General Sewing & Fabric Guides

When it comes to decorations for special events, it's the details that make it memorable. We have a great selection of decorative sheets, chair sashes, table runners, overlays, and more. These products are great for weddings or other parties that need that memorable decorative touch. Go for a rustic look with jute or linen, or choose lace for a more formal approach. All of our event décor is great for many special events.

Foam and padding are essential for upholstering cushions and chair seats. Foam can be formulated for indoor or outdoor use, comes in both high and medium density, a multitude of sizes, and various grades ranging from automotive and marine to acoustic foam for soundproofing. Shop our full selection of foam and padding here. Read on for more detailed information about the types of foam we offer.

Are you looking for… Upholstery vinyl? Utility vinyl? Clear vinyl? Leather hides? We've got all that and more!

There are a range of different tools you can use to mark fabric while making a project. We have a great selection of pencils, chalk, markers, and more that cover all your fabric marking needs. Most are water soluble, and some can be brushed off after cutting the fabric. A dual tipped marking pen has 2 sides, the disappearing ink side is air and water soluble, so the marks will disappear eventually no matter what. The Mark-B-Gone side is water soluble and will not dissolve as quickly.

Natural burlap is a 100% jute fabric that can be used for craft and home decorating projects like tote bags and window treatments as well as for gardening purposes like weather protection for trees and shrubs. Burlap should be hand washed with cold water and a small amount of gentle detergent. Do not leave in water to soak. Rinse the fabric well and leave it to dry flat between two towels. For more information on natural burlap and other types of burlap, see our Burlap Fabric Product Guide.

Belgian linen is made of 100% linen. It can come in different colors and patterns for a more decorative look. Belgian linen can be used for home decor in things like bedding, throw pillows, upholstery, and more. It comes in different weights, the lighter weight linen drapes more easily and the heavier linen is sturdier. There are also other linen fabrics available like Irish linen, metallic linen, chambray linen, and more.

Whether you're looking to protect your furniture, create waterproof coverings, or add a touch of transparency to your craft projects, clear vinyl is a versatile material that can meet a wide range of needs. In this guide, we'll provide you with valuable information about the clear vinyl fabric, including its various gauges and common applications. Clear vinyl is a durable material that comes in many thicknesses. With clear vinyl, the higher the gauge, the thicker it is. 60 gauge is thick at 0.

Canvas, also known as cotton duck, comes in a variety of weights. Sometimes it's measured in ounces, or it can be given a number that represents the weight. Numbered ducks are double fill ducks which makes them very durable. They are often used for more heavy duty applications, like tents, tarps, heavy work clothes, drop cloths, and artist's canvases. If a canvas just has a weight and not a number, that means it's a lighter weight single fill duck, which are popular for bags, crafts, slipcovers, liners, jackets, and much more.

Cotton, polypropylene, and nylon webbing are used in many wide ranging applications. They're used for accessories like belts and bag straps, for pet collars and leashes, for sporting goods and outdoor gear, and in transportation for tie downs and cargo straps. It's commonly 1" or 1 ¼" in widths and comes in various colors. Cotton webbing is soft to the touch, making it great for apparel and accessories. Our selection of cotton webbing includes a range of colors in 1 or 1 and 1/4 inch widths.

Velvet is a luxurious fabric used in both apparel and décor. Since velvet was a complicated and expensive fabric to make before industrial looms, it's associated with royalty and luxury. Velvet that is used for apparel is lightweight, soft, and plush with a lustrous sheen and nice drape. Apparel velvets include stretch velvet, classic velvet, triple velvet, and panne velvet. Upholstery velvets are thicker and have a stiff backing, so they won't drape as well.

Gingham fabric is instantly recognizable for its classic checkered pattern, which features even-sized squares in two alternating colors. The pattern can be seen in various color combinations, such as traditional red and white, blue and white, black and white, and more. The checks come in a variety of sizes ranging from 1/6th of an inch to 1 full inch. Originally, when it was imported into Europe in the 17th century, it was a striped pattern. Somewhere along the line in the 18th century, mills in Manchester, England incorporated checks and plaids.

Muslin is a versatile, 100% cotton cloth with a plain weave. Bleached muslin is white, and unbleached muslin has a beige color with natural characteristics. Muslin comes in different widths, thread counts, and weights measured in ounces. Generally the higher the thread count, the better the quality, and the lighter the weight, the easier it drapes.

Velcro® sticks two sides together for a secure hold. The word "Velcro" is a combination of "velvet" and "crochet". The two sides of Velcro® are called the hook and the loop, the loop is the soft and fuzzy side, and the hook is the hard and rough-textured side. It comes in different widths and lengths and can either be sew-on and adhesive. It's important to note that the hook and loop sides of Velcro are each sold separately.

Cotton scrim is 100% cotton and looks and feels like gauze. It's lightweight, strong, absorbent, doesn't attract lint, and has a loose weave similar to cheesecloth. It's commonly used behind the scenes in theater and film productions for special effects, costumes, and set decorations. Scrim can also be used for décor like curtains or wedding decoration, it drapes nicely and has a light, airy look. It is 60″ in width and comes in both white and natural.

Shopping bags can save you from stock piles of plastic grocery bags and are big enough for all the items you gather when you're out and about. The outside has a rough texture and the insides are laminated with a clear PVC coating to make them water resistant. With a variety of sizes to choose from, there's a perfect bag for every errand. These shopping bags are available in 100% jute with cotton handles, or a 50/50 blend of jute and cotton. These bags are also popular for gift bags, welcome bags, and favor bags.

Noseeum mosquito netting keeps unwelcome insects outside where they belong. This transparent netting is 100% nylon and has an extra fine gauge to keep out the smallest of insects. It also keeps heat enclosed better than a larger gauge. Noseeum netting is strong and doesn't tear easily, making it great for tents, canopies over beds, and lightweight drawstring bags. It's available in white and black.

Polypropylene bags are 100% polypropylene and can either be mesh or woven. We sell the bags individually, so you can buy what you need with no minimum order. These bags are not waterproof and non-biodegradable. For larger heavy duty loads, you can try flexible intermediate bulk container bags.

FIBC (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container) bags are made from a thick, woven polypropylene with a UV treated finish. They can hold 2,000 to 3,000 pounds and fit over 1 cubic yard of volume, depending on the size. The dimensions and weight specifications vary so you can find the specs on the individual pages of each of our FIBC bulk bags. These flexible bulk bags are designed for storing and transporting goods such as sand, fertilizer, granules of plastic, and other industrial products. Keep in mind that they're not waterproof.

PVC-coated polyester is 100% polyester with a smooth poly-vinyl chloride coating on the back and a subtle texture on the front. It can be used for things like luggage, bags, cases, and protective coverings. This polyester is waterproof and does not fray, rip, or tear, making it strong and durable for all types of applications. It comes in different colors, prints, and weights ranging from 5. 5 to 10.

Jute erosion control cloth is a strong, biodegradable geotextile. Its practical uses include stabilizing slopes and controlling soil erosion from water and wind. It can also be used to control the growth of new grass by laying it on top of the seeds and soil. This 100% jute product, otherwise known as JGT (Jute Geotextile), provides a simple, economical, and effective alternative to many other methods of erosion control. Though primarily used for the practical purpose of erosion control and slope stabilization, erosion cloth can be used for alternative or decorative purposes.

Oilcloth is a much-loved fabric because of its durability and ease of cleaning, as well as its bright and cheery colors and patterns. It's available in a variety of prints and solids. Oilcloth is often associated with retro, classic, and novelty patterns. It doesn't fray when cut, so hems aren't required. It's waterproof with a shiny and smooth surface that can be easily wiped clean.

Mostly used for agriculture, landscaping, and everything DIY, burlap bags can carry almost anything you can fit in them. Most of them are plain, but they can also come with a printed design. Some printed bags are used bags that may still have the odor of what they originally contained, while other printed bags are reproductions. You can also find hydrocarbon free burlap bags which have been treated with a vegetable oil base to remove burlap's strong natural odor as well as the oils found in the jute. Our burlap bags are available in different sizes.

Burlap fabric has a wide range of uses, from utilitarian to decorative. If you're using it for agriculture, landscaping, or other utilitarian uses, inexpensive natural burlap is the best choice. If you're using burlap for more decorative purposes, try out more refined Shalimar and Sultana color burlaps that are dyed, finished, and sanitized to remove natural oils and odor. They have a more consistent look and feel, and they also come in a wide range of colors. Both the natural and color burlaps come in different weights ranging from 5 to 11 oz.

Cheesecloth is more than just a kitchen staple. From culinary delights to creative crafts, this plain woven cotton fabric is your go-to solution. Explore the world of cheesecloth with us and find the perfect grade for your next project.

Buckram is a stiff supporting fabric used to make drapery headers, hats, purses, and totes. Traditionally, buckram is a loosely woven cotton fabric that is covered in resin and starch. To form the buckram into shape, it can moistened with water, and then fastened into place until dried, allowing it to harden and form a base for cloth.

Poplin fabric is a versatile plain weave apparel fabric. With a similar resemblance to broadcloth, poplin comes in a 100% polyester variety or a poly cotton blend. Poplin is a wrinkle-free and breathable fabric. It comes in a variety of colors and has a nice drape with very little stretch in any direction.

Habutae, also known as habotai or China Silk, is an affordable, lightweight fabric that drapes well and can be used for both casual and formal applications. It has a nice luster but isn't as shiny as satin making it a great option for photography backdrops. Most often, habutae is used in apparel as a lining or at special events as draperies, table skirts, and chair ties.

Cotton gauze fabric, sometimes referred to as baby muslin, is thin and translucent with a loose, open weave. This 100% cotton fabric is light and breathable which makes it great for baby wraps or blankets and comfortable lightweight clothing. Check out our selection of cotton gauze fabric for your next apparel project! This crinkly-textured material has a soft hand and supple drape, so it's also a good choice for airy semi-sheer curtains. Scrim and cheesecloth, which both have a looser weave, are also sometimes called gauze.

Tulle is a lightweight and sheer material that is great for decorations, like table skirts, draping, and chair sashes. It can also be used for prom dresses, bridal veils and wedding gowns. Tulle does not fray so it is great for no sew projects. Tulle is also popular for fashion apparel, such as dresses, over skirts, and tutus. One of our favorite projects involving tulle though were some kitchen scrubbies that made really great gifts are were super fun to make.

Broadcloth is a plain weave fabric that is lightweight and incredibly versatile. With a similar resemblance to poplin, broadcloth comes in 100% cotton or a poly cotton blend, so there are endless possibilities in terms of uses. Broadcloth is only available in solid colors, but is similar enough in weight to quilting cotton prints to be interchangeable in most situations. Broadcloth comes in a variety of colors that will match most any project that you have in mind and certain colors come in extra wide 57" widths for larger scale projects. It has a nice drape and very little stretch in any direction.