Cotton lawn and cotton poplin are the two cottons sewists reach for most. Both are 100% cotton and both print fine detail sharply. The difference is the feel: lawn is soft and floaty, poplin is smooth and crisp.
Here is how to tell them apart, which one suits your project and how much to buy.
Lawn and poplin, side by side
Two cottons, two characters
Cotton Lawn
The lightest and finest cotton in our range. Fine, tightly spun yarns give it a smooth, almost silky hand and a drape that moves with you. Small, detailed prints look especially fine on it.
Lovely for gathers, pin tucks and soft sleeves.
Cotton Poplin
The classic shirting cotton. A denser plain weave gives it body, so it holds a collar, takes a sharp press and keeps its shape through everyday wear.
The easiest of the two to cut and sew, a great first project fabric.
Which cotton for which project
To check a print's size before you order, choose Swatch under Fabric size on any design page to see a 25 × 25cm close-up of the print at true size.
How much to buy
These suit both bases, as lawn and poplin are almost the same width. Your pattern gives the exact amount. Pre-wash before you cut, as you would any cotton. For more, see our guides to summer dress fabric and kids' clothes.
Prints for lawn and poplin
Original designs by independent artists, printed to order on the base you choose, from 1m.
NewShrimps Cute Sea LifeJackie Tahara of UnBlink Studio
NewTossed Hydrangea Florals English Country Heritage-Sandra Herrgott Designs
NewGeometric Diamond Leaf TrellisAline Bea
Happy DanceRachel Parker
Peaches & CherriesCatherine Marion Art
Nutcracker Christmas Stripesbhldesigns
Coastal Rustic Traditional PlaidMarie Le Moal
Yellow StripesAdeline-Julie Bee
Prints that suit lawn and poplin
Ditsy Liberty Style Floralbhldesigns
Ditsy LeafSarah Thorpe Designs
Spring Ditsy Floralbhldesigns
Ditsy Berry PrintSarah Thorpe Designs
Happy DanceRachel Parker
Peaches & CherriesCatherine Marion Art
Yellow StripesAdeline-Julie Bee
Block Print FlowersSarah Thorpe Designs
Order the Base Fabrics Pack to hold Cotton Lawn and Cotton Poplin side by side, or a 25 × 25cm swatch of your design on each.
More prints for sewing
Lawn and poplin questions
What is the difference between cotton lawn and cotton poplin?
Both are 100% cotton plain weaves. Cotton Lawn is 80 GSM, woven from fine yarns, so it is soft with a light, floaty drape. Cotton Poplin is 115 GSM with a denser weave, so it is smooth and crisp and holds a press.
Which is better for a summer dress?
Cotton Lawn for gathered, tiered and floaty dresses. Cotton Poplin for a shirt dress or a fitted style that needs a crisp collar and clean lines.
Is cotton lawn see-through?
Lawn is light and airy. Prints with a mid or dark background wear beautifully on their own. For a pale print on a fitted bodice, add a lining in plain Cotton Lawn.
Which is better for kids' clothes?
Cotton Poplin. It is easy to sew, keeps its shape and is made for everyday wear. Lawn is lovely for summer nighties and party dresses.
Can I feel both before I order?
Yes. Order the Base Fabrics Pack to hold lawn and poplin side by side, or a 25 × 25cm swatch of your chosen design on each base.