The Best Fabrics to Sew with as a Beginner
Your first handmade piece starts with the right fabric.
You’ve downloaded your pattern, threaded your machine, and now comes the big question: What fabric should you choose?
To keep things fun (and frustration-free), here are five beginner-friendly fabrics that are easy to handle and still deliver beautiful, professional results.
Linen – Breezy & Beginner-
Linen offers a naturally textured look that softens beautifully over time. Slightly more structured than cotton, but still easy to sew.
Best for: Summer dresses, relaxed shirts, cover-ups.
100% Cotton – The Classic Starter
Lightweight, breathable, and easy to work with, cotton is the ideal fabric for beginners. It cuts cleanly, holds shape, and won’t slip while you sew.
Best for: Blouses, skirts, co-ords, and beginner patterns.
Cotton Poplin – Crisp With Structure
With a tighter weave than basic cotton, poplin gives garments a more polished, tailored feel—perfect for detailed designs.
Best for: Peplum sleeves, collared tops, fitted styles.
Double Gauze – Soft & Airy
This lightly crinkled fabric feels gentle on the skin and is surprisingly easy to sew. Great for flowy, feminine silhouettes.
Best for: Loungewear, wrap tops, baby-doll dresses.
Chambray – Lightweight Denim
Look Chambray has the casual cool of denim without the heaviness. It’s durable, easy to sew, and endlessly versatile.
Best for: Shirts, dresses, and two-piece sets. Fabrics to Avoid (For Now)
Some fabrics can be a little trickier to begin with:
Silk, Satin, Chiffon – slippery and hard to manage
Stretchy cottons/knits – tricky without the right tools or techniques
Stick to natural woven fabrics while you're building confidence - they’re more forgiving and give great results.
Final Tip: Let the fabric match the vibe of your project.
Ready to sew your first piece? Explore our digital sewing patterns, made for beginners, with step-by-step video tutorials to guide you from fabric to finish.