Hey friends! This is Bree here to chat with you about the amazing solids offered here at Northern Fabric Shop!
COTTON FRENCH TERRY
If I had to pick only one fabric base to sew with for the rest of time, it would be cotton french terry!
History
Cotton French terry is identified by its characteristic loops on the back or "wrong" side. It is an absorbent, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric that is super comfortable to wear any day of the year. It's heavier than cotton lycra, yet lighter than most fleece fabrics. Can you believe it has been around since the 80’s!? Many believe that the rise in popularity of this fabric is due to the sweatsuit trend of the 90's led by celebrities like JLo and by brands like Juicy Couture!
Personal Experience
Cotton French Terry (also referred to a FT or CFT) is one of my absolute favourite bases to work with! It is my go-to fabric to use for shorts for both my kids and myself! I also prefer FT over fleece for sweaters because I overheat easily, but somehow am also always cold – I have found FT to be the perfect fabric for me! It has medium weight with good breathability.
Durability
French Terry is one of the best fabrics for long-lasting durability and is commonly used for sports wear due to its moisture-wicking, and absorbent properties – helping to keep you cool!
Care
Regular wash and dry cycles are fine! Avoiding washing knits with denim or towels as these are abrasive fabrics and can cause premature wear.
Ideal Projects
Hoodies, pulllovers, cardigans, joggers, shorts, almost any garment!
To Avoid
Personally I find this fabric too heavy for a tshirt or tank, but I’ve seen others use it many times before so I think this is just a personal preference thing for me!
SOFTSHELL
The perfect fabric for practical outerwear here in Canada!
History
Softshell has a water-repellant outer layer laminated to an inner layer of fleece, allowing this functional fabric to be water resistant while offering additional insulation. In fact, softshell was specifically designed to allow moisture to be released, which in turn allows the regulation of body temperature. Softshell is the ultimate fabric for lightweight jackets suitable for our crazy Canadian weather!
Personal Experience
I have made a jacket for every member of my family with this stuff! The weather here can remain chilly well into the spring and picks back up again in the early fall so these jackets will get PLENTY of wear! The added water resistance is a much appreciated characteristic for longer outings with the kids!
Durability
Softshell fabrics are made from a combination of materials, which are woven together in three separate layers for both durability and comfort. Waterproof and stain resistant – this fabric will continue looking great for years to come!
Care
Wash cold, hang to dry. If you need to iron, use a low setting and a pressing cloth, on the outer side of the fabric (not the fleece side!)
Ideal Projects
Lightweight jackets, vests, overall work pants, mitts, slippers, bootie covers, hats, dog coats, horse blankets, and more!
To Avoid
Given that this is a woven fabric you will want to be sure to use an appropriate pattern, or adjust the pattern accordingly.
DOUBLE GAUZE
The most ideal fabric for flowy, dreamy summer dresses!
History
Originally produced in Japan, Double Gauze is a lightweight fabric usually made from 100% cotton, and is basically two layers of thin woven fabric that has been basted together. The result is a very lightweight material with tiny air pockets throughout making it very breathable. Double gauze is often referred to as “muslin”, however, muslin is made from only a single layer of loose-weave fabric.
Personal Experience
I prefer to embrace all of the natural wrinkles and crinkles that this fabric has and not iron it at all. I find that it has such a classy and modern look and feel to it!
Durability
Double gauze, like many wovens, will fray, so it is recommended to finish your seams with a serger or zigzag stitch so that your seams don’t come undone. It is a more fragile fabric so I wouldn’t recommend using it to make play pants for your toddler with, but it will last for years if cared for appropriately.
Care
This fabric does shrink quite a bit during washing and becomes even more textured, so it is important to pre-wash this fabric before cutting. This fabric also becomes softer over time with washing, truly making it the ideal fabric for baby items.
Ideal Projects
Baby blankets, flowy dresses and tops, shorts, capris
To Avoid
This fabric is very lightweight so it won’t provide much warmth – this is not the fabric you are looking for if you are looking for something to keep you warm!
And that's a wrap on the solids currently offered here at NFS! The quality is truly unmatched! Be sure to keep an eye out for some high quality, luxurious cotton lycra solids coming in the near future!! If you've made it this far - thank you! Here's a discount code for a free half meter when you buy 3! "BlogSolids" is the code to use! Valid for the solids only. Expires on the 15th at midnight!
Thanks again for hanging out with me and getting to know the fabrics available at Northern Fabric Shop!
- xo Bree
https://northernfabricshop.com/?ref=gINCCCF6qm4dv (affiliate link)