Fabric shops can be a little overwhelming, as they often are filled with seemingly endless types and choices of fabric. Fabric falls into some broad categories, which are then split into more specific segments. Fabric can be knitted – more stretchy – or woven. The material can be sourced from plants, such as linen or cotton, synthetic fabrics like rayon or nylon or from animal fibres, such as wool or silk.
Main types of Dressmaking Fabric
Cotton is extremely practical and versatile and is available in a number of weights that can be used for all kinds of garments. It is easy to maintain and often not expensive. A knit of cotton and jersey is the type of fabric used for t-shirts, and it is comfortable to wear, although not as easy to work with as cotton that is woven. Linen is stylish and easy to work with but can be pricey. As it often creases a great deal, it is frequently blended with cotton. Silk is quite expensive and not a beginner’s fabric, although it is beautiful. Woven or knitted, wool is versatile but can be expensive. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester are generally quite cheap and perhaps a good choice for beginners to experiment with. Polycotton is a polyester and cotton blend that is easy to work with.
Getting Started
Making your own clothes is becoming more popular, according to this report from The Guardian. As a beginner, it is recommended to begin with a fabric that is relatively simple to sew and does not cost a fortune. A woven fabric that will not stretch or slip, is not too heavy and does not have patterns that need to match up is a good choice for beginners.
It is better to select your pattern and then match material to it. Armed with the pattern, you know the type of fabric to purchase and how much of it you will need. If thinking about sourcing some dressmaking fabric, it would be a good idea to consult experts such as http://www.quality-fabrics.co.uk/.
Have fun experimenting with different fabrics. Do not worry about making mistakes, as anyone who makes garments does this at some point. The more you do it, the more experience and expertise you will bring to projects in the future.