Breathable, beautiful, and actually nice to sew with 🤩

Natural fibre fabrics come from plants or animals, making them breathable, comfortable, and often biodegradable. They are a favourite among sewists because they press well, behave predictably, and feel good on the body.

If you’ve ever wondered “what fabric should I use for this pattern?” or “why does this fabric feel so different?” — this guide will walk you through it.

🌿 What Are Natural Fibre Fabrics?

Natural fibres are materials derived from plants (like cotton and linen) or animals (like wool and silk).

They are known for:

• Breathability (no sweaty plastic vibes)
• Comfort against the skin
• Better pressing and sewing behaviour
• Environmental benefits (often biodegradable)

What are natural fibre fabrics?

Natural fibre fabrics are textiles made from plant or animal sources such as cotton, linen, wool, silk, hemp, and bamboo. They are breathable, biodegradable, and comfortable to wear.

Which natural fabric is easiest to sew?

Cotton is the easiest natural fabric for beginners because it is stable, non-slippery, and presses well.

What is GSM in fabric?

GSM (grams per square metre) measures fabric weight and thickness. It helps determine how suitable a fabric is for different garments.

Is linen better than cotton?

Linen is more breathable and durable than cotton but wrinkles more easily. Cotton is softer and easier to sew.

How do I choose fabric online?

Check fabric composition, GSM (weight), drape (via video), opacity, and supplier reputation before purchasing.

 

🧵 Types of Natural Fibre Fabrics

Cotton Fabric

Made from the fluffy fibres surrounding cotton plant seeds, spun into yarn and woven or knitted into fabric.

Soft, breathable, and easy to sew. Great for beginners! Comes in different weights like lightweight voile, medium-weight quilting cotton, and heavy canvas

Key Features:

• Soft and breathable
• Easy to cut, press, and sew
• Comes in multiple weights

Common Types:

• Voile (lightweight, floaty)
• Quilting cotton (medium, structured)
• Canvas (heavy, durable)

Best For:

• Dresses, tops, beginners’ projects
• Bags and homewares (heavier weights)

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Linen Fabric

Produced from the fibres of the flax plant stem, which are retted, spun into yarn, and woven into a crisp, breathable fabric.

Linen – Made from flax, linen is breathable and gets softer with washing. It wrinkles easily but is great for warm weather garments.

Key Features:

• Made from flax
• Breathable and moisture-wicking
• Softens beautifully over time

Watch Out:

• Wrinkles easily (part of the charm, not a flaw)

Best For:

• Summer dresses, pants, relaxed tops
• Elevated everyday wear

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Wool Fabric

Sourced from sheep fleece, which is sheared, cleaned, spun into yarn, and knitted or woven into fabric.

Warm, naturally elastic, and great for coats, skirts, and suits. Some types, like wool suiting, are beginner-friendly, while knits like merino can be trickier.

Key Features:

• Naturally insulating and breathable
• Slight stretch and elasticity
• Available in woven and knit forms

Types:

• Wool suiting (structured, beginner-friendly)
• Merino knit (soft, stretchy, trickier)

Best For:

• Coats, skirts, trousers, tailoring

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Silk Fabric

Created from the fine filaments spun by silkworms, unwound from cocoons and woven into smooth, lustrous fabric.

Luxurious and smooth, but often slippery to sew with. Comes in various finishes like charmeuse (shiny) and dupioni (crisp and textured).

Key Features:

• Smooth, lightweight, luxurious
• Beautiful drape
• Can be slippery to sew

Types:

• Charmeuse (shiny, fluid)
• Georgette (textured yet drapey)
• Chiffon (sheer and floaty)
• Dupioni (crisp, textured)

Best For:

• Special occasion garments
• Blouses, dresses, bias-cut pieces

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Hemp Fabric

Hemp is linen’s tougher, more sustainable cousin. Similar to linen but more durable and softens over time. A sustainable choice for garments and home textiles.

Derived from the stalks of the hemp plant, processed into long fibres, spun into yarn, and woven into durable fabric.

Key Features:

• Durable and long-lasting
• Softens over time
• Eco-friendly choice

Best For:

• Everyday garments
• Workwear, home textiles

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Bamboo Fabric

Made by processing bamboo pulp into regenerated fibres, which are spun into yarn and typically knitted or woven into soft fabric.

Key Features:

• Soft and breathable
• Fluid drape
• Often blended (usually with cotton or elastane)

Best For:

• T-shirts, loungewear, flowy garments

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🧠 Fabric Weight Guide (SUPER Important for Sewing Success)

This is where most people go wrong. Not skill. Not talent. Wrong fabric weight.

📏 Fabric Weight Categories

Weight Type	GSM	Feel	Best Uses
Lightweight	60–120 gsm	Floaty, sheer	Blouses, summer tops
Medium Weight	120–200 gsm	Structured but soft	Dresses, shirts
Heavyweight	200+ gsm	Thick, durable	Pants, jackets, bags

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🛒 How to Buy Fabric Online (Without Regret)

Buying fabric online is a bit like online dating. Looks good… until it arrives and behaves completely differently 😅

Here’s how to get it right:

1. Choose Reputable Fabric Stores

Look for:

• Clear fabric descriptions (composition, GSM, width)

• Close-up texture photos

• Videos showing movement and drape

• Consistent branding and reviews

💡 If they show the fabric moving in a video — you’re in good hands.

2. Understand Colour Variations

Screens lie. Lighting lies. Life happens.

• Colours may vary between screens

• Look for multiple images (flat + worn + draped)

• Read colour descriptions carefully

💡 If colour matters: order a swatch first.

3. Check Fabric Weight (GSM)

This is non-negotiable.

• GSM = grams per square metre

• Tells you thickness and structure

• Helps match fabric to pattern

💡 No GSM listed? Proceed with caution 🚩

4. Watch the Drape (Video is Gold)

Drape = how fabric moves and falls

Look for:

• Does it flow or hold shape?

• Does it collapse or stand?

💡 This determines whether your garment looks like

✨ effortless chic or 🧱 cardboard box

5. Check Opacity (Sheer vs Opaque)

Important for:

• Dresses

• Pants

• Light colours

Look for:

• Backlit photos

• Descriptions like “semi-sheer” or “opaque”

💡 When in doubt: assume lighter fabrics need lining.