15 Types of Lightweight Fabric and What to Sew With Them
Lightweight fabrics are used for a variety of projects, including warm-weather clothing, linings, accessories (such as scarves), and even some delicate home decor (such as. curtains). Different types of lightweight materials have unique characteristics that make them suitable for different applications, so you need to do a little research and testing when choosing the best lightweight fabric for your intended purposes.
When choosing a lightweight fabric for your sewing project, it’s important to consider the drape, texture, and intended use of the finished item. Fabrics like crepe and chiffon are excellent for flowing dresses and scarves, while lightweight cottons can be used for more structured, casual tops and children’s clothing.
Understanding the properties of these materials will help you make informed decisions, ensuring that you pick the right type of fabric for the right projects. Whether you’re a seasoned sewist or a beginner, exploring the world of lightweight fabrics opens up so many creative possibilities.
Challis
Challis is a loose-weave, lightweight fabric that is mostly matte, and it’s known for having an airy, flowing drape, which makes it a favorite for clothing that requires a gentle, natural fall.
- Challis can be used for lightweight and flowy dresses and blouses, lightweight summer pants, or lightweight scarves
Charmeuse
Charmeuse is a type of silky, satin fabric. It is known for having a sheen or shine on the front face of the fabric while being matte on the back. Charmeuse is known for having a classy look to it that doesn’t cling to the body, but still maintains a lovely, flowy drape.
- Charmeuse can be used for elegant cocktail dresses, nice blouses, lingerie, pajamas, accessories (such as men’s ties), and some high end bedding.
Chiffon
Chiffon is a lightweight, sheer fabric with a fluid drape and a slightly grainy texture. You’ve probably seen this fabric used on bridesmaid dresses as the outer layer of fabric that gives the dress an ethereal, airy look.
- Chiffon can be used as an overlay for skirts and dresses (especially bridal-wear), It can also be used for lingerie, breeze blouses and cardigans, and lightweight accessories.
Crepe de Chine
Crepe de chine is a type of lightweight crepe that is known for its flowy almost fluid-like drape. Like other types of crepe fabric, crepe de chine has a somewhat rough, pebbled texture on the surface. It’s a type of fabric that can give that swishy motion when twirling in a skirt.
- Crepe de Chine can be used for elegant and airy skirts and dresses, blouses, and scarves
Gauze
Gauze is a sheer and lightweight fabric typically made from cotton. It is characterized by its loose weave, which allows for breathability and makes it ideal for summer clothing. When making apparel, you’re more likely to use a material called double gauze rather than single-layer gauze. for added strength and opacity.
- Gauze can be used for lightweight summer shirts, skirts and dresses, as well as lightweight curtains and medical dressings.
Georgette
Georgette is a lightweight, semi-sheer fabric with a grainy feel. It is known for being surprisingly strong and tear-resistant and is easily dyed into any color or pattern. Georgette fabric is an excellent choice for draping and creating full, flowy garments.
- Georgette can be used for flowy dresses, shirts and skirts. You can also use it for lightweight curtains, scarves, and bridal-wear
Jersey
Jersey is a category of knit fabrics that is known for being fairly lightweight while also having a flowy drape. It also tends to be quite stretchy, especially across the width. Jersey is one of the most common types of fabric that is used in casual garments, and it’s probably the most comfortable (in my own humble opinion).
- Jersey can be used for almost any type of sewing project from flowing skirts to T-shirts.
Lawn
Lawn fabric is a lightweight and fine cotton fabric, known for having a softer and less structured drape than other types of cotton fabric (but still more structured than many of the other materials on this list). It will also often feature fun prints or embroidery.
- Lawn is often used for used for breezy summer blouses, dresses and skirts, or delicate home decor, such as curtains and tablecloths.
Lightweight Linen
Linen is a fiber that can be used to make many different types of fabric, however lightweight linens generally have a soft drape with a rugged, natural texture. Linen is a durable and extremely breathable material, making it great for summer clothing that needs to stand up to some wear and tear.
- Lightweight linen can be used for lightweight skirts, dresses, blouses, summer shorts, and pants, as well as breathable summer suits. Linen is also used for bedding, tablecloths, and curtains.
Organza
Organza is a sheer fabric with a very stiff drape. It is great for creating sheer, full-bodied ruffles on dresses and gowns to add volume and style. It is a rather delicate fabric, easily ripping or running. Organza is not a type of fabric that’s typically used in everyday clothing.
- Organza can be used for outer layers on multi-tiered skirts, full-bodied ruffles, voluminous sleeves, costumes, tutus, and wedding dresses
Lightweight Rayon
If the rayon you’re purchasing is just called rayon (with no other explanation for the type of fabric), it’s usually referring to a fabric that is similar to a lightweight cotton, but with a much flowier drape that makes it quite flattering in a lot of different styles. Overall, the fabric is a bit delicate and it can rip and tear more easily than a typical cotton fabric. However, it’s not nearly as delicate as high-end fibers, like silk.
- Lightweight rayon can be used for airy skirts, dresses, or lightweight shirts that have a flowy feel to them.
Shantung
Shantung is a type of silk fabric that has a crisper drape than many other varieties. It is known for the horizontal slubs that occur randomly throughout the fabric, giving the material a uniquely textured surface. Shantung is one of the thinnest types of silk, even though it is a completely opaque fabric.
- Shantung can be used for gowns and evening wear, wide skirts, high-end suits, vests, and structured shirts
Taffeta
Taffeta is a stiff, lightweight fabric that was historically used for large gowns because of how well it can hold its shape, especially when gathered. It has a lovely, subtle shine and smooth surface, while having just enough texture to not feel slick or grossly slippery.
- Chiffon can be used for evening wear, wedding gowns, linings, costuming
Tulle/Netting
Tulle is a type of netting fabric. The weave has small, but clearly visible gaps in it, making it look like mesh or a small net. Like other types of netting, tulle does not fray. Tulle is a sheer fabric and is generally not used as the main material for a garment. Instead, it’s used as an underlayer, an overlayer, or a decorative element.
- Tulle is used for making tutus, petticoats, skirt overlays, and other novelty items such as veils, fashion accessories, and costumes. Higher-end tulle is also used in wedding dresses and elegant evening wear.
Voile
Voile is a lightweight, semi-sheer fabric that has a somewhat crisp drape and fine texture that allows for breathability. This fabric is most often made using cotton, giving it a soft texture. Voile also manages to have an breezy, comfortable drape that makes it great for summer dresses and blouses.
- Voile fabric is most often used for lightweight curtains or for breezy summer dresses and skirts.
