Crepe Dress Fabric

Why Choose Crepe for Dressmaking?

Crepe is a popular dressmaking material known for its distinctive texture and fluid drape. It works well for garments that require movement while still maintaining a soft structure.

Key benefits of crepe dressmaking fabric include:

• Beautiful drape and natural movement

• Subtle textured finish

• Suitable for both casual and formal garments

• Available in a wide range of weights and styles

This makes crepe dress fabric a reliable choice for everything from everyday wear to more elegant designs.

Why Buy Crepe Dress Fabric From Us?

At Cheap Fabrics, we offer a wide range of crepe dressmaking fabric at competitive prices, with options to suit different budgets while maintaining consistent quality.

Our collection includes a variety of options such as plain crepe, printed designs, and stretch crepe, giving you flexibility across different styles and projects. All fabrics are sold by the metre, so you can order the exact amount needed for your design.

With consistent quality, a wide selection, and fast UK delivery, we make it easy to source crepe dress fabric for dressmaking projects of all sizes.

FAQs

What are the different types of crepe fabric?

Crepe is a texture category rather than a single fabric, so it covers a wide range of weights and finishes. Crepe de Chine is the lightest option, with a fluid, slightly matte drape well suited to floaty dresses and blouses. Moroccan crepe (also called crepe marocain) is heavier and has a more pronounced ribbed texture, making it a reliable choice for structured dress styles. Georgette is sheer and has a slightly bouncy quality, often used for layered styles and occasion wear. Crepe-back satin is reversible, with a smooth satin face on one side and a matte crepe texture on the other. Stretch and scuba crepe contain elastane and suit fitted dresses and tailored styles where some give is needed.

Should I pre-wash crepe fabric before cutting?

Yes, pre-washing is highly recommended, particularly for crepe containing natural fibres such as silk, viscose, or wool, which can shrink noticeably after the first wash. Even polyester crepe can be affected by high heat. Pre-washing the fabric before you cut brings it to its stable, post-wash size and prevents the garment from puckering or pulling once it is finished.

Is crepe fabric difficult to sew?

It depends on the weight. Lightweight crepe de Chine is slippery and tends to shift during both cutting and sewing, which makes it better suited to those with some experience. Medium-weight and polyester crepes are considerably more stable and are manageable for confident beginners. Heavier options like Moroccan crepe and wool crepe behave much more like structured woven fabrics and are actually among the easier dressmaking fabrics to handle once cut. Choosing a slightly heavier crepe for a first project makes the whole process much more straightforward.

How should I cut crepe fabric?

Cutting crepe one layer at a time rather than on a fold gives the most accurate result, as two layers of slippery fabric will move against each other. Pattern weights hold the pieces in place more reliably than pins, which can leave marks or pull the edge out of shape. A rotary cutter on a cutting mat produces a cleaner line than scissors, and placing a sheet of tissue paper under the fabric helps prevent it from sliding on the cutting surface.

What needle and stitch should I use for crepe?

A fine sharp or universal needle in size 70/10 or 75/11 works well for most crepe fabrics. For lightweight or sheer crepes, a slightly longer stitch length of around 2.5mm helps prevent the seam from puckering. Stay-stitching curved sections such as necklines and armholes before construction prevents them from stretching as you work. A French seam gives the neatest finish on finer crepes as it encloses the raw edges completely without adding bulk.

Does crepe fabric fray?

Crepe does fray, with lighter and more loosely woven types being the most prone. Raw edges should be finished promptly after cutting, before handling or washing the fabric. An overlocker gives the most secure finish, but a zigzag stitch on a standard machine works well too. Because the fabric can be slippery, finishing edges while the pieces are still large and easy to handle makes the process much easier than trying to neaten small cut pieces later.

How do I care for a crepe dress?

A cool gentle machine wash or hand wash with a mild detergent is suitable for most polyester crepes. Natural fibre crepes such as silk or wool are better hand washed or dry cleaned, depending on the care label. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric as this can distort the texture. Lay the garment flat or hang it to dry rather than using a tumble dryer. If pressing is needed, use a cool iron with a press cloth over the fabric, as direct high heat can flatten and permanently damage the surface texture that gives crepe its character.