A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Material

Choosing the best dressmaking fabrics is one of the most exciting parts of creating a garment. The fabric you pick shapes how a dress looks, feels, and moves, turning a simple idea into something you’ll love to wear.

At Cheap Fabrics, we make it easy to find the best fabrics for dresses at prices that suit every budget. Whether you’re sewing a casual cotton day dress, a stretch jersey bodycon, or an elegant satin evening gown, you’ll find quality materials, next-day delivery, and cheap bulk order prices across our entire range.

In this guide, we’ll explore ten of our most popular fabrics for dressmaking, from breathable cottons and crisp linens to luxurious velvets and chiffons, to help you choose the perfect fabric for your next project.

Best Dressmaking Fabrics at a Glance

If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a quick look at some of our most popular and versatile fabrics for dressmaking. Each one brings its own character,  from crisp cottons and breezy linens to luxurious velvets and satins, so you can match your fabric to your design and skill level with ease.

How to Choose the Best Fabric for Dresses

The best dressmaking fabrics are the ones that bring your design to life, whether that means crisp structure, soft movement, or effortless drape. Before you start cutting, it’s worth thinking about how each material behaves and what will suit your project best.

• Weight and Structure: Heavier fabrics like cotton or taffeta hold shape beautifully, making them ideal for A-line or pleated dresses. Lightweight options such as chiffon or viscose move fluidly, giving a softer, more relaxed finish.

• Drape and Flow: Fabrics with natural movement,  like satin, jersey, or crepe, work well for wrap and maxi dresses. If you want something more tailored, try linen or cotton for clean lines.

• Stretch and Fit: Stretchy fabrics such as jersey or ponte are forgiving and comfortable to wear. They’re perfect for fitted or bodycon silhouettes that move with you.

• Texture and Finish: Texture adds personality. Velvet and suede feel rich and tactile, while embroidered fabrics bring detail and dimension to simple patterns.

• Season and Comfort: Linen and cotton breathe in warmer weather, while velvets, wool blends, and heavier satins are great for cooler months.

• Skill Level: If you’re new to dressmaking, start with easy fabrics like cotton poplin or linen that don’t slip or stretch as you sew.
  

The key is to think about how the fabric will look and feel once it’s made up, not just on the roll. Once you know the effect you’re after, choosing becomes much easier.

Deep Dive into Our Best-Selling Dressmaking Fabrics

Cotton Dress Fabric

Cotton is a timeless favourite for dressmaking, versatile, breathable, and easy to sew. It’s perfect for everyday styles like shirt dresses, skater silhouettes, or lightweight summer pieces. Cotton holds its shape well and feels comfortable against the skin, making it a reliable choice for both beginners and experienced makers.

Our recommendation: Soft Pure Plain Cotton, a smooth, 100% cotton fabric that’s perfect for everyday dressmaking. It’s crisp yet breathable, easy to handle, and available at an affordable price for both small projects and bulk orders.

Jersey Fabric

Soft, stretchy, and comfortable, the jersey is one of the most practical options for modern dressmaking. Its built-in stretch allows for a flattering fit without the need for zips or darts, making it ideal for wrap, bodycon, and t-shirt dresses. Jersey drapes beautifully and works just as well for relaxed weekend styles as it does for office-friendly pieces.

Our recommendation: Plain Jersey, a dress-weight jersey fabric (58″/150 cm wide) available in a wide colour range and made for everyday dressmaking.

Linen Fabric

Linen brings a fresh, natural texture to any design. Lightweight and breathable, it’s ideal for summer wear and smart-casual dresses that need a little structure without feeling heavy. Linen softens beautifully over time, developing a relaxed look that only gets better with wear.

Our recommendation: Plain Faux Linen, a dress-friendly linen-look fabric available in a wide range of colours (width 54″/135 cm) from the Linen Dressmaking Fabric collection. Its natural feel makes it one of the best dressmaking fabrics for warm-weather dresses or relaxed staples. 

Velvet Fabric

Velvet is all about richness and depth. Its soft pile catches the light beautifully, adding instant luxury to any garment. Perfect for autumn and winter dresses, evening outfits, or statement pieces, velvet offers both warmth and sophistication. It’s particularly striking for wrap or fitted styles that highlight the fabric’s sheen.

Our recommendation: Velvet Dress Fabric - Micro Velvet, this plain micro-velvet from the Velvet Dress Fabric collection at CheapFabrics is perfect for dressmaking. It has a sleek finish, rich colour options and just the right amount of weight for an elegant evening or smart-casual dress.

Embroidered Fabrics

For something unique, embroidered fabrics bring texture, colour, and artistry to dressmaking. They’re perfect for occasionwear, feature panels, or adding detail to otherwise simple shapes. From delicate floral patterns to bold motifs, embroidered fabrics transform even the most basic design into something memorable.

Our recommendation: Silk Embroidered Chiffon, Embroidered Dress Fabric, a lightweight embroidered chiffon that works beautifully for layered dresses, sophisticated overlays or detailed bodices.

Satin Fabric

Smooth, glossy, and effortlessly elegant, satin is a go-to for special occasion dresses. It drapes softly and reflects light, giving gowns and evening dresses a luxurious finish. Satin can also be used for linings or statement details like sashes and bows, making it one of the most versatile options for formal wear.

Our recommendation: Mikado Bridal Satin Fabric, this 58″ wide satin offers a choice in colour and weight, making it ideal for evening gowns, formal dresses or when you want your piece to make a statement.

Taffeta Fabric

If you want crispness and structure, taffeta is your fabric. It holds shape beautifully and has a subtle sheen that feels both polished and sophisticated. Taffeta works well for formal gowns, cocktail dresses, or any design that calls for volume and clean lines.

Our recommendation: Shot Taffeta -Taffeta Dress Fabric, available in a wide palette of colours, this 58″ wide taffeta brings volume and elegance to any dress project.

Chiffon Fabric

Lightweight, sheer, and graceful, chiffon is one of the best fabrics for dresses when you want movement and elegance. It’s ideal for layering, maxi dresses, or floaty sleeves that add a romantic touch. While delicate, chiffon rewards careful handling with stunning results that feel effortless and timeless.

Our recommendation: Two-Tone Chiffon - Chiffon Dress Fabric, this wide‐width two-tone version gives you colour interest and that soft, flowing drape a chiffon dress deserves.

Winter Dress Fabrics

For colder months, heavier fabrics like wool blends and brushed cottons are ideal. They offer warmth without sacrificing style and are great for structured dresses, pinafores, or layered outfits. These fabrics are durable, comfortable, and perfect for sewing something that feels both practical and polished.

Our recommendation: Boucle Fabric - Blue/Black, 58"/150 cm wide, 100% polyester, and approximately 375 GSM. The nubbly texture gives body and insulation, making it a smart pick for cold-weather dressmaking that still looks refined.

Suede Fabric

Soft, durable, and full of character, suede brings a touch of luxury to any design. It’s a great choice for structured dresses, tunics, or accessories that need substance and style. With its smooth feel and refined matte finish, suede adds subtle sophistication and pairs beautifully with autumnal tones.

Our recommendation: Plain Suedette Dress Fabric, this versatile suede-look fabric is perfect for both dresses and accessories, offering that refined finish without being overly formal.

FAQs

What are the best dressmaking fabrics for beginners?
If you’re new to sewing, start with stable, easy-to-handle fabrics. Cotton and linen are two of the best dressmaking fabrics for beginners because they don’t stretch or slip while you’re cutting and sewing. They press neatly and hold their shape, making it easier to achieve clean seams and hems. Once you’re comfortable, you can move on to lighter or stretchier options like chiffon or jersey.

Which fabric is best for dresses in summer?
For warm-weather styles, natural fibres are your best friend. Cotton and linen are breathable and lightweight, helping to keep you cool while giving your dress a relaxed, airy feel. If you want something with more movement, viscose or chiffon drapes beautifully and feels soft against the skin. The best fabrics for dresses in summer are the ones that balance comfort with style.

What fabric should I choose for a formal dress?
For eveningwear or special occasions, go for fabrics with drape and sheen. Satin, velvet, and taffeta are classic choices that instantly elevate a design. Satin gives smooth, flowing lines; taffeta adds structure and volume; and velvet creates richness and depth. These are some of the best dressmaking fabrics for when you want your dress to stand out.

What fabric is best for fitted or stretch dresses?
Jersey and other stretch knits are ideal for fitted silhouettes. They allow flexibility and comfort, moving with your body while maintaining a flattering shape. Depending on the thickness, you can use jersey for everything from simple day dresses to more structured wrap styles. Stretch fabrics are forgiving and great for designs that skip fastenings like zips or buttons.

Which fabrics are best for winter dresses?
When the temperature drops, look for heavier, insulating materials. Wool blends, heavy cottons, or soft suede are all practical options that feel cosy yet stylish. These fabrics add warmth and structure to your outfit, making them perfect for tailored dresses, pinafores, or smart workwear styles. For a touch of luxury, velvet is another excellent winter choice.

Can I mix fabrics when making a dress?
Absolutely, combining textures and weights can add depth and interest to your design. For example, pair cotton with embroidered panels for detail, or use chiffon overlays to soften a structured base. Just make sure the fabrics have compatible care requirements and drape nicely together. Mixing materials is a creative way to make your dress truly unique.