The decision on the best type of fabric to make an item with is very crucial, because fabrics have numerous qualities and are applicable in many instances. Common types of fabric are Canvas, Brocade, Linec, Organza, and Georgette, amongst others. These fabrics offer several benefits, like comfort, warmth, flexibility, and many others.
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If you’ve been searching for the best fabric to fit your needs, stay through till the end! This article covers the most common types of fabric, with pictures, names, and uses, that you’ll find on your next shopping trip.
List of the Common Types of Fabric with Images
1. Acrylic
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Acrylic fabric is a synthetic fiber created from different petroleum and coal-based chemicals. It is soft, fluffy, and often used in making cozy blankets and sweaters.
2. Brocade
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Brocade fabrics are made from a complex weaving process and are heavily decorated, often with metals with raised patterns. They are generally used to make waistcoats, evening gowns, and jackets and for home decor like drapes and upholstery.
3. Batik
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Batik is a fabric made using the dyeing technique, where hot wax is applied to plain-weave fabrics at specific areas to glue the dyes in layers before washing off. This creates beautiful patterns on the fabric. Batiks are used in clothing and home decorations like bedspreads, tablecloths, and curtains
4. Boucle
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Boucle is a soft and thick woven fabric made from textured yarn with loops of various sizes. Boucle fabric is often used for coats and jackets.
5. Buckram
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Buckram is a plain-woven fabric constructed from hemp or cotton. The material is heavy, rough, and stiff when finished with sizing agents or starch. Buckram gives structure and shape specifically in millinery (women’s hats, headdresses, etc).
6. Crepe De Chine
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Crepe de Chine fabric has a matt and textured surface. It is lightweight, strong, and wrinkle-resistant, making it excellent for suits, dresses, evening wear, and skirts.
7. Cotton
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Cotton is a natural fiber fabric made from cotton plants. It is a soft, white, and fibrous material that undergoes a unique cleaning process called ginning. Cotton is used to make jeans, accessories, lingerie, and so on because of its breathable and absorbent qualities.
8. Canvas
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Canvas fabric is a plain-weave fabric that is dense, thick, and rigid. It is durable and comes in different designs and colors. Due to its thickness, it requires a special sewing method, especially for its seams. Canvas is used to make items like tote bags or drop cloths.
9. Cashmere
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Cashmere is a wool-like fabric made from pashmina goats and cashmere goats. Cashmere fiber is softer and finer than sheep’s wool and is mostly preferred in winter for sweatshirts, sweaters, etc.
10. Denim
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Denim is a sturdy, rugged, and durable fabric originally made for workwear. It is a hard cotton fabric made with a variety of weaving processes. There are different types of denim fabric, stonewash denim, stretch denim, etc., and they vary in weight. Denim fabrics are used to make daywear, sportswear, work clothes, etc.
11. Elastane
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Elastane fabric is a synthetic material with highly elastic properties. It is also known as Lycra and Spandex, and mostly combined with other fabrics like polyester and cotton because of its elasticity. Elastane is used in yoga pants, swimwear, as motion capture suits in the film industry, etc.
12. Faux Fur
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Faux Fur is a modern synthetic fabric that resembles animal fur. It is constructed from substrates like nylon or polyester and comes in different animal prints, and colors of funky fur. Faux fur is useful in making hats, scarves, blankets, and pillows.
13. Gingham
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Gingham is a checkered pattern fabric created from cotton or a cotton blend. The alternating warp and weft color patterns can be red, white, blue, or yellow. It is lightweight and commonly used for shirts, kids’ apparel, and dresses.
14. Georgette
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Georgette fabric is a lightweight, semi-sheer woven material made from synthetic or silk fibers. It is best for all seasons and is available in different patterns and colors for dresses, sarees, evening garments, and many others.
15. Hessian
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Hessian fabric, also known as Burlap, is a coarse, woven fabric made from fibers of the jute, hemp, or sisal plant. It is often used to make tote and shopping bags, ropes, and sacks.
16. Jute
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Jute is a natural fiber fabric made from the stem of a jute plant. Similar to Hessian, jute fabric can also be called Burlap. It is coarse and often used for bags, and home decor such as curtains and rugs.
17. Khaki
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Khaki is a light brown fabric constructed from wool or cotton. It is commonly used to make military and police uniforms.
18. Linen
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Linen fabric is made from flax plants. It is an extremely strong and lightweight material used for making towels, bedsheets, napkins, and tablecloths.
19. Latex
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Latex is a glossary fabric made from plastic or rubber. It is elastic, sticky, and mostly used in sports items like gloves, tennis shoes, and swimming caps.
20. Organza
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Organza fabric is a lightweight, sheer, shiny, plain-woven fabric originating from silk. Today, it is mainly made from polyester and nylon and can also be made from synthetic fibers. This beautiful but transparent fabric is used for bridal wear, evening wear, etc., and must be handled with much care.
Fabric Types with Pictures: Conclusion
This glossary of the most common types of fabric with pictures is a testament that there are beautiful and gorgeous fabrics to sew. It is a list of fabrics you can easily identify when visiting the clothing fabric store!
You should also see our collections of elegant fabrics at Fabknitter, suitable for all garment types. Interestingly, you can request a free quote for further inquiries.