Cotton Fabric

Popular Cotton Fabric Types

Cotton material comes in a wide variety of textures and weights, making it one of the most versatile textiles available. You might be dressmaking, upholstering, quilting or crafting, there’s a type tailored to your project. At Cheap Fabrics, we stock everything from soft, breathable cottons to heavyweight weaves, all available by the metre, with samples for perfect project planning.

Cotton Poplin Fabric

Crisp yet soft to the touch, our poplin is a lightweight plain-weave fabric with a fine ribbed texture. It's easy to work with, has excellent durability and holds its shape well, making it a firm favourite among sewists and fashion designers.

Ideal for: tailored shirts, summer dresses, pyjamas, face masks, and children’s clothing.

Cotton Canvas Fabric

Thicker and more structured than standard cotton, canvas is known for its durability and natural texture. Its heavyweight feel makes it ideal for hard-wearing and decorative projects alike. At Cheap Fabrics, you’ll find canvas styles ranging from plain-dyed to printed and textured weaves like cotton canvas fabric, honeycomb or sea weave for that designer finish.

Ideal for: tote bags, seat cushions, aprons, wall art, upholstery, and curtains.

Cotton Lawn & Pima Lawn

Silky-soft and feather-light, cotton lawn is a high-thread-count fabric that drapes beautifully. Pima lawn takes it a step further with an even smoother finish and premium quality, often compared to high-end Liberty-style fabrics. These breathable fabrics are a joy to sew with and wear.

Ideal for: blouses, summer skirts, scarves, linings, baby clothes, and delicate patchwork quilts.

Quilting & Printed Cotton

Medium-weight and slightly stiffer than other varieties, quilting cotton is perfect for precision work and bold patterns. Our range includes white floral fabric, folk garden, floral pansy, and fun designs like lush pink springs and stone polka, ideal for crafters looking to add a pop of personality.

Ideal for: patchwork quilts, cushion covers, tote bags, bunting, and festive décor.

Cotton Shirting & Denim Shirting

Lightweight but with structure, these fabrics are made specifically for tailored garments. From classic plain weaves to textured finishes like fancy stripe jacquard weave, these materials combine comfort with a sharp, clean look.

Ideal for: smart shirts, structured blouses, dresses, and men's casual wear.

Great for any project. Buy the amount you need, big or small.

Inspiration & Craft Ideas

Cotton fabric has long been cherished by creators for its natural softness, durability, and adaptability. From intricate dressmaking to simple DIY crafts, its broad selection offers something for every project and skill level.

Home Décor & Upholstery

Bring warmth, colour, and personality into your living space with these fabrics ideal for soft furnishings and decorative touches. Use heavier options like cotton canvas or panama fabric for cushions, curtains, or seat covers, or add charm with lighter prints such as cottage trail or choupette floral for lampshades or table runners.

Popular projects include:

• Cushion covers with fancy stripe jacquard

• Upholstered headboards in canvas fabric sea

• Coordinated tableware using fabric floral pansy

Tip: Samples are especially useful here, test colours and textures before committing to metres of material.

Chic Apparel & Everyday Accessories

Soft, breathable, and stylish, cotton is a wardrobe staple. Use cotton poplin, lawn, or jersey fabrics for everyday wear, or try denim shirting and drill for something more structured. From flowing dresses to sharp shirts, you’ll find a cotton for every fashion season.

Ideas to try:

• Summer dresses in pink cotton poplin

• Lightweight pyjamas in soft pima cotton lawn

• Tote bags with cotton canvas fabric honeycomb

• Blouses in broderie anglaise fabric for an elegant, vintage look

This fabric’s breathability also makes it ideal for warm-weather wear and nightwear.

Creative Crafts & Handmade Gifts

Crafters love cotton for its easy handling and variety. Whether you’re hand-stitching or using a machine, these fabrics lend themselves beautifully to both simple and detailed work. Choose playful prints like bugPassy bunny, azline unicorn, or floral lemons for children’s toys and accessories.

Creative projects include:

• Soft toys made from printed fabric spots or cirafine fruity squares

• Seasonal decorations with Christmas polyester cotton fabric

• Quilted placemats or bunting with blosy razeo vines or meadow green

• Craft storage baskets using cotton canvas or drill

Choosing the Right Fabric

Selecting the perfect cotton fabric for your project starts with understanding its intended use. Whether you’re sewing a stylish garment, upholstering a favourite chair, or crafting decorative accessories, the purpose will guide your fabric choice.

When it comes to texture and feel, our cotton fabrics by the metre range from soft and plush options like cotton jersey and lawn to more structured types such as cotton canvas and drill. Consider whether you want a fabric that drapes gently or holds its shape firmly.

Colours and patterns also play a big role, from classic plain fabrics to vibrant prints and novelty designs that add character and flair. Think about the style and mood you want your creation to convey.

Don’t forget to consider the pile or thickness: lightweight fabrics like voile and muslin are ideal for breathable summer clothing, while heavier options such as denim fabric and seersucker work well for durable trousers and upholstery.

Cotton Fabric by the Metre & Samples

At Cheap Fabrics, we offer you the flexibility to order cotton fabric by the metre, whether you need a small amount for a craft or larger cuts for dressmaking or upholstery. This means you can buy exactly what your project requires - no waste, no guesswork.

We also provide samples for most fabrics in our collection. Ordering samples allows you to compare texture, colour, and weight in real life, making it easier to choose the ideal variation for your needs.

Not sure which fabric suits your project? Order samples first to feel the quality and find the perfect match.

Why Shop at Cheap Fabrics?

• A huge variety of cotton fabric types, from poplin to jersey, canvas, and more

• Competitive pricing on all fabrics – perfect for staying within budget

• Samples are available for nearly every product, so you can feel confident in your selection

• Fast, reliable UK-wide delivery for all orders

• Trusted by thousands of customers for quality, service, and value
  
  

FAQs - Cotton Fabric UK

Can I order samples?

Yes, we offer samples for most of our cotton fabrics, allowing you to feel the texture and view the true colour before purchasing by the metre.

Do you deliver cotton fabric UK-wide?

Absolutely! We ship across the UK with prompt and affordable delivery options.

Is this fabric suitable for dressmaking or upholstery?

Our range includes fabrics ideal for both - from soft lawn for dressmaking to sturdy canvas and drill for upholstery projects.

How much fabric do I need for a dress?

For a simple dress, 2-3 metres is usually enough, depending on the pattern and fabric width. We recommend checking your pattern’s requirements and ordering slightly extra to account for errors or shrinkage.

How do I care for this fabric?

Most cotton fabrics are machine washable. We recommend washing on a gentle cycle in cool to warm water and line drying to maintain colour and structure. Always check the specific care label if provided.

Explore More from Cheap Fabrics

Looking for more than just cotton fabric? Discover our other popular collections:

• Velvet Fabrics - Luxurious and soft, ideal for elegant apparel and home décor

• Sherpa & Fleece - Cosy, warm fabrics perfect for outerwear and blankets

• Craft Fabrics - A playful range of prints, textures, and colours for creative crafting projects

Bring your next creation to life with high-quality fabrics from Cheap Fabrics. Explore our extensive range, buy exactly what you need by the metre, and start crafting with confidence today.