Sew intro - Fabric shopping 101
How to buy fabrics off /online?
Where can I buy sustainable fabrics?
What is classed as sustainable fabrics?
What fabrics are the best to use for each design?
If you have any of the above questions, then please read on.
Places to buy fabrics
Depending on your area; these are the common places to get fabrics in London.
Fabric store - Middlesex Textiles (London, UK)
Market stall - Shepherd's bush market (London, UK)
Haberdashery store - Macculloch and Wallis (London, UK)
Department store - John Lewis (London, UK)
Best way to buy online
View if they can deliver swatches to your house, always best way.
Check how much meter is still available and are they restocking.
Request to see deadstock, this is fabrics from designers not sold.
Ensure you see more than one image, even better see a video.
Find a design made up in that fabric/print.
Sustainable UK fabric suppliers
More UK and Worldwide suppliers list available on Semsah Fashion Create program.
Sustainable fabrics
The below is a list of the most common sustainable fabrics. To learn more check sites as Goodonyou and Common Objective website.
Organic Cotton - needs to be GOTS-certified
Organic-Linen
Recycle Cotton
Recycle polyester
Tencel - manmade, just like viscose and modal
Hemp
Bamboo
Peace silk - no harm to the silkworm
Piñatex - vegan leather from pineapple
Recycle leather
Top tip!
Your design dictates the outcome of the fabric and the weight of the fabric. Lighter weight 180gsm and below for a draped look and above for a stiff look.
If you want a drape, flowing look - go for silk, chiffon or polyester
If you want less drape, but not too firm look - go for viscose, cotton poplin, linen
If you want a firm, stiff look - go for heavy cotton, denim, wool
Need help selecting the right fabric for your design and want to have a list outside of the UK?
Then Semsah Help Create is for you!
A 4 steps program to help you perfect your design and sewing skills in order to create your garment fit for sale.