Which fabric for your project?
Pick your project and what you are making. Every base that suits it, compared side by side.
Quilting
Shop quilting printsDressmaking
Shop dressmaking printsSwimwear and activewear
Shop swimwear and activewear printsUpholstery
Shop upholstery printsCushions and home
Shop cushions and home printsBags
Shop bags printsFabric for quilts
Quilting cotton usually sits around 130 to 150 GSM and presses flat with a crisp seam.
Read: Quilting fabric by the metreFabric for table runners and placemats
Cotton presses crisp for pieced runners. Linen softens with every wash.
Read: The best fabric for tableclothsFabric for dresses
Light, breathable bases suit warm days. Fluid bases suit wrap and bias cut styles. Heavier, opaque bases hold a structured shape and suit cooler months.
Read: The best fabric for a summer dressFabric for tops and blouses
Fluid bases suit soft sleeves and gathers. Crisper bases hold a collar and a sharp line.
Read: Cotton lawn vs cotton poplinFabric for shirts
Crisp, closely woven bases hold a collar and cuff. Textured and fluid bases make relaxed shirts.
Read: Cotton lawn vs cotton poplinFabric for skirts
Crisp bases hold A-line and full shapes. Fluid bases suit bias cut and swingy skirts.
Fabric for trousers and shorts
Heavier, opaque bases hold their shape at the knee and seat. Fluid bases suit wide leg styles.
Fabric for jackets
Closely woven, heavier bases hold a jacket shape. A smooth base lines it.
Fabric for sleepwear
Breathable cottons and linens feel cool against the skin. Satins and crepes give a soft sheen.
Read: The best fabric for pyjamasFabric for kidswear
Soft cottons for everyday wear and hard wearing bases for play.
Read: The best fabric for kids' clothesFabric for occasion and bridal
Sheen, sheer layers and fluid drape. Sheer bases are usually layered over a lining.
Read: Chiffon fabric by the metreFabric for scarves and accessories
Light, fluid bases tie and drape well. Crisper bases hold bows and shapes.
Read: Chiffon fabric by the metreFabric for linings
Smooth, light bases make linings that are easy to sew and wear.
Fabric for swimwear
Four way stretch with strong recovery, in polyester with spandex.
Read: Swimwear fabric by the metreFabric for activewear
Stretch knits that recover, plus an open mesh for airflow.
Read: Swimwear and activewear fabricFabric for kids swim and sport
The same stretch bases, cut for kids.
Read: Swimwear fabric by the metreFabric for headboards and ottomans
Heavy, tightly made bases that hold their shape when stretched over a frame.
Read: Upholstery fabric by the metreFabric for chair seats and seat pads
Heavy bases for seats that get sat on every day.
Read: Upholstery fabric by the metreFabric for cushions
Heavier bases hold a crisp edge. Velvet gives a soft, plush finish. Linens give a relaxed look.
Read: Cushion fabric by the metreFabric for curtains and blinds
Linen blends give a soft, relaxed fall. Velvet gives fuller, heavier drapes. Heavy canvas suits roman blinds.
Read: Linen fabric for curtainsFabric for table linen
Linen is absorbent and softens with every wash. Cotton linen presses smoother.
Read: The best fabric for tableclothsFabric for totes and market bags
Heavier canvas stands up and carries weight.
Read: The best fabric for tote bagsFabric for pouches and linings
Lighter cottons line a bag and make pouches and zip cases.
Read: The best fabric for tote bagsDrape and see-through compare our bases with each other, from their weight, weave and how they handle. Moisture comes from the fibre: cotton, linen, viscose and lyocell take up moisture, which helps them feel cool in warm weather; polyester takes up very little.
Questions
How do I choose a base fabric?
Start with what you are making, then look at weight, drape and how see-through each base is. Light, fluid bases such as Signature Viscose and Crepe de Chine suit wrap dresses and soft blouses. Crisp bases such as Cotton Poplin hold a collar. Heavier bases such as Cotton Canvas suit bags and cushions.
Which bases suit warm weather?
Cotton, linen and viscose take up moisture, which helps them feel cool. Cotton Lawn, Pure Linen, Light Linen Cotton and Linen Viscose Slub are all good choices for summer clothes.
Which bases suit cooler months?
Heavier, opaque bases such as Lyocell Linen (225 GSM) and Cotton Twill (190 GSM) hold their shape for structured dresses, skirts and trousers. Add a lining in Studio Satin or Crepe de Chine for an extra layer.
What does GSM mean?
GSM is the weight of one square metre of fabric. Under about 135 GSM is very light, and around 270 GSM and up suits bags and cushions. Our guide to GSM explains more.
Can I feel the bases before I order?
Yes. The Base Fabrics Pack has a swatch of every print base, so you can compare them side by side.
Can I put any print on any base?
Yes. Choose any design in PrintLab, or upload your own, then pick the base that suits your make. Every base is sold from 1m in 0.5m steps.