Denim Fabric

For traditional jeans, most dressmakers choose a mid to heavy-weight denim. Denims around 8oz to 11oz are popular for everyday jeans, offering durability without being overly stiff. Heavier denims are often used for more structured jeans and jackets, while lighter-weight denims are better suited to dresses, shirts, skirts and summer trousers. The right choice depends on how much structure you want in the finished garment.

Although both fabrics are commonly made from cotton and often come in similar shades of blue, they are constructed differently. Denim is woven with a twill structure, creating the familiar diagonal lines that give it strength and durability. Chambray uses a plain weave, making it lighter, softer and more fluid. As a result, chambray is often chosen for shirts, blouses and lightweight dresses, while denim is better suited to jeans, skirts, jackets and trousers.

In most cases, yes. Many home sewing machines will happily sew denim, particularly lighter and mid-weight qualities. For best results, we recommend using a denim or jeans needle and matching the needle size to the weight of the fabric. If you're working with heavier denim or multiple layers, sewing more slowly and taking extra care over bulky seams can make the job much easier.

Some denim fabrics can shrink during their first wash, particularly 100% cotton denims and untreated denims. We recommend pre-washing your fabric before cutting out your project using the same washing method you intend to use for the finished garment. This helps avoid any unwanted surprises once your sewing is complete.