Polycotton Fabrics - Plain & Printed

What is Polycotton Fabric?

Polycotton is a blend of polyester and cotton. It combines the softness and breathability of cotton with the strength and crease resistance of polyester. This makes it a popular choice for clothes and home textiles. The feel of the fabric depends on the blend: more cotton means a softer, more breathable fabric, while more polyester adds durability and makes it easier to care for. Most of our polycotton is an 80/20 polyester-cotton mix, about 112cm wide and lightweight at 90 to 115 GSM, so it’s easy to cut and sew. For more details on blends, uses, and benefits, check out our polycotton buying guide.

Common Poly Cotton Uses 

Polycotton is a genuine all-rounder. It is a favourite for dressmaking such as shirts, simple dresses and skirts; patchwork and quilting; children's clothing and school wear; and craft projects from bunting and aprons to bags and bibs. The blend of cotton's natural feel with polyester's easy-care, crease-resistant qualities means your makes look good and hold up to repeated washing. Plain polycotton is ideal for linings, toiles and budget basics, while our printed designs bring colour and character to anything decorative.

The Benefits of Polycotton Fabric 

Polycotton combines the natural comfort of cotton with the durability and low-maintenance qualities of polyester, which is why it is such a popular choice for everything from clothing to home decor. Whether you are a designer, maker or crafter, the blend offers several advantages.

• Durability: the polyester content increases strength, making the fabric more resistant to wear and tear.
• Wrinkle resistance: polycotton is less prone to creasing, which makes it a great choice for low-maintenance, easy-care projects.
• Breathability and comfort: the cotton content keeps the fabric breathable and comfortable for all-day wear.
• Versatility: suitable for fashion, home textiles, accessories and craft alike.
• Colour retention: the polyester helps hold colour over time, so prints and shades resist fading after repeated washing.
• Affordability: it offers a cost-effective option without sacrificing quality or comfort.
• Easy to care for: polycotton is machine washable and dries quickly, saving you time on upkeep.

To learn more about how the two compare, our cotton versus polycotton guide can help.

Why Buy Polycotton From Us?

At Cheap Fabrics, we offer quality polycotton by the metre at prices that work for designers, crafters, and makers. Our range includes many colours, patterns, and blends, so you can find both classic plains and unique prints for any project. We cut all fabric fresh from the roll and source it from trusted suppliers, making sure it’s durable, soft, and easy to care for. We aim to give you real value without cutting corners on quality, and we keep plenty in stock so you can order for small or large projects. You can order a 99p sample before you buy, earn loyalty points, and use our student discount for extra savings. If you have questions, just contact our team - we’re happy to help.

Polycotton FAQs

Is polycotton a good fabric?

Yes, polycotton is a good choice for most everyday sewing. It’s durable, easy to wash, keeps its colour, and is more affordable than pure cotton. This makes it a reliable option for clothing, crafts, and home projects. For more details on its uses, types, and benefits, see our polycotton buying guide.

Is polycotton better than 100 percent cotton?

Neither is better outright, it depends on the project. Polycotton is cheaper, more durable and needs less ironing, while 100 percent cotton is softer and more breathable. Our cotton versus polycotton guide compares the two in detail.

Is polycotton good for dressmaking?

Yes, it is popular for shirts, simple dresses, skirts and school wear because it sews and presses easily and washes well. Our guide on whether polycotton is good for dressmaking covers what it suits best.

Can I order a sample first?

Yes, order a 99p sample of any polycotton to check the colour, weight and print before buying a full length.

How is it sold, and what width is it?

We sell all our polycotton by the metre, cut fresh from the roll. Most are about 112cm wide. You’ll find the exact blend, width, and weight on each product page.