Dressmaking, Patchwork & Craft Fabric

Formal dresses do not need to be hard-wearing or easy to wash as they tend to only be worn occasionally. Chiffon and georgette are both sheer or semi-sheer and make a striking over-layer. Satin and silk are shiny with a glossy shine and very form-fitting. Silk fabric tends to be more expensive than other dressmaking fabrics which is historically why it’s considered a luxury fabric and popular for formal occasions.

There are many types of fabric which are used to make dresses so it’s best to consider what style of dress you want and how often you will be wearing it. Lightweight and medium weight fabrics such as cotton, linen and polyester are popular for everyday wear, with cotton and linen being particularly good for summer dresses. Silk, chiffon and satin are soft and flowing fabrics which are perfect for special-occasion dresses. Velvet has a luxury feel and is a good choice for a slightly warmer and more structured dress.

A patchwork is a piece of fabric that has been created by sewing together a number of patches into small sections, and then joining the sections. Quilting is sewing three layers of fabric together with wadding or batting in between, which gives a padded feel. The top layer is known as the quilt top, the middle layer is the padding or insulation, and then the backing material.

When sewing together lots of different patches of material, it is commonly called patchwork but can also be referred to as piecework. The act of making patchwork is called piecing.

For dressmaking, the amount depends on the style and size of the garment — a simple top may need just 1–2 metres, while a full-skirted dress could take 4–5 metres. For patchwork, the quantity depends on your quilt size and the number of fabrics you’d like to mix. Our curtain fabric measuring guide offers offers helpful advice on calculating fabric amounts — the same principles apply to measuring carefully for craft projects.

Yes — cotton, linen, and poly-cotton blends are very beginner-friendly as they’re stable, easy to cut, and straightforward to sew. Fabrics like stretch jersey or satin can be more challenging but are excellent once you gain confidence. For patchwork, starting with cotton quilting fabrics is a tried-and-tested approach. Ordering a selection of fabric samples is a clever way to practise before starting your main dressmaking or craft project.