When it comes to crafting, fabric is one of the most important materials you will use. The type of fabric you choose can affect the overall look and feel of your project.
For basic kiddie projects and crafts you can use felt or a canvas for painting. But if you’re thinking of DIY clothing and t-shirt crafts, cotton and jersey knits are more suitable. There are plenty of crafting fabrics out there and I’m sharing the best here.
In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of fabrics that are best for crafting, and we will give you some tips on how to choose the right one for your project.
Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links. As a member of the Amazon Associates Program, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.
How to choose fabric for crafts
There are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing fabric for crafting. The first is the type of project you are making. Some projects, like quilts, require a sturdy fabric that can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
On the other hand, projects like banners or pennants can be made with lighter-weight fabrics.
Do some research on the craft you want to make before you start ordering fabric. Visit stores, take a look around, and read some how-tos and instructions to get a sense of the project and the fabrics that others could be using.
The second thing to consider is the color of the fabric.
You may want to choose a fabric that matches the colors of your project, or you may want to use a contrasting color to add interest.
The third thing to consider is the pattern of the fabric. Fabric with a busy pattern can be overwhelming, so it is best to use it sparingly.
Solid-colored or lightly patterned fabrics are a good choice for most crafting projects.
When you can finally purchase the fabric in person, always unroll a few yards of it to see how it hangs. When determining how a piece of fabric will look for a project, craft, or clothing, it is essential to understand the hang, often known as the “drape.”
Verify the width. Fabric typically comes in two or three widths, the most popular of which are 60 inches (150 cm) or 45 inches (112.5 cm). Your exact material requirements for your creation will depend on the fabric’s width.
Evaluate the stretch factor. Grab the fabric between your fingers and gently pull it across. You should be aware of and consider the fact that most fabrics have some degree of flexibility. Some projects will need a little “give,” while others will require a firmer fabric.
Last but not least, after doing everything else, purchase the cloth. Buy adequate supplies for your craft, but be sure that you can return any unused fabric so that you are not stuck with a lot of unusable material.
Now that you know how to choose fabric for crafts, let’s take a look at some of the best fabrics to use.
The best fabrics for crafting
There are a few different types of fabrics that are well-suited for crafting.
Felt
Felt is a popular choice for crafting projects because it is inexpensive and easy to work with.
Felt can be cut, sewn, glued, or stapled, so it is versatile enough to use for a variety of projects.
This fabric is ideal for kids’ crafts, as it is soft and safe to use.
Felt is made from wool or synthetic fibers that are pressed and felted together.
It’s a great material because it doesn’t fray, making it easy to work with.
Here are some crafting ideas using felt:
– Make a felt board for kids to play with.
– Cut out shapes from felt to create a banner or garland.
– Sew felt pieces together to make a stuffed animal.
Muslin
Another good fabric for crafting is muslin.
Muslin is a lightweight cotton fabric that is perfect for projects like banners, pennants, and bunting.
This fabric is also a good choice for sewing projects, as it is easy to work with and does not fray.
Muslin is made of tightly woven cotton fibers, making it sturdy and durable.
Here are some crafting ideas using muslin:
– Make a banner or pennant for a party or holiday.
– Sew a Muslin Bunting for your next picnic.
– Use muslin to make a fabric wreath.
Canvas
Canvas is a sturdy cotton fabric that is often used for painting and other art projects.
This fabric is also great for crafting, as it can be cut, sewn, or glued without fraying.
Canvas is made from a variety of different fabrics, so you can choose one that is best suited for your project.
Here are some crafting ideas using canvas:
– Make a fabric bulletin board by covering a piece of canvas with fabric.
– Sew a tote bag or backpack from canvas.
– Glue or sew canvas pieces together to make a banner
-Paint artwork
Cotton
Cotton is a popular choice because it is durable and easy to work with. Cotton fabric is sold by the yard.
This fabric is often used for sewing projects, as it does not fray and is available in a wide range of colors.
Cotton is also a good choice for crafting projects that will be used outdoors, as it is weather-resistant.
Here are some crafting ideas using cotton:
– Make a quilt from scraps of fabric.
– Sew a cotton tote bag for shopping or the beach.
– Use cotton fabric to make a banner or pennant.
– Make a fabric wreath for your front door.
Linen
Linen is another good option, as it has a similar weight and feel to cotton.
Linen is a bit more expensive than cotton, but it is also more durable. It’s a premium material so it’s best for projects that will be used for a long time.
This fabric is perfect for crafting projects that will be used often, like tote bags or aprons.
Here are some crafting ideas using linen:
– Make a set of linen napkins for your dining table.
– Sew a linen tablecloth for your next party.
– Use linen fabric to make a banner or pennant.
– Make a fabric wreath for springtime.
Silk
Silk is a good choice for projects that require a softer fabric, like banners or pennants, hair accessories, and fabric flowers.
This fabric is also great for crafting projects that will be used indoors, as it is not weather-resistant.
Silk is available in a wide range of colors and patterns, so you can find the perfect fabric for your project.
Here are some crafting ideas using silk:
– Make a banner or pennant for your party.
– Sew a hair bow or headband from silk fabric.
– Make fabric flowers from silk fabric.
– Use silk fabric to make a fabric wreath.
Wool
Wool is also a good choice for crafting projects.
This fabric is durable and easy to work with, making it a good choice for projects that will be used often.
Wool is also a good choice for projects that will be used outdoors, as it is weather-resistant.
Here are some crafting ideas using wool:
– Make a wool blanket for your bed.
– Sew a wool tote bag for your next picnic.
– Use wool fabric to make dolls or stuffed animals.
– Make a fabric wreath for wintertime.
Fleece
Fleece is a good choice for crafting projects that require a soft fabric. It’s very soft and plushy so it’s ideal for cozy crafts.
This fabric is also great for making blankets, pillows, and other items that will be used indoors.
Fleece is available in a wide range of colors and patterns, so you can find the perfect fabric for your project and it’s pretty inexpensive.
Here are some crafting ideas using fleece:
– Make a cozy blanket for your bed.
– Sew a pillow from fleece fabric
-Make baby toys or baby blankets from fleece
– Use fleece fabric to make a banner or pennant.
Polyester
Polyester is a good choice for crafting projects that require a durable fabric. It’s very strong so it’s ideal for projects that will be used often.
This fabric is also great for crafting projects that will be used outdoors, as it is weather-resistant.
Polyester is available in many colors and patterns, so you can find the perfect fabric for your project.
Here are some crafting ideas using polyester:
– Make a tote bag or backpack from polyester fabric.
– Sew a weather-resistant jacket from polyester fabric.
Jersey knits
Jersey knits are perfect for DIY t-shirts and other clothing crafts. This fabric is stretchy and soft, making it comfortable to wear.
Jersey knits are available in a wide range of colors and patterns and they’re easier to maintain than cotton.
Here are some crafting ideas using jersey knits:
– Make a t-shirt from a jersey knit fabric.
– Sew a pair of leggings from a jersey knit fabric.
– Make a baby onesie from a jersey knit fabric.
– Use jersey knit fabric to make a scarf or headband.
Final thoughts
These are just some of the many different fabrics you can use for crafting.
Different crafts are made from different fabrics, so it’s important to choose the right fabric for your project.
Now that you know more about crafting fabrics, you can choose the fabric that is best suited for your project, and have fun crafting!
One comment
Comments are closed.