Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Choosing fabric is one of the most exciting parts of any sewing project — and one of the most confusing for beginners. In this lesson from our Learn to Sew course, Heather Lou (founder of Closet Core Patterns) breaks down everything you need to know before you buy a single yard.
In this video, you'll learn:
- The difference between woven and knit fabrics — and why it matters for your projects
- Structured vs. drapey fabrics: how to tell them apart and when to use each
- Natural fibres (cotton, linen, silk, wool) vs. synthetics — and why most sewists skip polyester entirely
- Why linen, Tencel, and Rayon Challis are community favourites
- How to shop for fabric online and in stores with confidence
Whether you're just starting out or you've been frustrated by fabric choices in the past, this guide will help you walk into any fabric store (or open any online shop) and know exactly what you're looking for.
🧵 Want to go deeper? This is just one lesson from our full beginner sewing course, where you'll also learn how to use a sewing machine, read a sewing pattern, take your measurements, work with interfacing, and sew three beginner-friendly garments from scratch.
👉 Enroll in Learn to Sew: closetcorepatterns.com/products/learn-to-sew-clothing-online-sewing-class?variant=31646639325318
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CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction
0:04 Why fabric choice matters
1:23 Woven vs. knit fabrics explained
4:49 Structured vs. drapey wovens
7:25 Examples of drapey fabrics (silk, rayon, Tencel)
9:00 Examples of structured fabrics (cotton, denim, linen)
11:39 Natural vs. synthetic fibres
13:05 Why sewists love linen, Rayon Challis & Tencel
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Closet Core Patterns makes thoughtfully designed sewing patterns for the modern maker. Find our full pattern collection at closetcorepatterns.com
#SewingForBeginners #FabricGuide #LearnToSew #ClosetCorePatterns #BeginnerSewing #FabricTypes #SewingTips
Where to Find Us!
Closet Core Patterns
Blog – blog.closetcorepatterns.com
Instagram – instagram.com/closetcorepatterns
Pinterest – pinterest.ca/closetcorepatterns/_saved
Shop – closetcorepatterns.com
Our Sister Brand
Core Fabrics
Instagram – instagram.com/corefabrics
Shop – corefabricstore.com
Choosing fabric is one of the most exciting parts of any sewing project — and one of the most confusing for beginners. In this lesson from our Learn to Sew course, Heather Lou (founder of Closet Core Patterns) breaks down everything you need to know before you buy a single yard.
In this video, you'll learn:
- The difference between woven and knit fabrics — and why it matters for your projects
- Structured vs. drapey fabrics: how to tell them apart and when to use each
- Natural fibres (cotton, linen, silk, wool) vs. synthetics — and why most sewists skip polyester entirely
- Why linen, Tencel, and Rayon Challis are community favourites
- How to shop for fabric online and in stores with confidence
Whether you're just starting out or you've been frustrated by fabric choices in the past, this guide will help you walk into any fabric store (or open any online shop) and know exactly what you're looking for.
🧵 Want to go deeper? This is just one lesson from our full beginner sewing course, where you'll also learn how to use a sewing machine, read a sewing pattern, take your measurements, work with interfacing, and sew three beginner-friendly garments from scratch.
👉 Enroll in Learn to Sew: closetcorepatterns.com/products/learn-to-sew-clothing-online-sewing-class?variant=31646639325318
---
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction
0:04 Why fabric choice matters
1:23 Woven vs. knit fabrics explained
4:49 Structured vs. drapey wovens
7:25 Examples of drapey fabrics (silk, rayon, Tencel)
9:00 Examples of structured fabrics (cotton, denim, linen)
11:39 Natural vs. synthetic fibres
13:05 Why sewists love linen, Rayon Challis & Tencel
---
Closet Core Patterns makes thoughtfully designed sewing patterns for the modern maker. Find our full pattern collection at closetcorepatterns.com
#SewingForBeginners #FabricGuide #LearnToSew #ClosetCorePatterns #BeginnerSewing #FabricTypes #SewingTips
Where to Find Us!
Closet Core Patterns
Blog – blog.closetcorepatterns.com
Instagram – instagram.com/closetcorepatterns
Pinterest – pinterest.ca/closetcorepatterns/_saved
Shop – closetcorepatterns.com
Our Sister Brand
Core Fabrics
Instagram – instagram.com/corefabrics
Shop – corefabricstore.com
