This article explores common fabric names you’ll come across when shopping, what the fabric is like, uses, and images. Note: “fabric” is fiber + how it’s woven or knitted together. Eg. cotton is a “fiber”, but cotton velvet and quilting cotton are “fabrics” because they include the construction. While we’ll focus mostly on construction methods … Read more
Tencel is a cellulose fiber derived from the Eucalyptus tree. It’s soft, smooth, drapey, has a soft sheen, and absorbs moisture quickly. It’s ideal for bed sheets, summer garments, and underwear. Names: Tencel, Lyocell Made from: Cellulose fiber from the Eucalyptus tree Feels like? Drapey, smooth, soft, and cool to touch Breathable? Yes, even more … Read more
Denim is a rugged, durable fabric originally designed for workwear. It typically has a blue warp and white weft thread and a twill weave construction (subtle diagonal ribs) that makes it more durable than plain weaves. Today, it’s an iconic fashion statement most frequently seen in jeans and jean jackets. Names: Denim Made from: Traditionally … Read more
What is overdyed fabric? “Overdye” is the word dyers use to describe layering dye baths on top of each other. This could mean that you use multiple dye baths one after another to build a depth of color, but it could also mean dying an existing non-white garment to a new color. Aside from adding … Read more
Tea dyeing is often someone’s very first introduction to dyeing – it’s a fun and easy weekend project that requires no special equipment. It’s useful for ‘antiquing’ a bright white garment, aging fabrics for costumes and theater productions, dipping your toe into the world of natural dyeing, and giving new quilt fabrics a vintage look. … Read more
Linen is a popular summer fabric due to its lightness, breathability, and the way it softens over time into buttery soft garments. Since it’s not always possible to find the perfect color, dyeing linen is sometimes the only way to achieve the vibrant colors you’re after! Dyeing linen doesn’t come with any major obstacles besides … Read more
I’ve made a number of trousers in the past using different types of denim. It’s a versatile fabric that can be turned into shirts, dresses, skirts, jeans, jackets, overalls, aprons, and various accessories like bags and hats. It’s also a great option for home textiles like upholstery projects, curtains, and pillows. In this article, I’ll … Read more
Whether you’re dyeing a fine merino knit fabric, an old wool sweater, or some yarn for knitting or crochet, dyeing is an excellent way to achieve exactly the color you’re after. I’ve spent a fair amount of time dyeing both merino wool fabric as well as yarn to knit with. I’ll share my best tips … Read more
So many of us have fond memories of tie-dye parties at school, summer camp, or birthday parties! In addition to frequent dyeing myself, I’ve run several group tie-dye projects in the past (most recently at summer camp) and they’re always a hit. Here’s a list of everything you need to tie-dye with a group, with … Read more
Polyester can be stretchy or non-stretchy depending on how the fabric is made. As a general rule, knitted polyester fabrics are the most stretchy (eg. t-shirts), woven polyester fabrics basically have no stretch (eg. flowy blouses), and woven polyester fabrics with elastic fibers have some stretch (eg. work pants). I explain this further below with … Read more