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Poplin Print Chicken Mustard Blue Turquoise Beige Cotton Floral Dress Fabrics Group F65E11D5 43B8 41E9 84E2 0Ef5Fb511C7D

Animal & Character Fabric

From chickens and bees to dinosaurs, penguins, and dogs, this collection brings together our best illustrated animal prints on cotton poplin, canvas, and poly/cotton. Whether you're making children's clothes, a quirky tote bag, or just something that makes people smile, you'll find a print here. Sold by the metre or half metre depending on the fabric, with free samples available on most.

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Illustrated animal prints sit in a category of their own in dressmaking. They're not novelty fabric in the dismissive sense - a well-made poplin in a crisp chicken print or a bold bee design is genuinely lovely to work with and produces garments that get noticed and remembered. The difference between a print that looks considered and one that looks cheap comes down mostly to the base fabric and the quality of the print registration, which is why fabric choice matters more here than people expect.

At Croft Mill, our animal print collection is built around cotton poplin and canvas, which give illustrated prints the structure they need to read clearly and hold their colour after washing. You'll find prints for every project and occasion, from the sweetly understated to the full-on joyful.

What to make with animal print fabric

Children's clothes are the natural home for illustrated animal prints, but they're not the only option. Poplin prints in chickens, dogs, ladybirds, or butterflies make excellent dresses, pinafore tops, dungarees, and children's shirts. The prints are detailed enough to be interesting but structured enough to cut and sew cleanly.

Dressmaking for adults works just as well. A chicken poplin blouse is a conversation piece without being overpowering. A bee print skirt or a dog-print shirt reads as confident and playful rather than costumey. The key is to keep the rest of the outfit plain and let the fabric be the point.

Crafts and accessories are where the range really opens up. Tote bags, pouches, patchwork, quilting, book covers, and fabric gifts all suit illustrated prints. Canvas prints in particular are robust enough for bags and home projects that will see regular use.

Seasonal and novelty prints

The range includes Christmas fabrics alongside the year-round animal prints, so you'll find festive options when planning ahead for the holiday season. These work beautifully for children's Christmas dresses, novelty gifts, advent calendars, and decorative home projects.

What is the main fabric type for these animal prints?

Most of the prints in this collection are on cotton poplin or canvas, with some on poly/cotton blends. Cotton poplin gives a smooth, crisp finish that shows printed designs clearly. Canvas is heavier and more structured, better suited to bags and home projects. Check the individual product pages for the exact fabric type and composition, as these vary across the range.

Are these fabrics suitable for children's clothing?

Yes, cotton poplin and poly/cotton are both well-suited to children's clothes. They're easy to cut and sew, hold their shape well, and wash reliably. For items worn close to the skin, particularly for young children, check whether the fabric carries an OEKO-TEX certification, which indicates it's been tested for harmful substances. This is noted on individual product pages where it applies.

How do I care for printed cotton fabrics?

Generally, wash at 30 or 40 degrees on a gentle cycle unless the fabric states otherwise, inside out where possible, to protect the printed surface. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners. Tumble dry on a low setting or air dry. Iron on the reverse side rather than directly onto the print. Most good-quality printed cottons handle regular washing well, but cooler temperatures help preserve colour vibrancy over time.

Do these prints work for quilting and patchwork?

Yes. Cotton poplin is one of the most popular quilting fabrics because it's stable, easy to press, and cuts accurately. Illustrated prints with a small-to-medium scale work particularly well in patchwork because the design reads clearly at a small piece size. Larger or more complex prints are better suited to feature panels or larger quilt blocks where the full pattern can be appreciated.

Can I order a sample before buying?

Yes. Most fabrics in this collection are available as a free sample so you can check the stripe scale, colour, handle, and weight before committing to a full cut. Use the "Order sample" button on the product page.

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