A Guide to Poplin Cotton Fabrics

Whether you’re sewing your first blouse or planning a stack of shirts, cotton poplin is a name you’ll come across again and again, and for good reason. It’s crisp yet soft, holds its shape and takes prints beautifully. Here at Croft Mill, we think of it as a bit of an unsung hero: dependable, versatile and always up for a challenge.

In this updated guide, we’ll take a closer look at what makes cotton poplin such a brilliant choice; from how it’s made, to what to sew with it and the wide range of styles we stock. Whether you’re new to sewing or just want a reminder of why this fabric deserves a spot in your stash, we’ve got you covered.

What is cotton poplin?

Cotton poplin is a plain weave fabric with a closely packed surface and a smooth handle. If you look closely, you’ll spot fine horizontal ribs - these are created during the weaving process by using finer warp threads and thicker weft threads. The result is a fabric that feels soft and cool to the touch, but still has enough body to hold shape without being stiff.

It’s also sometimes referred to as tabbinet (an older term), and has roots going back to Avignon in France. The word ‘poplin’ is thought to have originated from ‘papelino’ in reference to the papal residence there. Whatever you call it, it’s stood the test of time as a go-to material for dressmakers.

What makes poplin a favourite?

Poplin is one of those fabrics that works with you, not against you. It’s strong and stable, easy to cut and sew, and it presses beautifully. You’re unlikely to find it slipping off your machine or fraying excessively, which makes it especially helpful for newer stitchers; and equally appreciated by the more experienced.

Some of its key features include:

• Crisp finish that holds shape and structure

• Lightweight feel without being too floaty

• Smooth surface, ideal for crisp seams and topstitching

• Easy to wash and care for

• Takes prints really well, holding colour and detail beautifully

And unlike many other cottons, poplin often has a very slight sheen, which adds a lovely finish to your makes.

What can you make with cotton poplin?

Because it’s structured but not bulky, cotton poplin lends itself to all sorts of garments and craft projects. It’s particularly well suited to:

• Shirts and shirt dresses

• Summer dresses and skirts

• Pyjamas and lightweight trousers

• Children's clothing

• Blouses with gathers or collars

We’ve even seen customers use it for lightweight bags, simple Roman blinds, and fabric storage boxes. Its strength and shape-holding quality make it surprisingly versatile.

Cotton poplin at Croft Mill

We’ve built up a brilliant selection of cotton poplins over the years, and it’s one of the largest ranges we stock. From crisp plains to whimsical florals, bold animal prints to nostalgic children’s designs, there’s a style here for every project and personality.

Here’s a quick tour through some of our most popular categories:

Plain cotton poplins

The foundation of many makes – ideal for contrast collars, linings, or minimalist garments. We stock over 50 plain shades, from soft neutrals to vivid brights.

Printed cotton poplins

Print lovers rejoice – our printed poplins cover everything from geometric patterns to painterly botanicals, retro designs to modern monochrome. These are ideal for summer wear or adding a playful edge to craft projects.

Floral cotton poplins

From ditsy prints to statement blooms, our floral cotton poplins are firm customer favourites. They work beautifully as dresses, tops, and even face coverings or hair accessories.

Children’s cotton poplins

Dinosaurs, pirates, woodland creatures and more – our kid-friendly poplins are great for clothes, book bags, and decorating playrooms. We’re always on the lookout for designs that are fun, soft, and washable.

Animal and novelty prints

For those who like a little humour or character in their sewing – think sheep, cats, insects, tropical birds, and even the occasional unicorn.

Final thoughts

Cotton poplin is one of those fabrics you’ll return to time and time again. It’s no surprise to us that so many of our customers swear by it - whether they’re making a first dress or sewing school uniforms, updating their summer wardrobe or creating cheerful soft furnishings.

With over 340 cotton poplins in stock - and new prints arriving regularly - there’s always something fresh to discover. Starting from just £5.25 per metre, they’re budget-friendly too.

If it’s been a while since you last worked with poplin, consider this your nudge to give it another go. You might just fall back in love with it.

Explore the full cotton poplin range on our website, and don’t forget to tag us in your makes, we love to see what you create!

The Croft Mill team x