Cotton and polycotton look similar on the roll, and both are used for dressmaking, quilting, crafts and home projects. So which should you buy? This guide explains the differences in feel, care, durability and price, and which fabric is best for each type of project.
Quick answer
- Choose 100% cotton for quilting, patchwork, clothing worn next to the skin, baby items and anything you want to feel soft, natural and breathable.
- Choose polycotton for budget projects, school and group crafts, costumes, bunting, bedding and anything that needs to wash often and stay crease-free.
What is cotton fabric?
Cotton is a natural fibre from the cotton plant. It is soft, breathable and absorbent, and it takes dye beautifully, so prints are bright and crisp. Popular cotton weaves include cotton poplin (smooth and crisp), lawn (fine and light), drill and denim (strong twills), and muslin (loose and airy). Browse all cotton fabric.
What is polycotton?
Polycotton is a blend of polyester and cotton – often 65/35 or 50/50. The polyester makes the fabric stronger, less prone to creasing and shrinking, quicker to dry and cheaper to produce, while the cotton keeps it soft and comfortable. Browse polycotton fabric.
Cotton vs polycotton compared
| 100% cotton | Polycotton | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Soft, natural, breathable | Smooth, slightly less breathable |
| Creasing | Creases more; irons well | Resists creases; little ironing |
| Shrinkage | Can shrink 3–5% – pre-wash | Minimal shrinkage |
| Durability | Good; softens with washing | Very good; keeps its shape |
| Colour | Rich, crisp prints | Bright prints; less prone to fading |
| Heat & pressing | Takes a hot iron; holds a crease | Needs a cooler iron |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
| Best for | Quilting, clothing, baby items | Crafts, costumes, bedding, schools |
Which is best for quilting?
Most quilters prefer 100% cotton. It presses flat, holds a sharp seam, grips neighbouring pieces so they do not slip, and wears evenly with the other fabrics in the quilt. Our quilting fabric collection is mostly cotton poplin and craft cotton. See our guide to fabrics for quilting and crafts.
Which is best for dressmaking?
For summer dresses, shirts and children's clothing, cotton is cooler and more comfortable to wear. Polycotton is a practical choice for school uniforms, workwear and costumes that need frequent washing with minimal ironing. See all dressmaking fabric.
Which is best for crafts, bunting and costumes?
Polycotton usually wins here: it is cheaper, colourfast, keeps its shape and comes in a huge range of fun prints – ideal for schools, nurseries, parties and fancy dress. Browse kids and novelty prints and fabric under £5 a metre.
Which is best for bedding?
Pure cotton feels cooler and softer to sleep on; polycotton is more affordable, dries faster and needs less ironing, which is why it is widely used for hotel and everyday bedding. Both are available in wide sheeting widths.
Care tips
- Cotton: pre-wash before cutting, wash at 30–40°C and iron while slightly damp.
- Polycotton: wash at 30–40°C, remove promptly to avoid creases and iron on a medium setting.
- Always check the care information on each product page.
Want to learn about other fabrics? Read our A–Z guide to types of fabric or work out how much fabric you need.
