Fabric Guides for Sewing - Free Printable
Jersey knit, woven cotton, denim, satin, linen... there are dozens of fabric types we can choose for our sewing projects! It is wonderful to have so many options, and it is also normal for beginners to be a bit overwhelmed by all the options, especially when realizing that there are various needles and settings to choose for each project. But the good news is, it doesn't have to be complicated! Our fabric guides are here to help you keep the details straight!
For this free printable, I chose the ten types of fabrics I use most often and made a chart showing details you will want to know so you can be successful right from the start. Then I kept the momentum going and made a second chart just for all the different types of knits! You can print the guides front and back so the info is all on one paper, or print them separate so you can frame them or compare the two when needed. I also posted the graphics below so you can save them and look at them on your devices too!
Please note that these guides are intended to help you keep the information all straight, but they are definitely not everything you will want to know about the fabrics! I encourage my sewing friends to always keep learning, look up whatever makes you curious, and take the time to get familiar with different methods and opinions. As you do so, having a chart like this handy will definitely keep the learning process more streamlined, less confusing, and much more fun! Don't be afraid to take notes and write all over it as you learn!
Download the printable Fabric Sewing Guides by Polka Dot Umbrella here!
Here's what the guide looks like, and you should also be able to save it as a digital image:
As I mentioned, the first guide looks at the most common types I have used. I included information about how to recognize each fabric, what makes it unique, the best types of projects to use it for, the best needle to use, and some additional sewing tips.
The second guide is for knit fabrics because there are SO many that are commonly used. On this chart, I included the same information as the first but I also included a column that describes the Level of Stretch, because that makes a big difference too. When buying fabric in person you can feel it and test the stretch and weight of the fabric. When buying online, the listings generally have the information you need to know. If not, don't be afraid to reach out to the seller and ask them about the weight and stretch and recovery of the knit you're planning to buy!
Let's look at just a few of the fabric types that are listed:
I tend to mix and match fabrics when sewing a project, especially when making an entire outfit like I did here for my kiddo. I suppose I could have used cotton lycra for the entire outfit, but I love how all the different textures come together. (Note: If your outfits tend to look like pajamas and you don't want them to, you may just need to work in more textures and solids!) This outfit was perfect for my kiddo because the top was soft, stretchy, and cool, while the pants were more sturdy for play.
What I love about sewing is that I get to choose all these details and make it turn out exactly how I want! Or, I suppose, exactly how HE wants. Those dinosaur pockets were his idea but I sure love how they turned out!
No matter what project you're planning, hopefully our guides will help you choose the best fabric and make it a smooth process from beginning to end. You're welcome to come ask questions and get help in our "Learn to Sew with Polka Dot Umbrella" sewing group on Facebook too.
Happy Sewing! ~ Kristen