Your Guide to Dressmaking Fabric Inspired by the Sewing Bee
Whether you're a longtime Croft Mill customer or you've just found us, welcome! We know many of you are diving into your next dressmaking project, so we’ve put together this guide to help you choose the perfect fabric, answer some of your most searched questions, and share a few Sewing Bee tidbits along the way.
What is the best fabric for dressmaking?
It all depends on your project! For dresses, cotton lawn is one of the most popular choices. It’s breathable, soft, easy to sew, and comes in a wide range of colours and prints. That’s why we stock a carefully curated collection of cotton lawn dress making fabric – ideal for everything from shirt dresses to swishy summer styles.
Other popular dressmaking fabrics include:
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Viscose – drapey and fluid, great for wrap dresses or anything that needs movement.
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Linen – natural and breathable, perfect for summer shifts or tunics.
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Wool blends – for more structured or tailored pieces.
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Silk – the go-to for luxury or formalwear.
How many metres of fabric do I need to make a dress?
It depends on the pattern, size, and style, but a good rough guide is:
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Simple sleeveless dress – 2 to 2.5 metres
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Dress with sleeves or fuller skirt – 2.5 to 3.5 metres
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Maxi dress or wrap styles – 3 to 4 metres
Always check your sewing pattern – and if in doubt, a little extra never hurts!
What are the names of dress materials?
Some of the most common fabric types used in dressmaking include:
Each one has a different feel and behaviour, which is why many sewists build a stash (or several!) to suit different projects and seasons.
What fabric is best for formal dresses?
Formal dresses usually need a fabric that adds elegance and drape. Our favourites include:
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Silk or silk blends – for fluid movement and luxury.
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Satin – for shine and structure.
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Crepe – for subtle texture and flow.
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Wool or wool suiting – perfect for structured, tailored looks.
Look for fabrics with weight, sheen, or texture to elevate the final garment.
And for the curious... some fun Sewing Bee FAQs
We couldn’t help ourselves – here are the answers to some of the questions people have really been Googling lately!
What has happened to Esme from Sewing Bee?
Esme Young is still very much part of the Sewing Bee in 2025 – and still bringing her signature style, wit, and incredible sewing wisdom to the screen.
Do contestants on The Great British Sewing Bee get paid?
No, contestants don’t get paid to take part. Like many reality competitions, they join for the experience, the community, and the love of sewing – not the money.
Why did Joe Lycett leave the Sewing Bee?
Joe stepped away in 2022 due to other commitments, but his stint on the show is fondly remembered. Sara Pascoe now brings her own charm to the role!
Are Patrick and Esme friends in real life?
Yes! Their onscreen chemistry is real. They have a genuine friendship built on years of working in fashion and sharing a love for good tailoring and even better humour.
Does Esme wear a wig?
Nope – that silver bob is all hers, and we love how it’s become part of her iconic look.
Ready to Sew Your Own Sewing Bee-Inspired Dress?
If you’ve been inspired by Sewing Bee 2025 to pick up your shears and thread, you’re in the right place. Our curated collection of Sewing Bee fabrics includes everything you need to create your own show-stopping garments – whether you’re channeling Esme's bold prints, Patrick’s precision tailoring, or the contestants’ creative flair.
Start by browsing our most-loved cotton lawn dress making fabric – light, breathable, and perfect for the kind of statement summer dresses that catch the judges’ eyes.
Want a bit more inspiration before you decide? Take a look at our blog: Get Ready for the Sewing Bee. It’s packed with fabric ideas, pattern picks, and behind-the-scenes thoughts on what to sew next. Many readers are clicking through to our fabrics from there – and we’ve seen a surge in orders for the prints that most remind people of the garments featured on the show.
Whether you’re dreaming of a floaty frock, a crisp shirt dress, or something totally out of the box, we’ve got:
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Designer deadstock for one-of-a-kind looks
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Italian cottons for quality that rivals the best contestant makes
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Simple solids for wearable everyday pieces
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Viscose, linen, silk and more for advanced sewers seeking a challenge
And if you’re not quite sure what to choose, our friendly team is always happy to help match you to the perfect pattern and fabric.
👉Explore fabrics inspired by Sewing Bee 2025
🧵 Read: Get Ready for the Sewing Bee
👗 Shop: Cotton Lawn Dress Making Fabric
