The Best Fabric for the Job
The success of any sewing project lies in first securing the right materials. Liberty explains which fabric is best for whatever you plan to make next
Read more
The Best Fabric for the Job
The success of any sewing project lies in first securing the right materials. Liberty explains which fabric is best for whatever you plan to make next
By: Maddi John
Does it drape well? How stretchy is it? Can I put it in the washing machine? When learning how to choose the right fabric for your next sewing project, these are the kinds of questions you’ll likely ask yourself. That’s because finding the right fabric for the job can be the difference between ending up with a piece you can’t wait to show off, and one you toss onto the ‘better luck next time’ pile. While some fabrics can do a lot (Liberty Tana Lawn, we’re looking at you), most are best suited to a select few crafts. Whether you’re quilting or dressmaking, trying out embroidery or upholstery, certain fabric bases perform better than others - depending on the weight, composition and thread count. And that’s where we can help. Below, find the Liberty manual to choosing the right fabric, every time.
Read More: How to Choose the Best Fabric for Upholstery
For Dressmaking and Tailoring
Choose: Tana Lawn™ Cotton and Classic Silks
Ah, our beloved Tana Lawn. Adored by Liberty Fabrics fans for generations, the classic and seasonal Tana Lawn Cotton has always been a top choice for dressmaking. One of the most versatile fabric bases on the market, Tana is known for its rich colours and silk-like feel, while also being incredibly breathable and comfortable to wear. The bonus: it’s machine washable, making it the perfect cotton fabric perfect for crafting fashion pieces, whichever sewing pattern you’re working with.
For those elevated pieces, you could also try Liberty’s Silk collection. We have a whole world of soft silk satins and lightweight crepe de chines to discover. Silk has the perfect fluid base, thanks to its natural fibre construction, and tends to drape well while retaining a good shape for years to come. When choosing the right fabric to make scarves, pocket squares, ties, shirts, blouses, dresses, or an extra-special pair of pyjamas, make this your first port of call.
Read More: How To... Sew a Dress
SHOP DRESSMAKING FABRICS
Liberty Fabrics
Mitsi Tana Lawn™ Cotton
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty Fabrics
Ciara Tana Lawn™ Cotton
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty Fabrics
Hera Tana Lawn™ Cotton
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty Fabrics
Heidi Silk Satin
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty Fabrics
Margaret Annie Tana Lawn™ Cotton
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty Fabrics
Tudor Belle Rainbow Tana Lawn™ Cotton
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty Fabrics
Heidi Crepe de Chine
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty Fabrics
Mitsi Tana Lawn™ Cotton
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty Fabrics
Jannah Crepe de Chine
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty Fabrics
Wiltshire Bud Tana Lawn™ Cotton
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
For Quilting
Choose: Lasenby Cotton
Addictive and relaxing, quilting is currently enjoying a modern renaissance in the crafting world. And given these colder climes, a puff quilt to cocoon oneself in is a seasonal requirement. Designed specifically for quilting, our soft Lasenby Cotton base is made from 100% cotton and suitable for a range of creative home projects beyond quilting, including the crafting of bedspreads and cushions. Thanks to its durable and machine wash properties, this fabric is perfect for daily use, and features richly coloured designs created by traditional screen-printing techniques.
Read More: Everything to Know About Lasenby Quilting Cotton
SHOP QUILTING FABRICS
Liberty Fabrics
Little Buds Lasenby Quilting Cotton
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty Fabrics
Marguerite Meadow Lasenby Quilting Cotton
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty Fabrics
Powder Rose Emily Belle Lasenby Quilting Cotton
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty Fabrics
Mauve Emily Belle Lasenby Quilting Cotton
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty Fabrics
Steel Emily Belle Lasenby Quilting Cotton
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty Fabrics
Sea Glass Wiltshire Shadow Lasenby Quilting Cotton
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty Fabrics
Kensington Gardens Lasenby Quilting Cotton
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty Fabrics
Jewel Purple Wiltshire Shadow Lasenby Quilting Cotton
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
For Embroidery
Choose: Liberty Organic Cotton and Plain Fabrics
When it comes to choosing the right fabric for embroidery it’s best to stay clear of synthetics and opt for natural fibres as polyester and synthetic fabrics tend to have less give, and you might find your needle doesn’t flow so freely when embroidering small designs. Liberty’s Tana Lawn Plain Collection will be your go-to if looking for a non-patterned base to frame your craft. With its smooth texture and resistance to wrinkling, it makes for a smooth canvas that you can embroider onto with ease.
Read More: The Best Fabric for Your Next Embroidery Project
SHOP EMBROIDERY FABRICS
Liberty Fabrics
Rust Plain Tana Lawn™ Cotton
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty Fabrics
Dark Pink Plain Tana Lawn™ Cotton
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty Fabrics
Buttercup Plain Tana Lawn™ Cotton
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty Fabrics
Aubergine Plain Tana Lawn™ Cotton
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty Fabrics
Airforce Plain Tana Lawn™ Cotton
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty Fabrics
Black Plain Tana Lawn™ Cotton
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty Fabrics
Waterfall Plain Tana Lawn™ Cotton
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty Fabrics
Paper White Plain Tana Lawn™ Cotton
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
For Upholstery
Choose: Liberty Interiors and Furnishing Fabrics
Whether you’re revamping the sofa or breathing new life into a headboard, upholstery is a great way to update your home without going through the trouble of scouting for new furniture. If you’re up to the upholstering challenge, consider Liberty Interiors fabrics your go-to. The highest quality bases of linen, velvet and cotton, each one is expertly printed in Lake Como. The collection harnesses cutting-edge textile technologies along with the superior performance of high-quality natural fibres, that’ll make for furniture you can’t wait to sit on.
Read More: How to Choose the Right Fabric for Upholstery
SHOP UPHOLSTERY FABRICS
Liberty Interiors
Mount Edo in Pewter Dark
Liberty Interiors
Eden Orchard Linen in Lapis
Liberty Interiors
Moon Garden Vintage Velvet in Lichen
Liberty Interiors
Hera Feather Ladbroke Linen in Pewter
Liberty Interiors
Palazzo Westbrook in Aqua – Outdoor
2022 WINNER
2022 WINNER
Liberty Interiors
Ottoman Spot Cut Velvet in Fennel
For Smaller Sewing Projects
Choose: Tana Lawn Cotton and Liberty Crepe de Chine
From totes and scrunchies to napkins and tablecloths , there’s been a recent spike in the numbers of us undertaking DIY projects. While any fabric (within reason) can be used here, those unaccustomed to sewing should opt for an easy and versatile fabric with natural fibres to start them off. Tana Lawn is just the thing. Available in both lightweight and heavier options, this cotton is easy to sew with and has high breathability and absorbency, making it the ideal fabric for totes and tablecloths. If you’re giving scrunchies and sleep masks a crack, look to Liberty’s Crepe de Chine collection to achieve a soft and glossy touch with added beauty benefits.
Read More: The Sewing Kit Essentials Every Crafter Should Own
SHOP SMALL PROJECT FABRICS
Liberty Fabrics
Posy Scatter Tana Lawn™ Cotton
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty Fabrics
Poppy Canopy Tana Lawn™ Cotton
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty Fabrics
Grayson Perry for Liberty Shirley Smith Tana Lawn™ Cotton
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty Fabrics
Pink Tana Lawn™ Cotton Fabric Bundle Two Metres
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty Fabrics
Pavilion Spot Tana Lawn™ Cotton
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty Fabrics
Watercolour Petals Tana Lawn™ Cotton
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty Fabrics
Prospect Stripe Tana Lawn™ Cotton
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty Fabrics
Mauvey Tana Lawn™ Cotton
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty Fabrics
Bettina Bloom Tana Lawn™ Cotton
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty Fabrics
Yellow Tana Lawn™ Cotton Fabric Bundle Two Metres
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100