Fabrics
The best fabrics for beginner sewing projects
Start with a stable woven fabric such as cotton or linen: it doesn't stretch or slip, presses flat and shows your stitching clearly. Of our 239 beginner patterns that list their fabrics, 55% recommend cotton and 51% linen. Leave slippery satin, silk and very stretchy knits for your second or third project.
What our beginner patterns recommend
We read the recommended fabrics on each of our 239 beginner patterns that list them. The most common:
| Fabric | Share of beginner patterns |
|---|---|
| Cotton | 55% |
| Linen | 51% |
| Polyester | 44% |
| Viscose | 34% |
| Denim | 26% |
| Silk | 21% |
| Crepe de chine | 21% |
| Satin | 20% |
Easy fabrics to start with
- Cotton (poplin, lawn, cotton twill): stable, easy to cut, press and sew.
- Linen: easy to sew, a little looser in weave; pre-wash it, it shrinks.
- Denim, chambray and corduroy in light or medium weight: sturdy for pants, skirts and jackets.
Fabrics to leave for later
- Satin, silk and crepe de chine: slippery to cut and they show every pin mark.
- Very stretchy knits: need a stretch stitch or a serger and a light hand.
- Sheer fabrics: seams show through, so they need French seams.
Always pre-wash
Wash and dry your fabric the way you will wash the garment before you cut it. Cotton and linen can shrink several per cent in the first wash.
Beginner patterns for cotton and linen
#2
Midi Dress PDF Sewing Pattern
#14
Jumpsuit PDF Sewing Pattern
#15
Tie Waist Shorts PDF Sewing Pattern
#20
Fitted Crop Top PDF Sewing Pattern
#48
Bowling Shirt PDF Sewing Pattern
#55
Nighty Set PDF Sewing Pattern
Every pattern in the library, for one payment. 550+ PDF sewing patterns with layered A4 / US Letter files, A0 copy-shop files and illustrated guides, for $49, new releases included.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest fabric to sew for a beginner?
A medium-weight woven cotton: it doesn't stretch or slide, holds a crease and is forgiving if you unpick a seam.
Is linen good for beginners?
Yes. Linen is recommended on 51% of our beginner patterns; pre-wash it and finish the edges, as it frays.
Can beginners sew knit fabric?
Yes, with a stretch or zigzag stitch and a ballpoint needle; choose a stable knit such as a ponte or a thick jersey for the first try.
More sewing guides
- How to measure yourself for a sewing pattern
- How to use a PDF sewing pattern
- Sewing pattern size chart, XS to XXXL
- PDF vs paper sewing patterns: which should you buy?
- What is a layered PDF sewing pattern?
- Seam allowance on sewing patterns: what it is and how much is included
- What you need to start sewing clothes
- How much fabric do I need?
- Beginner vs intermediate sewing patterns: what's the difference?