From everyday cotton to luxurious silk, there are many different types of fabric out there. But what makes each one special? In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at 48 common fabrics and their properties, so you can better understand the differences between them. Read on to learn more!
Table of contents
Crêpe Fabric
Crêpe fabric is a lightweight fabric with a crinkled surface. It’s usually made from silk, wool, or cotton. The fabric is often used for making dresses, blouses, and skirts.
Chiffon Fabric
Chiffon is a sheer, lightweight, plain-weave fabric with a soft, slightly rough texture. It is made of fine silk yarns and has a dull finish. Chiffon can be made with either filament or spun silk.
The term “chiffon” is also used to describe a particular type of fabric construction in which two layers of fabric are woven together, with the weft (horizontal) thread passing alternately over and under the warp (vertical) threads. This type of construction makes for a very light and airy fabric with a floating appearance.
Velvet Fabric
Velvet is a type of fabric that has a very soft, luxurious feel to it. It’s made from a number of different materials, but most often it’s made from silk, cotton, or rayon. Velvet can be used for a variety of purposes, including clothing, upholstery, and curtains.
One of the things that makes velvet so special is its unique texture. The fabric is made from small loops of fiber that are woven together to create a smooth surface. This gives the fabric a very luxurious look and feel. Additionally, velvet is often dyed in different colors, which allows for a lot of versatility in terms of design.
Denim Fabric
Denim is a sturdy cotton twill fabric with a rough surface. It’s most often blue, but can also be made in other colors. Denim is named for the French city of Nimes, where the fabric was first made.
Tartan Fabric
Tartan is a patterned cloth consisting of criss-crossed, horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colors. Tartan originated in the Highland regions of Scotland and is often associated with Scottish kilts. Today, tartan is used in a variety of clothing items and home decor items.
Georgette Fabric
Georgette fabric is a Silk production that was created in the early 20th century. The fabric was named after the designer Georgette de la Plante. Georgette fabric is known for its lightweight, sheer quality and crinkled texture. It is commonly used for blouses, dresses, and scarves.
Damask Fabric
Damask fabric is a type of silk or cotton fabric that is made in a reversible twill weave. The pattern on each side of the fabric is different, and the two sides are usually finished in different ways (e.g., one side might be shiny while the other side is matte).
Damask fabrics are often used for curtains, upholstery, tablecloths, and other decorative items because of their beautiful designs. They can also be quite expensive depending on the type of silk or cotton used to make them.
Gingham Fabric
Gingham is a type of fabric that consists of a checkerboard pattern made up of small and large squares. It is typically made from cotton or a cotton blend, and is often used for children’s clothes and women’s apparel.
Organza Fabric
Organza fabric is a sheer, lightweight fabric that’s often used for dresses and other garments. It has a crisp, slightly stiff texture and a shiny finish. Organza can be made from a variety of materials, including silk, polyester, and nylon. It’s generally priced higher than other types of fabric because it’s more difficult to manufacture.
Chenille Fabric
Chenille fabric is a woven fabric that is made from cotton, rayon, or other synthetic materials. The fabric is characterized by its soft, luxurious feel and appearance.
Originally used for upholstery and drapery, chenille fabric has since become a popular choice for home décor items such as bedspreads, throw pillows, and curtains. Its lustrous texture and subtle sheen make it a perfect choice for adding a touch of elegance to any space.
Taffeta Fabric
Taffeta is a smooth, crisp fabric made from silk, cotton, synthetic fibers, or a blend of these materials. It has a sheen and a slightly rustling sound, which is why it’s often used for making dressy garments like evening gowns and wedding dresses. Taffeta is also a good choice for curtains and table linens.
Muslin Fabric
Muslin is a cotton fabric. It’s name comes from the city of Mosul, in modern-day Iraq, where it was first made.
Muslin is a very lightweight cotton fabric that’s been used for centuries for everything from clothing to bedding to curtains. It’s especially popular because it breathes well and doesn’t wrinkle easily.
Tweed Fabric
Tweed is a coarse, woolen fabric with a rough surface. It is usually woven with a twill construction, which gives it a diagonal ribbed appearance. Tweed is most commonly used for jackets, suits, and skirts.
The word “tweed” comes from the Scottish town of Tweedmouth, where the cloth was first made. The name may also have been derived from the River Tweed, which flows just south of the town.
Flannel Fabric
Flannel is a soft, fuzzy fabric that is usually made from wool or cotton. It is often used to make pajamas, robes, and blankets because it is so soft and cozy. Flannel can also be used to make shirts, pants, and skirts.
The word “flannel” comes from the Welsh word “gwlanen”, which means “woolen cloth”. Flannel was first made in Wales in the seventeenth century.
Brocade Fabric
Brocade fabric is a type of fabric that is known for its decorative designs. It is often used in upholstery, drapery, and clothing. Brocade fabric is made from various types of materials, including silk, cotton, and synthetic fibers.
The term “brocade” comes from the French word “brocart”, which means “to jut out”. This refers to the raised designs that are commonly found on brocade fabrics. Brocade fabrics are typically created using a Jacquard loom, which is a type of loom that is able to create intricate designs through the use of punched cards.
Lawn cloth Textile
Lawn cloth is a lightweight, sheer cotton fabric with a smooth finish. It’s perfect for summer garments, as it’s breathable and cool to wear. Lawn cloth can also be used for lining dresses, as well as making blouses, skirts, and shirts.
Polar fleece Fabric
Polar fleece is a synthetic fabric made from polyester. It is a type of thermal underwear, as it retains heat well. It was invented in the 1970s by Lawrence W.Scientists at Malden Mills Industries in Lawrence, Massachusetts. The fabric is soft, bulky, and fuzzy on one side.
Polar fleece Fabric can be used to make a variety of clothing items such as jackets, hats, gloves, vests and sweaters. It is also popular for home furnishings such as blankets and bed sheets because it traps warmth well. Some people also use polar fleece Fabric to make costumes or toys.
Corduroy Textile
Corduroy is a textile with a vertical rib or corduroy effect consisting of ridges or ribs of fabric, usually running diagonally, that are formed by weaving extra yarns into the fabric at close intervals. The word corduroy is from cotton + doré (the French word for “gilded”), because the original French corduroy was made of silk with metallic lurex threads.
Chintz Textile
Chintz textile is a type of fabric that is commonly used for upholstery and curtains. It is typically made from cotton or linen and has a glossy finish. The word “chintz” comes from the Hindi word for “printed cloth.”
Velour Fabric
Velour fabric is a type of velvet fabric with a low nap or pile. It is made from cotton, rayon, or other synthetic fibers and has a soft, plush surface. Velour fabrics are often used for clothing, upholstery, and draperies.
Dimity Cloth
Dimity cloth is a type of fabric that was popular in the 18th century. It is made of linen or cotton and typically has a floral design. Dimity cloth was often used for making dresses, curtains, and other household items.
Madras Fabric
Madras fabric is a lightweight cotton fabric with a plaid or striped pattern. It is typically brightly colored and most often used for summer clothing like shirts, shorts, and dresses.
Felt Textile
Felt textile is a cloth that has been made from wool fibers that have been matted together by applying moisture and heat. The process of making felt is called felting.
Brilliantine Fabric
Brilliantine is a fabric that was popular in the early 20th century. It is made from silk or rayon and has a lustrous, shiny finish. It was often used for evening wear and was sometimes embroidered or beaded.
Paduasoy Textile
Paduasoy is a type of rayon fabric made from bamboo pulp. It’s a soft, smooth, and lustrous fabric that has a similar feel to silk. Paduasoy is durable and wrinkle-resistant, making it a good choice for garments that need to be worn and washed frequently.
Terrycloth Cloth
Terrycloth is a type of fabric that is used for clothing, towels, and other absorbent articles. It is made from loops of terrycloth, a type of cotton yarn that is looped to form a pile. The loops are usually about 1/8 inch (3 mm) long.
Terrycloth fabric is absorbent and can be used for making clothing items such as robes, pajamas, and bath towels. It can also be used for making dishcloths, mops, and dusters. The fabric gets its name from Terry Towels, a type of towel that was first manufactured using this type of cotton yarn.
Challis Fabric
Chalis fabric is a type of cloth that is typically made from wool or cotton. It is known for being sturdy and durable, making it ideal for a variety of uses such as clothing, upholstery, and more. Additionally, chalis fabric usually has a checked or plaid pattern, which can add some visual interest to whatever it is used for. Whether you’re looking for a new fabric to use for your next project or simply want to learn more about different types of cloth available, chalis fabric is definitely worth checking out!
Gauze Fabric
Gauze is a type of sheer, lightweight fabric with a loose weave. It is made from either cotton or synthetic fibers and is used for clothing and wound care.
Gauze has a soft texture and is often used for making lingerie, shirts, blouses, and dresses. It is also commonly used in hospital settings as a wound dressing because it allows air to circulate around the wound and helps to keep it clean.
Sateen Fabric
Sateen fabric is a type of textile that has a lustrous, satin-like finish. It is usually made from cotton, but can also be made from other fibers such as silk or synthetic materials. Sateen fabric is often used for drapery, upholstery, and bedding because of its smooth feel and elegant appearance.
Jeans Cloth
Denim is a sturdy cotton twill fabric, typically blue, with a rough surface. It is made of 100% cotton. The term “jeans cloth” is sometimes used to refer to a specific weight and type of denim. Jeans cloth is heavy and can be quite stiff. It’s perfect for making jeans because it withstands wear and tear.
Voile Fabric
Voile is a light, airy fabric made of 100% cotton or cotton blends. It’s commonly used for blouses, dresses, and curtains.Voile has a see-through quality, so it’s often layered over another fabric.
Charmeuse Fabric
Charmeuse is a luxurious, satin-like fabric with a sheen. It is made from silk or rayon and has a soft drape. Because of its elegant look and feel, charmeuse is often used for bridal gowns, evening wear, and lingerie.
Ticking Cloth
Ticking cloth is a type of fabric that is often used to make mattresses, bedding, and upholstery. It is a strong, durable fabric that is woven from coarse fibers. Ticking cloth can be made from a variety of materials, including cotton, linen, wool, and synthetic fibers.
Broadcloth Cloth
Broadcloth is a type of fabric that’s generally made from wool, cotton, or a blend of the two. It gets its name from the fact that it’s quite broad and can be used to make large pieces of clothing, like suits and overcoats. Broadcloth is also known for being smooth and shiny, which makes it a popular choice for formalwear.
Organdy Fabric
Organdy is a sheer, stiff fabric made from cotton or a cotton/polyester blend. It’s often used for making wedding gowns, book covers, and other items that require a light but durable fabric.
Poplin Fabric
Poplin fabric is a sturdy, plain-weave fabric made from cotton, wool, silk, or a blend of these materials. The name poplin comes from the French word for “coarse,” which aptly describes this fabric’s rough surface.
Poplin can be used for a variety of garments, including skirts, slacks, dresses, and suits. It’s also popular for upholstery and draperies. Because of its strength and durability, poplin is often used in outdoor clothing.
Gabardine Fabric
Gabardine is a sturdy, tightly woven twill fabric with a dull finish. It was originally made from wool, but cotton and synthetic fibers are also used. The fabric is named for the gabardine trouser, which was first made from the fabric in 1849.
Gabardine is used to make suits, pants, overcoats, and other garments. It is heavier than most other fabrics, making it well-suited for cold weather wear. Gabardine is also resistant to wrinkles and rain, making it a good choice for outdoor clothing.
Whipcord Fabric
Whipcord fabric is a strong, sturdy fabric that is often used for upholstery or outerwear. It is made of tightly-woven cords or threads, which gives it its characteristic raised appearance. Whipcord fabric is usually made of wool, cotton, or linen, and can be dyed in a variety of colors.
Lamé Fabric
Lamé is a fabric that has been coated or combined with metal threads, which makes it metallic looking. It can be made from a variety of materials such as silk, cotton, rayon, nylon, and polyester. Lamé is often used to make evening wear and jewelry because of its flashy appearance.
Stretch Fabric
Stretch fabric is a type of fabric that is made with elastic fibers, which gives it the ability to stretching and return to its original shape. Stretch fabric is often used in garments such as leggings, yoga pants, and sportswear.
Serge Fabric
Serge Fabric is a type of fabric that is made from silk and wool. It is a very strong and durable fabric, and is often used in clothing such as suits and dresses. Serge Fabric is also known for being very wrinkle-resistant, making it a popular choice for travel clothes.
Matelassé Textile
Matelassé is a type of fabric that has a raised, quilted surface. The word “matelassé” is French and means “to quilt”.
Matelassé fabric is usually made from cotton, wool, or silk and it can be used to make clothing, bedding, furniture upholstery, and other home decor items. Matelassé fabric is often used for making comforters because it traps air and provides insulation. It can also be used to make curtains or drapes to help keep heat in during the winter.
Moleskin Fabric
Moleskin Fabric is a soft, heavy cotton twill with a napped surface. It was originally used for making moleskins, the heavy cotton trousers worn by British and French military officers in the late 18th century. Today, moleskin is commonly used for making jackets, vests, pants, skirts, and children’s clothing.
Plush Textile
Plush Textile is a type of fabric that is used for making clothing and other items that are soft to the touch. It is often made from natural fibers such as cotton or wool, but can also be made from synthetic materials such as polyester. Plush textiles are often used in baby clothes and blankets because they are gentle on the skin and have a warm, comforting feel.
Crinoline Fabric
Crinoline is a stiff fabric, often made of horsehair or cotton, that is used to make skirts stand out. It was popular in the Victorian era and is making a comeback today. Some brides even wear crinoline under their wedding dress for extra volume!
Fustian Cloth
Fustian cloth is a type of twilled cotton fabric that was once popular in England. It’s made from a blend of cotton and wool, and it’s known for its durability and thick texture.
Fustian cloth is often used to make suits, jackets, and trousers, and it can also be used for up to heavy-duty upholstery. The fabric is generally available in a variety of colors, including black, brown, navy blue, and olive green.
Gore-Tex Fabric
Gore-Tex is a waterproof, breathable fabric that was introduced in the 1970s. It’s often used in outdoor gear and apparel, as it helps keep you dry and comfortable in wet or cold conditions.
Kevlar Fabric
Kevlar is a synthetic fiber most commonly used in bullet-resistant and stab-resistant body armor. It’s also used in tire cord, composite materials, ropes, and reinforcements in industrial and commercial applications.
Takeaway
So there you have it! We’ve covered the most common fabrics and their various properties. Now armed with this knowledge, you can make more informed decisions when selecting fabric for your next sewing project. Have any questions about what we’ve discussed? Feel free to leave us a comment below and we’ll do our best to help out. Happy sewing!