Jersey Dressmaking Fabric

Why Choose Jersey for Dressmaking?

Jersey is a popular dressmaking material thanks to its stretch, softness, and comfort. Whether you’re creating relaxed everyday garments or more fitted styles, jersey dress fabric offers flexibility and ease across a wide range of designs.

Key benefits of jersey dressmaking fabric include:

• Soft and comfortable against the skin

• Stretchy, allowing ease of movement

• Easy to wear for everyday garments

• Available in a wide range of prints, colours, and weights

This makes jersey dress fabric a reliable choice for both beginners and experienced dressmakers.

Why Buy Jersey Dress Fabric From Us?

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

Our collection includes a variety of options such as plain jersey, printed designs, and stretch fabrics, 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 jersey dress fabric for dressmaking projects of all sizes.

Jersey Dressmaking FAQs

What needle should I use to sew jersey dress fabric?

A ballpoint or stretch needle is the right choice for jersey. Unlike a standard sharp needle, the rounded tip passes between the knit loops rather than piercing them, which prevents skipped stitches, holes, and runs. Size 75/11 works well for lighter jersey; go up to 90/14 for heavier weights.

What stitch should I use for jersey fabric?

An overlocker gives the neatest result, but a standard sewing machine handles jersey well too. A narrow zigzag stitch is the most reliable option, and if your machine has a dedicated stretch stitch, that works even better. For hems, a twin needle is a simple way to get a flexible, professional-looking finish without specialist equipment.

Should I pre-wash jersey fabric before cutting?

It is always worth washing jersey before you cut into it. Jersey can shrink after its first wash, and pre-washing means your finished garment will come out of the machine the same size it went in. A cool machine wash followed by laying the fabric flat to dry is all it takes.

How do I care for jersey dressmaking fabric?

Jersey is a practical fabric to look after day to day. A cool or gentle machine wash at 30 to 40 degrees keeps it in good condition. Avoid hot tumble drying as excess heat can cause the fabric to shrink or lose its shape. Laying garments flat or hanging them to dry is the best way to keep them looking their best.

What is the difference between the types of jersey fabric?

The type of jersey that works best depends on what you are making. Cotton jersey is soft and breathable, making it a great everyday option for dresses and childrens wear. Viscose jersey has a naturally fluid drape, which suits floaty or more feminine dress styles. Polyester jersey holds its shape well and is resistant to creasing, so it works particularly well for activewear. A cotton and elastane blend gives you the comfort of cotton with added stretch recovery, while Ponte Roma is a heavier, more structured double-knit that suits tailored dress styles.

How much jersey fabric do I need for a dress?

Most dress patterns call for somewhere between 2 and 3 metres, though the exact amount depends on the design, your size, and how the pattern pieces are laid out. Jersey is typically available in double width (around 140 to 150cm), so you generally need less than you would with a narrower woven fabric. Check your pattern's fabric requirements before ordering to make sure you have enough.

Does jersey fabric curl at the edges?

Curling at cut edges is completely normal with jersey and is simply a feature of how knit fabrics are constructed. It looks alarming when you first cut your pieces, but it is easy to manage. Work on a flat surface, use fabric weights rather than pins where possible, and handle the pieces gently before sewing. Once the seams are stitched, the curling is no longer an issue.