Free Fabric and Fibers Guide

Have you ever stood in a fabric store, feeling overwhelmed by the myriad of fabric types, textures, weaves, and finishes, unsure of what to choose for your next project? Or perhaps you've purchased a fabric but have no idea what to make with it?

I am thrilled to share my latest project, Glossary of Fabrics and Fibers, A Guide to Textiles for Sewing.

I wrote this guide to help you to better understand the behavioral attributes of fabrics and fibers. To deepen your understanding of the foundational characteristics and essential vocabulary of textiles. Additionally, I share some general guidelines and advice for needle selection, thread, stitch type and length, seam finish, pressing, handling and care.

With each page, you will gain insight into how different fibers react to wear and care, how weave affects drape, and why a particular finish might be used for some fabrics but not others.

This compilation is far more than a simple list of fabrics; it's a woven narrative that illuminates the world of textiles. Whether you're searching for the meaning of a specific term or casually browsing, you'll uncover the breadth and depth of textiles in all their forms—be they aesthetic, historic, geographic, scientific, economic, or technological.

This project began as a handout to give to the students that took my Fabric and Fibers class. Each time I sat down to write, I found that there was more to include. How can you describe fabric without knowing fiber, structure, and finish- and that’s before discussing even a single type of fabric! Now, it is more than a hundred pages!

I like to know why I’m doing something. It helps me to feel empowered and to make choices for myself . This is true in life, but also to my core values as a teacher. I want to honor where each student is and to provide them with the necessary context and connection to the purpose of the lesson. That’s a big part of this guide.

A Sneak Peek into the Guide

Are you curious about the intricacies of textile selection and the suitability for a given project? For instance, do you know which needle size and thread type are perfect for sewing with cotton jersey? Can you distinguish between plisse and seersucker, and do you understand how their differences might impact your project? Have you ever wondered about the ideal fabric and fiber choices for crisp, lasting pleats?

All this and more to share with you! From Acetate to Zibeline, over 100 pages of information about fabrics and fibers is yours to weave a new layer of knowledge into your sewing.

Click here to download