If you’re new to sewing, you might not know that different fabrics require different sewing needles, stitch lengths, and finishing. Read on to learn about seven popular fabric types and how to work with each one.

Cotton:

Cotton is a versatile, lightweight fabric that is easy to sew with. It’s a good choice for beginners because it’s inexpensive and easy to work with. Cotton also comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, but keep in mind that it doesn’t stretch so it’s not great for certain types of garments that require stretch.

Linen:

Linen is a natural fabric that is durable and easy to sew. It can be a bit stiff at first, but it becomes softer with use and washing. Linen is also fairly thin and prone to fraying so be sure to finish your edges with a serger or zigzag stitch.

Silk:

Silk is a luxurious, lightweight fabric that can be difficult to work with because it is slippery and can easily fray. To sew with silk, it’s important to use a smaller needle and to handle the fabric gently.

Pro tip: use clips instead of pins to hold your silk in place so you don’t have tiny holes in your finished garment.

Wool:

Wool is a heavy, warm fabric that can be challenging to sew with because it can stretch and shrink. To sew with wool, it’s important to use a larger needle and to stabilize the fabric with interfacing or fusible webbing.

Denim:

Denim is a sturdy, durable fabric that can be difficult to sew with because it is thick and has a tendency to bunch up under the presser foot of the sewing machine. To sew with denim, it’s important to use a denim needle and to take it slow to ensure that the fabric doesn’t get stuck.

Leather:

Leather is a strong, durable fabric that can be difficult to sew with because it is thick and has a tendency to bunch up under the presser foot of the sewing machine. To sew with leather, it’s important to use a leather needle and to use a longer stitch since the fabric is thick.

Synthetic fabrics:

Synthetic fabrics, such as polyester and nylon, are easy to sew with because they are smooth and don’t fray. They are also resistant to wrinkling, making them a good choice for garments that need to maintain their shape.

I hope these tips are helpful! Remember to always test your stitches on a scrap piece of fabric before sewing on your project, and to use the correct needle for the fabric you are working with.