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Dress Fabrics for Dressmaking

Dress Fabrics for Dressmaking

Explore our collection of dress fabrics, sourced from mills across the UK and Europe. From cotton lawn and linen to silk, Italian wool and viscose, each fabric is chosen for quality, drape and durability - ideal for dresses, blouses, tailoring and occasionwear.

Browse by fibre type to narrow your search, including linen dress fabrics, silk dress fabrics and wool dress fabrics. You can also shop by fabric type - crepe, satin, jersey or cotton poplin - to find the right material for your project.

Much of our range includes ex-designer and mill-end pieces, including Italian-made fabrics and deadstock finds alongside everyday staples. Whether you're sewing a wardrobe staple or something special, you'll find natural fibres, blends and statement prints all in one place.
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  • Made in Italy Fontayne Fontayne Wool Cashmere Black Lightweight Italian Coating Fabric Fold

    Fontayne

    152cm wide, deadstock coating in black with a soft brushed finish. Made from 80% wool and 20% cashmere.

    £55.00 per metre
  • + More colours Oliver Viscose Twill - Black Oliver Viscose Twill Black Plain Fine Lightweight Dress Woven Fabric

    Oliver Viscose Twill - Black

    150cm wide, 100% viscose twill fabric in black. Perfect for dresses, skirts, tops, & trousers.

    £11.00 per metre
  • Made in Italy Doppio Doppio Inwool Viscose Stretch Knit Polyamide Sports Fabric Roll

    Doppio

    158cm wide, viscose/nylon double knit lightweight scuba fabric in black/dark navy. Woven in Italy.

    £22.00 per metre
  • + More colours Gardinia - Black Gardinia Black Plain Lightweight Dressmaking Fabric Viscose Crepe Black Cu2

    Gardinia - Black

    140cm wide soft†viscose crepe fabric perfect for a summer dress or trouser and top combo. It is breathable and comfortable to wear.

    (1)
    £8.50 per metre
  • Made in Italy Italian Guipure Lace - Black Italian Guipure Lace Black Floral Viscose Polyester Ex Designer Deadstock Structured Dress Fabric Face

    Italian Guipure Lace - Black

    129cm wide, Italian ex-designer floral guipure lace fabric in black. Beautiful for a special occasion.

    £30.00 per metre
  • Made in Italy Formality Formality Cotton Elastane Black Suiting Woven Fabric Roll

    Formality

    135cm wide black Italian suiting. Cotton and elastane yarn. Woven fabric with comfort stretch.

    £19.00 per metre
  • Made in Italy Dense But Nice Dense But Nice Wool Stretch Black Italian Suiting Fabric Roll

    Dense But Nice

    140cm wide, black wool coating fabric, lightweight yet densely woven, with a soft luxurious finish.

    £36.00 per metre
  • + More colours Lora - Faux Fur - Black Lora Faux Fur Black Polyester Soft Stripe Coating Fabric

    Lora - Faux Fur - Black

    160cm wide, black faux fur fabric, 100% polyester, 408gsm, with a braided cable knit design.

    £19.00 per metre
  • + More colours Foil Quilting - Black Foil Quilting Black Polyester Wadded Diamond Coating Fabric

    Foil Quilting - Black

    135cm wide, black polyester foil quilting fabric, 260gsm, with a shiny diamond-stitched design.

    £22.50 per metre
  • + More colours Striped Viscose Linen Slub - Black Striped Viscose Linen Slub Black Pinstripe Polyester Fine Shirting Fabric Fold

    Striped Viscose Linen Slub - Black

    131cm wide, 78% viscose, 20% linen & 2% polyester slub fabric in black with white pinstripes.

    £15.00 per metre
  • Pima Cotton Lawn - Pollyanna Pima Cotton Lawn In The Dark Black Floral Multicoloured Design Fine Cotton Lawn Dress Shirting Fabric Close Up Fabric Photo

    Pima Cotton Lawn - Pollyanna

    Black Pima cotton lawn, 140cm wide. Red & cobalt floral woven yarn. Smooth, superfine fabric.

    £15.50 per metre
  • + More colours Zig Zag Quilting - Black Zig Zag Quilting Black Polyamide Wadded Coating Fabric

    Zig Zag Quilting - Black

    Black zig zag quilted nylon fabric, 135cm wide with lightweight insulation and durable structure.

    £21.50 per metre
  • + More colours Sheeting - Polycotton Black 238cm Wide Polycotton Sheeting Fabric Plain Black

    Sheeting - Polycotton Black

    238cm wide 50% polyester and 50% cotton in black. Perfect for bed sheets, crafts and clothing. Easy care, anti-crease, comfortable, and breathable.

    £6.96 per metre
  • + More colours Poplin Print - Meadow - Red Poplin Print Meadow Red Floral Cotton Poplin

    Poplin Print - Meadow - Red

    Red floral cotton poplin dress fabric on black, 112cm wide woven fabric for crafts and clothing.

    £8.00 per metre
  • All Walks Of Life

    All Walks Of Life

    Black 142cm suiting fabric with abstract textured finish, stretch woven fabric for tailoring wear.

    £15.00 per metre
  • Sporty Sporty Nylon Spandex Black Stretch Fabric Roll

    Sporty

    142cm wide black textured stretch fabric, 88% nylon, 12% spandex. Light but tight.

    £12.76 per metre
  • Blackout

    Blackout

    153cm black cotton poplin shirting fabric, lightweight woven fabric for shirts and dresses.

    £9.50 per metre
  • Made in Britain+ More colours Sackcloth And Ashes - Black Sackcloth And Ashes Black Wool Woven Suiting Fabric Fold

    Sackcloth And Ashes - Black

    158cm wide, fine sack weave wool suiting in black with a subtle textured finish. Woven in Britain.

    £29.00 per metre
  • Pima Cotton Lawn - Shan Black Pima Cotton Lawn Shan Black Dress Fabric Hang

    Pima Cotton Lawn - Shan Black

    140cm black Pima cotton lawn fabric with ivory red fan print, lightweight luxury woven fabric.

    £15.50 per metre
  • + More colours Corin - Fur Backed Faux Leather - Black Corin Fur Backed Faux Leather Black Polyester Coating Fabric Roll

    Corin - Fur Backed Faux Leather - Black

    158cm wide, faux leather fabric in black with a plush fur backing for added warmth and comfort.

    £27.00 per metre
  • + More colours Bella Satin Stretch - Black Bella Satin Stretch Black Polyester Elastane Smooth Dressmaking Fabric Mannequin

    Bella Satin Stretch - Black

    Smooth black stretch satin with a glossy finish, 147cm wide and ideal for occasionwear.

    £14.50 per metre
  • Frills and Frocks Frills And Frocks Black Polyester Check Net Square Pattern Fabric Roll

    Frills and Frocks

    140cm wide, polyester black net fabric with a 5cm square crochet weave pattern and net fringing.

    (2)
    £19.00 per metre
  • Sequin Lace - Gatsby Sequin Lace Gatsby Polyester Black Silver Square Net Dress Fabric Roll

    Sequin Lace - Gatsby

    140cm wide, lightweight 100% polyester sequin lace in black with silver sequins on a net base.

    £17.00 per metre
  • Viscose Jersey - Zebrush Viscose Jersey Zebrush Zebra Print Black White Knit Jersey Fabric Fold
    30% off

    Viscose Jersey - Zebrush

    150cm wide, fine viscose jersey fabric in cream with a black abstract design. 235gsm.

    £8.40 per metre £12.00 per metre
  • + More colours Harmony Knits - Black Harmony Knits Black Viscose Polyester Polyamide Soft Knitted Jersey Fabric Cu 38C440A4 A582 4C2C 8053 97Ac7A25B437

    Harmony Knits - Black

    Our black knitted jersey fabric is 158cm wide, made from viscose, polyester and polyamide, ideal for soft jumpers!

    £17.00 per metre
  • + More colours Spider Web - Black Spider Web Black Nlyon Raschel Lace Dress Fabric B3

    Spider Web - Black

    Spider web netting in black for that is ideal for Halloween costumes & fancy dress & decoration's.

    £5.26 per metre
  • Italian Suede Backed Faux Leather Listen Carefully Black Polyamide Velvet Ribbed Leather Dress Fabric Roll

    Italian Suede Backed Faux Leather

    148cm wide, Italian faux leather with suede backing in black. 245gsm, soft with a hint of stretch.

    £18.00 per metre
  • Jackson Jersey Jackson Jersey Black Polyester Elastane Stretch Pattern Abstract Knit Fabric Fold

    Jackson Jersey

    145cm wide, black polyester jersey with dark grey embossed shine. Soft, stable and easy to sew.

    £11.76 per metre
  • Made in Britain Dry Finish Tin Cloth - Black Dry Finish Tin Cloth Black Water Resistant British Coating Fabric Fold

    Dry Finish Tin Cloth - Black

    152cm black tin cloth, waxed cotton, 11oz water resistant fabric for jackets, bags and aprons.

    (1)
    £18.50 per metre
  • Made in Italy+ More colours Night Rider - Black Night Rider Black Wool Italian Fine Suiting Fabric Roll

    Night Rider - Black

    153cm wide, lightweight 100% wool suiting fabric in black. Made in Italy with a soft handle.

    £35.00 per metre
  • + More colours Lona Crepe - Black Lona Crepe Black Dressmaking Fabric Mannequin Drape
    Sold out

    Lona Crepe - Black

    Stretch crepe in black. Medium weight and versatile our double crepe works for dresses, top and jumpsuits

    £11.76 per metre
  • Jeanette Jeanette Black Cream Abstract Floral Viscose Dress Fabric Drape

    Jeanette

    150cm wide, viscose dress fabric featuring a cream floral print on a black ground, perfect for blouses and skirts!

    £10.50 per metre
  • + More colours Raye - Black Raye Black Fine Polyester Linen Look Dress Fabric Fols

    Raye - Black

    146cm wide, black polyester fabric that offers the look & feel of linen whilst being crease resistant.

    £11.26 per metre
  • + More colours Sewing Room - Ivy - Grey Sewing Room Ivy Black Dress Fabric Swirl

    Sewing Room - Ivy - Grey

    Superior quality cotton poplin in white with an ivy print in grey and black. 113cm wide.

    (1)
    £8.50 per metre
  • + More colours The Undertaker Two

    The Undertaker Two

    156cm wide, 100% wool flannel fabric with a fine twill weave in black, perfect for suiting.

    £30.00 per metre
  • + More colours Satin Viscose - Arizona Satin Viscose Arizona Floral Abstract Black Pink Woven Dress Fabric Mannequin

    Satin Viscose - Arizona

    148cm wide viscose satin dress fabric in with an abstract paisley print in psychedelic hues on a black ground.

    £14.50 per metre
  • + More colours Viscose Voile - Black Viscose Voile Black Plain Woven Fine Shirting Fabric

    Viscose Voile - Black

    143cm wide, viscose voile fabric in timeless black, beautifully soft & lightweight. Great for summer!

    £7.00 per metre
  • + More colours Printed Voile - Lotus - Neon Printed Voile Lotus Neon Floral Cotton Rayon Printed Dress Fabric Mannequin

    Printed Voile - Lotus - Neon

    Floral voile fabric, 150cm wide, with a multicoloured print on a black background.

    £11.50 per metre
  • + More colours Linton Dior - Ester Linton Dior Ester Pink Wool Deadstock Ex Designer Tweed Coating Fabric Roll

    Linton Dior - Ester

    Italian wool bouclé tweed with sage and plum houndstooth. Ex-designer deadstock.

    £45.00 per metre
  • Scuba Crepe - Black Scuba Crepe Black Polyester Elastane Plain Knitted Jersey Fabric Fold

    Scuba Crepe - Black

    145cm wide, polyester and elastane blend scuba crepe fabric in black, perfect for bodycon dresses.

    £14.50 per metre
  • Made in Italy Tracer Tracer Polyester Black Patterned Ex Designer Suiting Fabric Fold

    Tracer

    143cm wide, ex-designer polyester suiting fabric in black with a subtle metallic thread embroidery.

    £23.00 per metre
  • + More colours Sheen - Black Sheen Black Stretchy Knitted Jersey Black Dress Lining Close Up

    Sheen - Black

    Superb quality stretchy knitted dress fabric in black. Great for lining.

    £9.76 per metre
  • + More colours Ritual - Black Ritual Black Colour Ity Jersey Fabric John Kaldor Drape

    Ritual - Black

    Wonderful John Kaldor ITY jersey fabric. This is medium weight with a huge amount of stretch, this one comes in black.

    £10.50 per metre
  • Made in Italy Hidden Depths Hidden Depths Wool Polyamide Black Italian Coating Fabric Roll

    Hidden Depths

    At least 60in wide poly/wool/ acrylic, skirt/ heavy trouser fabric. Of a weight and hand to make you believe there is more wool in it than there is. This really is a fabulous cloth!

    £41.00 per metre
  • Georgina Slinky Jersey Dress Fabric Pink Black Floral Georgina Drape

    Georgina

    150cm wide bold pink and black floral polyester jersey fabric, with brilliant stretch. Ideal for unique dresses and tops.

    £8.50 per metre
  • Dew Drop Black Viscose Nylon Elastane Bengaline Fabric Dew Drop Twist

    Dew Drop

    145cm wide, bengaline fabric in black with black plastic rhinestone accents for a refined sparkle.

    £18.00 per metre
  • Sturdy Black - Heavy Suiting Sturdy Black Heavy Suiting Polyester Viscose Elastane Woven Suiting Fabric Fold

    Sturdy Black - Heavy Suiting

    65% polyester, 30% viscose and 5% elastane, heavy suiting fabric in black, this is perfect for bodycon dresses.

    £14.96 per metre

Choosing the right dress fabric

The right fabric depends on the garment you're making, the season, and how the finished piece should move. Lightweight fabrics like cotton lawn, voile and silk work well for summer dresses and floaty blouses. Mid-weight cottons, linen and viscose are reliable all-season choices for structured and relaxed styles alike. For tailored pieces and occasionwear, crepe, satin and wool suiting give the finish and body that lighter fabrics can't.

If you're working from a pattern, check the recommended fabric type and weight first. Most patterns list suitable fibres, and using the right weight makes fitting and construction much easier. When buying online, ordering a sample is always worthwhile - colour and handle can differ from what you see on screen.

At Croft Mill, much of our dress fabric range is ex-designer or mill-end stock sourced directly from textile mills in the UK, Italy and across Europe. That means quality that's difficult to find on the high street, often at a fraction of the original price.

What's the most popular fabric for making dresses?

Cotton and viscose are the most widely used dress fabrics for everyday makes. Cotton is easy to sew, available in a huge range of prints and weights, and comfortable to wear year-round. Viscose drapes beautifully and suits wrap dresses, shirt dresses and anything that needs movement. For special occasions, silk and satin are the go-to choices.

How much dress fabric do I need?

For a simple shift or tea dress, 2–2.5 metres is usually sufficient up to a size 16. Dresses with full skirts, pleats or long sleeves will need more - typically 3–4 metres. Always check your pattern's fabric requirements before buying, and allow a little extra for pattern matching or nap direction.

Can I buy dress fabric by the metre at Croft Mill?

Yes, all our dress fabrics are sold by the metre. You can buy as little as half a metre on most lines, with fabric cut in one continuous length. If you need a larger quantity or have a specific project in mind, contact us and we'll do our best to help.

What's the difference between woven and knit dress fabrics?

Woven fabrics - cotton, linen, silk, crepe - don't stretch along the grain and are best used with standard dressmaking patterns. Knit fabrics - jersey, viscose jersey, ponte - have natural stretch and are designed for patterns that call for stretch fabric specifically. Using the wrong type will affect fit and how the garment behaves.

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