Cotton fabrics are so fun and versitle.
But the overwhelm when shopping for them is real...digital, polycotton, flannel...what?!
So we are here to make things easy.
Below we describe each kind of cotton and have listed some of our favourites.
Take a browse and get crafting!
Cotton Poplin
100% cotton woven with a distinctive fine, horizontal rib, creating a crisp, durable, and smooth fabric ideal for structured clothing.
With its moderate-high durability and high breathability it is great for shirts, dresses and blouses. However it is still great for most other crafts where you use cotton, for example pencil cases or to go on the back of your reusable kitchen roll.
Note: it does crickle easily!
Digital Cotton
A 100% cotton base fabric printed using digital technology, offering high-definition, complex designs with vibrant colors.
Durability and wrickle resistant depends on the print, but still very breathable.
Can be used for pretty much any project, including clothing due to its smooth, soft texture.
PolyCotton
A blend of polyester and cotton (usually 65/35 or 50/50), offering superior durability, wrinkle resistance, and affordability compared to 100% cotton, but with less breathability.
The higher durability does mean that this smooth fabric is slighlt firmer than the others, but super wrinkle resistant!
Perfect for uniforms and bedding, and other crafts which require a little more sturdiness.
Cotton Jersey
A knit fabric, not woven. It a lightweight-to-medium-weight single knit fabric. It is made by knitting yarns in a series of loops, which gives it natural elasticity. It has a smooth face and a textured back.
Soft, flexible, breathable and has a good drape and high stretch.
Good for t-shirts, leggings, dresses, and activewear.
Note: edges do curl when cut.
Cotton Canvas
Cotton canvas is a plain-woven, heavyweight, and tight fabric. Rougher, sturdy, and stiff compared to the others, with absolutely no stretch.
Historically, it was used for sails and tents due to its durability. Other uses include: tote bags, shoes (like Keds), durable workwear, upholstery, and we have even used it for snack bags and bowl covers!
Cotton Flannel
Also known as wynciette.
Cotton flannel is a woven fabric made from loosely spun cotton yarn. It is brushed to create a soft, fluffy "nap" on one or both sides.
It is very soft, cozy, and insulating due to the brushed fibers, however there is no stretch.
It is also warm, breathable, and gets softer with washing, perfect for winter pajamas, shirts, blankets, and bedding.
Cotton Interlock
Cotton interlock is a double knit fabric. Think of it as two layers of jersey knitted together simultaneously. It looks the same on both sides and is thicker and more stable than single jersey.
It has a moderate stretch, but more stable (retains shape better) than regular jersey. Much easier to sew than single jersey because it doesn't curl at the edges.
It’s durable, trim and wicks well. Ideal for sleepwear, baby clothes, loungewear, wraps, undergarments, other clothing and as a lining for cloth nappies.
Let us know what you decided on in the comments below, or tag us in your social media posts!