The sun has arrived here in Chorley and with it out comes the summer wardrobe, so I thought I would look at two great fabrics for Summer Sewing.
The loveliest fabrics for summer sewing are light and cool, here are two I think would be great if you are considering sewing a summer wardrobe
Cotton lawn is a beautifully soft fabric which has a very fine weave and is smooth, sheer and floaty making it perfect for Summer sewing. It comes in a variety of designs, often beautiful floral designs and is usually used to sew summer tops, dresses, blouses and skirts.
Because the fabric is sheer the paler colours can be slightly see through so bear that in mind when picking a sewing pattern & a fabric colour.
Sewing is not usually difficult with lawn ( providing you don't choose a particularly complicated pattern) just make sure that you have the correct needle in your machine ( a universal size 70 is a good choice ) You can find a mixed set of needles including size 70 HERE I would definitely recommend a good pair of sharp scissors or rotary cutter too for accurate cutting of this lovely fabric.
When washing lawn fabrics be mindful about the temperature, you can machine wash but on a cool gentle cycle to avoid any shrinkage.
The most commonly know designer of lawn fabric which you may have heard of is Liberty of London. They developed Tana Lawn fabric in the 1930's.
Tana lawn was developed from African cotton and the name Tana Lawn is derived from Lake Tana in Ethiopia !
You can look at Liberty Tana Lawn fabrics HERE
Amanda used some of our Lawn Fabrics to make this lovely camisole top. If you want to browse our Lawn fabrics you can find them HERE
Cotton poplin is a wonderful fabric, one of my favourites. It is made of 100% cotton fibres which makes is a really breathable fabric keeping you cool in summer. It is not as sheer as Lawn and therefore tends not to be transparent.
To feel it cotton poplin has a very smooth feel and is soft and cool to touch. It is not a heavy fabric which makes if perfect for blouses, shirts, shorts and lots more.
We have also used it to also make patchwork quilts, decorative curtains, bags & lots more.
Cotton poplin comes in a huge range of designs which makes if perfect for people of all ages, it is often used for nursery bedding because of its natural fibres & smooth soft feel.
Sewing with cotton poplin is a delight. It is easy to cut and doesn't move about much when sewing which makes it a great fabric for beginners. The best Sewing machine needle to use is a universal size 80.
As with Cotton lawn wash in cool water to avoid shrinkage.
One of our customers made this lovely patchwork quilt with the cotton poplin fabrics.
If you are making a quilt you might want to read this BLOG about whether to wash fabrics prior to quilting
Find all our Cotton Poplin fabrics HERE
If you are a beginner cotton poplin is a great starter fabric so give it a go, you won't be disappointed.
FAQs
Cotton is one of the coolest fabrics for summer and hot weather. Not only is it cheap and hugely available, but it is also great for the heat. Cotton is soft, lightweight, breathable, and soaks up sweat, allowing heat to escape the body and for you to stay cool.
What kind of fabric is suitable to dress up and play in the summer answer? ›
We should wear cotton clothes and light coloured clothes in summers. Cotton is a good absorber of water. Since we sweat a lot in summers, cotton clothes absorb sweat from our body and exposes the sweat to the atmosphere, making its evaporation faster.
What is the coolest fabric to wear in hot, humid weather? ›
Cotton and linen are top choices for summer fabrics because they're lightweight, breathable, and help to keep the body cool by allowing air to circulate.
Which is cooler to wear, linen or cotton? ›
Cotton has similar insulating properties to fiberglass, which is somewhat better for cooler temperatures, but not so great for summer's heat. Linen flax fibers are hollow, making them very cool during the hot, humid summer months. Cotton is very breathable, and absorbs moisture a bit better than linen.
What is the best fabric for sweating in the summer? ›
"Linen and cotton are top choices for summer due to their breathability," Lauren says. Linen is a natural fiber made from flax with a loose weave designed for maximum airflow. Because of its comfort and durability, linen can be worn in all sorts of climates.
Is satin too hot for summer? ›
Natural fibers like silk or cotton satin are great choices for summer, as they are soft, lightweight, and breathable. Avoid heavy and thick satin fabrics, as they will trap heat and make you feel uncomfortable. When it comes to style, you can choose from a variety of satin clothes that are perfect for summer.
What fabric for a summer dress? ›
Summer calls for lightweight, breathable fabrics—and rayon is a perfect choice. Known for its smooth texture and airy feel, rayon keeps you cool and comfortable even on the hottest days. Rayon is a versatile semi-synthetic fabric made from regenerated cellulose fibers, usually derived from wood pulp.
What material should I use to make a summer dress? ›
Below are the top 7 fabrics for sundresses that are perfect for summer.
- Cotton Gauze. Cotton gauze is a popular choice for sundresses because it is breathable and lightweight, making it ideal for hot weather. ...
- Stretch Linen. ...
- Rayon. ...
- Chambray. ...
- Chiffon. ...
- Seersucker. ...
- Jersey.
What fabrics should be avoided during hot weather? According to Draddy, you should avoid wearing dark-colored fabrics and natural fibers such as wool, silk and cashmere on hotter days. "These fabrics can trap heat and moisture and are not ideal for warmer temperatures," says Jaime King, fashion designer for Maurices.
What to wear in 100 degree weather? ›
Choose light colors: Wearing light colors that reflect the sun's rays rather than absorb them (as dark colors can) helps keep you cool. Look for shirts, shorts, pants and hats in white, tan or khaki.
Choose quick-drying, sweat-wicking fabrics, such as polyester, polypropylene, nylon, or nylon-blend. You can look for terms like moisture-wicking, Dri-fit, Coolmax, or Supplex.
What is the most cooling fabric? ›
Linen: The Most Breathable Fabric for the Hottest Climates
It's the flax-based, breathable linen. Linen also has some of the best moisture-wicking properties of any natural fabric, so it feels cool. It also dries quickly so if you sweat, you'll cool off again quicker.
Which cloth keep us cool? ›
Uncoated cotton, linen, nylon and polyester are all classed as breathable fabrics to some degree – meaning they allow sweat and heat to escape through the material.
Which is cooler linen or percale? ›
Both linen and percale sheets are great options for hot sleepers. Percale sheets are cool and crisp, while linen sheets are highly breathable and can keep you cool in the summer.
Is cotton or polyester better for summer? ›
Breathable: A polyester/cotton blend is also breathable, but if the level of breathability is one of the most important things on your list, then 100% cotton may be a better choice. Because the material is not synthetic, it allows for more airflow, and is an excellent choice for very warm climates.
What clothes are best for summer weather? ›
For everyday summer-wear, look for lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen, Frey suggests. These fibers will not only allow any natural breezes to pass through your clothes and cool the skin, but also allow your sweat to escape and evaporate.
What fabric can take the most heat? ›
High Temperature Fabrics
- Fiberglass Fabrics. 1000°F/550°C. ...
- Fiberglass Plus+ Fabrics. 1350°F/740°C. ...
- Leached Silica Fabrics. 2000°F/1100°C. ...
- Maxsil®Tex Silica Fabrics. 2000°F/1100°C. ...
- Silicone-Fiberglass Fabrics. 600°F/320°C. ...
- Wire-Inserted Fiberglass Fabrics. 1100°F/600°C.
Plant-based fabrics, like cotton, linen, and bamboo, are the most breathable fabrics, making them ideal for clothing and bedding. Animal-based fabrics like silk and wool are also breathable, and all of the above allow for easy air circulation, wick away perspiration, and to help keep the body cool.
