Bouclé Fabric

Few fabrics do as much with as little effort as bouclé. The texture comes entirely from the yarn, which is looped or knotted as it's spun, so even a simple shape reads as finished and deliberate once it's made up. It's the cloth behind the classic collarless jacket made famous by Chanel, and it has stayed in fashion precisely because it flatters an easy silhouette.

The range here spans three quite different constructions. We hve some soft knitted bouclés that give and a relaxed drape, better suited to unstructured jackets and cardigans. Woven bouclés and tweeds that are more stable and hold a tailored line, and several of these blend wool with other fibres for a little more warmth. The luxury heavy bouclés are dense coating weights, from around 340gsm to 400gsm, made for structured coats. Cream and ivory are the classic bouclé shades, though the range runs to bolder colours too, and most cloth is 145cm to 170cm wide, so a little goes a long way.

Choosing a bouclé for your project

For coats and structured jackets, the heavier woven and coating bouclés hold their shape and press into a clean line. For a softer, relaxed jacket or a coatigan, the knitted bouclés drape more and forgive a looser fit. For skirts and lighter layers, the mid-weight knits work well without overwhelming the pattern. Check the individual product page for fibre content, weight and width, as these vary across the range.

Sewing with bouclé

Bouclé's loose, textured weave frays and can pull at the edges, so it's worth stabilising before you cut. Overlocking or zig-zagging the raw edges, or backing the pieces with a light fusible interfacing, keeps everything under control and stops the seams stretching. A walking foot or roller foot helps feed the thicker knits evenly, and pressing gently with a cloth protects the texture, as too much heat can flatten the loops. A smooth lining, such as an anti-static Bemberg or acetate, makes a bouclé jacket far more comfortable to wear and easier to slip on and off. Always follow the care guidance on the individual product page, as this varies by fibre.