Whether you're planning a Christmas party dress, a statement skirt for New Year's Eve or a show-stopping table runner, taffeta is a brilliant place to start. It has a crisp drape, a lovely sheen and holds its shape beautifully. Right now, a handful of our embellished and embroidered taffetas are reduced to roughly half price, so it's a great time to stock up before party season gets going.
Here's a closer look at four of our favourites, what they're best for, and a few tips to help you choose.
Why taffeta works so well for party season
Taffeta is a crisp, smooth woven fabric with a natural rustle and shine. Unlike softer, drapey fabrics, it holds structure, which makes it ideal for:
- Full skirts and prom-style dresses that need volume without layers of netting
- Fitted bodices where you want clean lines
- Bows, sashes and accessories that keep their shape
- Festive décor such as table runners, cushion fronts and backdrops
Add sequins, embroidery or velvet flocking on top and you get instant glamour with very little extra effort.
Mirror Sequins Dress Taffeta: three rich colours
Our Mirror Sequins Dress Taffeta Fabric is a two-tone shot taffeta with small mirror sequins on the face of the fabric. The shot effect means the colour shifts as it moves, and the sequins catch the light without being overwhelming.
It's 150cm wide and currently £7.49, down from £14.99. It's available in three colours:
- Navy Blue: elegant and easy to wear for evening
- Aubergine: a deep, rich purple that feels really festive
- Bronze: warm and metallic, perfect for New Year's Eve (stock is lower on this one)
Great for party dresses, evening tops, clutch bags and sparkly table runners.
Red Floral Sequin Embroidered Taffeta
If you want something unmistakably Christmassy, our Red Taffeta Fabric with Floral Sequin Embroidery is a gorgeous choice. It features an embroidered floral pattern with sequins worked into the design for extra detail.
It's £7.49, reduced from £14.99, and works beautifully as a fitted party dress or a festive skirt. It's also suitable for light upholstery, so it makes a lovely Christmas cushion front or table centrepiece too.
Wine Red Embroidered Taffeta with Gold Circles
For something a little more understated, try our Wine Red Embroidered Taffeta with Gold Circle Pattern. It's a two-tone shot taffeta with a neat embroidered spot design, giving texture and a touch of gold without being too busy.
It's 150cm wide and £6.99, down from £14.99. This one is in limited supply, so if it catches your eye, don't wait too long. It's lovely for structured skirts, waistcoats, cushions and festive table linen.
Black Velvet Flock Taffeta with Silver Roses
Our Black Velvet Flock Taffeta with Silver Floral Roses combines a crisp black taffeta base with soft flocked florals and metallic silver motifs. The mix of velvety texture and shine makes it a real statement fabric.
It's 150cm wide and £6.99, reduced from £14.99. Think evening dresses, fitted jackets, dramatic skirts or a striking cushion for the sofa.
Tips for sewing with embellished taffeta
- Test first: sew a few lines on a scrap so you can check stitch length and tension before cutting into your main piece.
- Use a fresh, sharp needle: taffeta shows marks, so a new needle helps avoid snags and visible holes.
- Pin within the seam allowance: pin holes can show on taffeta, so keep pins where they'll be hidden.
- Clear sequins from seams: on sequinned fabric, gently remove sequins from the seam allowance so your machine stitches smoothly.
- Press carefully: use a low heat and a pressing cloth, and avoid pressing directly on sequins or flocking.
- Line your garment: a lining makes embellished fabrics more comfortable against the skin and helps the dress hang nicely.
How much fabric will you need?
Every pattern is different, so always check the fabric requirements on your pattern envelope. As a rough guide, a simple A-line skirt often needs less than a full dress, and a table runner can usually be made from a small amount. If you're unsure, our guide How Much Fabric Do I Need? is a handy starting point.
Grab your party fabric while it's reduced
These embellished taffetas are a simple way to give your party season makes a luxurious finish without the luxury price tag. With prices currently around half of what they were, now's the perfect time to plan your festive outfits and décor.
Browse the fabrics above and get your party season sewing started today. If you have any questions about a fabric, just get in touch and we'll be happy to help.
