Choose Your Fabric According to Your Preferred Type
Each project requires a different fabric type. From soft and stretchy jersey material and natural types of silk to organic types of cotton fabric and lightweight types of canvas fabric, the right textile can make all the difference.
Choose your fabric by carefully researching its characteristics and uses, depending on your specific project, such as upholstery, clothing, accessories, or furnishings. These questions will help you determine which types of fabric will be right for you:
Keep in mind where you want to use it, the person you’re creating it for, the room and conditions, and what you want the finished result to be.
Choose the right fibre, weight, and construction from Contrado’s extensive list of fabric types: cotton, silk, satin, jersey, organic, synthetic, sustainable, canvas, and so much more. Ensure you always have the perfect textile for your project. If you want to see all 138 materials in Contrado's custom fabric collection, why not grab our Fabric Swatch Pack, or Test Prints?
Fabrics Categories
Fabric is made from fibres and there are three main categories that separate the types of fabrics based off the fibres used to manufacture the fabric.
1. Natural Fibres
Natural fibres are made from plants and include cotton, linen, silk, and wool. These fabrics are breathable, absorbent, and comfortable to wear. They are also environmentally friendly, as they are biodegradable and can be grown without the use of harsh chemicals.
2. Synthetic Fibres
Synthetic fibres are made from chemical compounds and include polyester, nylon, and acrylic. These fabrics are strong, durable, and easy to care for. They are also often less expensive than natural fibres.
3. Blend
Blended fabrics are made from a combination of natural and synthetic fibres. These fabrics offer the best of both worlds, combining the natural properties of natural fibres with the durability and easy care of synthetic fibres. Kinds of blended fabrics type include cotton-polyester, linen-rayon, and wool-acrylic.
Different Types of Fabrics with Names
There are many different types of fabrics available to choose from. When selecting fabrics, it is important to consider the properties of different types of fabrics, as well as their intended use and care requirements. We love fabrics and spend a lot of time selecting them for you.
Here is a list of some common types of fabrics your can buy here and their uses:
1. Cotton - versatile fabric commonly used for clothing, bedding, and home decor.
2. Linen - strong and durable fabric often used for tablecloths, napkins, and clothing.
3. Silk - luxurious fabric used for formal wear and decorative items.
4. Wool - warm fabric often used for winter clothing and blankets.
5. Polyester - a synthetic fabric commonly used for sportswear and outdoor clothing.
6. Satin - a smooth and shiny fabric used for formal wear, lingerie, and home decor.
7. Twill - a type of fabric with a diagonal pattern, often used for pants, jackets and workwear.
8. Velvet - a plush fabric with a short pile, used for clothing and furnishings.
9. Canvas- Canvas fabric is a heavy-duty, plain-woven cotton or cotton-polyester blend fabric that is known for its durability and strength.
10. Jersey- Jersey fabric is a knit fabric that is made from natural or synthetic fibres, such as cotton, wool, or polyester.
11. Viscose- Viscose fabric is a type of rayon, which is a man-made cellulosic fibre. It is made from wood pulp, primarily from trees such as pine and spruce, which is chemically processed to form a fibre that is similar in appearance and feel to cotton or silk.
12. Rayon - a synthetic fabric that is soft and absorbent, often used for clothing and home decor.
13. Neoprene - Neoprene fabric is a synthetic rubber material that is commonly used in a variety of applications such as wetsuits, laptop sleeves, and protective gear.
14. Lycra- Lycra is a brand name for a type of spandex, which is a synthetic elastane fibre.
15. Lace - a delicate fabric made from cotton, nylon or polyester, used for decoration and clothing.
16. Organza - a sheer, stiff fabric used for veils and evening wear.
17. Crepe - a lightweight fabric with a crinkled surface, often used for blouses and dresses.
18. Flannel - a soft, warm fabric often used for pyjamas and shirts.
Please note that this list does not include all types of fabrics and there are many other types of fabrics that exist and may have specific usage in specific industries.