Fabric guides
from the cutting table.

Everything we've learned from decades of cutting fabric, in one place. Whether you're choosing a fabric, working out how much to buy, or keeping your finished project looking lovely, start here.

Choosing the right fabric

• 🪟 Best fabric for curtainsWeights, linings and which fabrics hang beautifully, room by room.
• 🛋️ Best upholstery fabricHow to choose hard-wearing fabric for sofas, chairs and car seats.
• 👗 Best fabric for dressmakingFrom easy beginner dresses to bridal and occasionwear.
• 🧩 Best fabric for quilting & craftsCottons, felts and fleeces for quilts, cushions and kids' crafts.
• ⚖️ Cotton vs polycottonThe pros and cons of each, and when to pick which.
• 🔤 Types of fabric A–ZEvery fabric type and what it's best used for.

Measuring and buying

• 📏 How much fabric do I need?Quantities for dresses, curtains, cushions and quilts, plus width conversions.
• 🧾 How to buy fabric by the metreHow ordering by the metre works on our website.
• 📐 Fabric weights & widthsGSM, fabric widths and Martindale ratings, explained simply.
• 📖 Fabric & sewing glossarySelvedge, nap, bias and more, in plain English.

Caring for fabric

• 🧺 Fabric care guideHow to wash, dry and iron every fabric, and what the care symbols mean.
• 🌧️ Waterproof fabric explainedRipstop, PVC and oilcloth: what to use where.

Sewing projects

• 🌙 How to line curtains with blackout liningStep by step, for darker, warmer rooms.
• 🛏️ How to make an envelope cushion coverNo zip needed, perfect for beginners.
• 🧣 No-sew fleece tie blanketA cosy project you can finish in an afternoon.
• 🚪 How to make a draught excluderKeep the cold out with leftover fabric.
• 👗 How to make a taffeta tea dressPlus how to choose the perfect lining.

Need a hand?

Our team are fabric enthusiasts and love a project question. Visit the FAQs, read about delivery, or get in touch. Live chat is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.