Top Fabrics for Beginner Sewists: Easy Choices for Success (2024)

What makes a fabric easy to sew?

It will be simple to feed through the machine, cut, and will usually be cost-efficient; consider fabrics like cotton and linen, which are very budget-friendly and easy to manage. When choosing a fabric, look for one that isn’t too thin or thick and has minimal stretch. Stick with solid fabrics or random prints that don’t require print/pattern matching.

Cotton Voile

With a crisp and smooth hand, this is a beginner’s dream. It’s stable and even presses well. Being a versatile fabric with a slight sheerness, it’s used to make a wide assortment of things like blouses and dresses.

Cotton Shirting

Shirting is crisp with a bit of texture that creates a little friction, making it easy to handle for beginner sewists. It won’t slip when being pinned or handled, so it’s easy to cut and sew since the seams don’t get bulky when being in contact with the presser foot or needle.

Chambray

This fabric won’t easily slip when being cut, having a hand with a bit of texture. It presses easily, too. If you’re looking for a summer weight fabric that looks similar to denim without being as thick and bulky, chambray is your answer for beginner sewists.

Linen

Are you looking for a natural material that’s widely used? Linen is your answer. It presses easily and has sides that stick together, so there’s less pinning to do. This fabric is excellent for making warm weather clothes. Strong and absorbent with properties that make it very breathable, linen is a fan-favorite fabric that’s also great for beginner sewists.

Flannel

Soft and a bit thinner than fleece— flannel is the coziest beginner-friendly fabric to sew with. (I made my first apparel garment out of fairy printed flannel). With a looser weave than most other cotton, it’s easier to pull on the fabric when seam ripping mistakes. Flannel pieces also stick together, making it easy to cut and sew. Check out the beginner winter fabrics post for more on sewing with fleece and other beginner-friendly winter fabrics.

Ponte

Ponte is a double knit that won’t roll at the edges and is more stable than other fabric like it. It’s among the easiest knits to sew, especially if it’s free of elastane. Ponte is great for garments with more structure and typically doesn’t require the use of a lining.

Fabrics to Avoid for Beginner Sewists

Steer clear of tricky fabrics like silk satin or velvet. These delicate materials require advanced sewing skills due to their slippery nature and tendency to fray. Leather and sequined fabrics also demand specialized techniques beyond beginner-level sewing. Stick with beginner-friendly fabrics like cotton or linen to ensure a smooth and successful sewing experience.

Pattern Suggestions:

These patterns are beginner friendly requiring few seams and special skills. The fabrics above will work well for each pattern.

• The Wilder Top
• The Fern Jumpsuit
• The Ginkgo Shirt

Begin your sewing journey by using fabrics that make life a bit easier. It will build your confidence and produce much better results. Remember: everyone messes up, so don’t fret if you make mistakes (the fabrics above are good at hiding and fixing those).

Sew on— You’ve got this!

FAQs

What Fabric is the Absolute Easiest to Sew?

Cotton broadcloth is often considered one of the easiest fabrics to sew for beginners. Its stable weave and minimal stretch make it straightforward to work with, allowing you to practice stitching and construction techniques.

What is the Easiest Type of Cotton to Sew?

Quilting cotton, with its smooth texture and consistent weave, is a popular choice for beginner sewists. It’s versatile, widely available, and comes in various prints and colors, making it perfect for a range of sewing projects.

What Fabric is the Hardest to Sew?

Silk chiffon and satin can be among the trickiest fabrics for beginners. Their slippery texture and delicate nature require advanced sewing skills to handle successfully. Additionally, fabrics with heavy texture, like sequined materials or leather, demand specialized techniques that may be challenging for those new to sewing.