in a similar way. You'll find them under Tencel and lyocell fabric.

Finding 100% viscose

This page shows pure viscose and blends together. To see only 100% viscose fabric, select Yes in the 100% Yarn Content filter, then use the colour, pattern and stretch filters to narrow it down.

Sewing and caring for viscose

Viscose is slippery to cut, so lay it out flat in a single layer and use pattern weights or plenty of pins. A fine, sharp needle and a slightly shorter stitch help on lighter weights, and finishing the seams stops them fraying. Viscose can shrink on its first wash and is weaker when wet, so pre-wash before cutting, wash cool on a gentle cycle and don't wring it out, unless the care label states otherwise. Press with a cool to medium iron, ideally through a cloth.