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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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  • + More colours Como Classico - Denim - Paolo Como Classico Paolo Cotton Italian Grey Woven Fabric

    Como Classico - Denim - Paolo

    10oz indigo cotton denim, 156cm wide, midweight with structure for shirts, dresses and layers.

    £22.00 per metre
  • + More colours Luxury Ponte - Olive Luxury Ponte Olive Oeko Tex Dressmaking Fabric Roll

    Luxury Ponte - Olive

    A fabulously sturdy double-knit jersey fabric made from a viscose, nylon, elastane blend. 320gsm Ponte Roma dress fabric with an olive green hue.

    £17.50 per metre
  • Made in Italy+ More colours Tesoro - Navy Tesoro Navy Italian Satin Polyester Ex Designer Dress Fabric Mannequin

    Tesoro - Navy

    Woven in Italy, this ex-designer navy satin dress fabric, made from 100% polyester, is ideal for chic dresses.

    (1)
    £15.00 per metre
  • Premium Challis - The Descendants Viscose Challis The Descendants Navy Green Red Floral Leaf Print Dress Fabric Mannequin

    Premium Challis - The Descendants

    High-quality viscose challis dressmaking fabric in Hawaiian floral/leaf print.

    (1)
    £11.00 per metre
  • Satin Hobbs - Navy Ex Designer Nylon Dressmaking Fabric Satin Hobbs Navy Fold 7F593F13 3851 445C 9B2F 0B37F46B682B

    Satin Hobbs - Navy

    Ex-designer polyamide satin dressmaking fabric; 145cm wide with a rich navy hue. Ideal for elegant dresses.

    (2)
    £12.50 per metre
  • + More colours Brushed French Terry - Dark Brown Brushed French Terry Dark Brown Cotton Elastane Stretch Knit Jersey Fabric

    Brushed French Terry - Dark Brown

    Dark brown French terry, 150cm wide, cotton elastane with brushed back for soft stretch wear.

    £14.00 per metre
  • Idaho Idaho Polyester Satin Brown Pink Green Abstract Digitally Printed Dress Fabric Fold
    20% off

    Idaho

    150cm wide, polyester satin fabric with a soft peach finish; digitally printed abstract design in brown, pink, green hues.

    £12.80 per metre £16.00 per metre
  • + More colours Albany 16 momme Silk - Catherine Albany 16 Momme Silk Catherine Satin Print Abstract Purple Dress Fabric Roll

    Albany 16 momme Silk - Catherine

    100% silk satin with a striking abstract design and beautiful drape for standout garments.

    £55.00 per metre
  • + More colours Fiona - Volcano Fiona Volcano Polyester Pleated Tie Dye Printed Dress Fabric Fold

    Fiona - Volcano

    Our pleated, 100% polyester dress fabric with a digitally printed tie-dye effect is ideal for loose palazzo pants.

    £15.00 per metre
  • + More colours Albany 16 momme Silk - Victoria Albany 16 Momme Silk Victoria Satin Print Pink Floral Dress Fabric Roll

    Albany 16 momme Silk - Victoria

    140cm wide silk satin featuring soft pink florals and a smooth, luxurious finish.

    £55.00 per metre
  • + More colours Austrian Seersucker - Strawberry Milkshake

    Austrian Seersucker - Strawberry Milkshake

    Pinky coral seersucker, 150cm wide, lightweight cotton with a breathable textured finish.

    £15.76 per metre
  • + More colours Austrian Seersucker - Raspberry Milkshake

    Austrian Seersucker - Raspberry Milkshake

    Pinky purple seersucker, 150cm wide, lightweight cotton with a soft, breathable texture.

    £15.76 per metre
  • + More colours Albany 16 momme Silk - Jane Albany 16 Momme Silk Jane Satin Print Black Teal Floral Dress Fabric Roll

    Albany 16 momme Silk - Jane

    Dark floral silk satin in moody tones with a graceful drape and elegant sheen.

    £55.00 per metre
  • + More colours Fiona - Rhubarb Fiona Rhubarb Polyester Pleated Tie Dye Printed Dress Fabric

    Fiona - Rhubarb

    Our 100% polyester dress fabric features a digitally printed tie-dye effect and pleated texture, ideal for loose pants.

    £21.00 per metre
  • Tanza Tanza Gold Black Cheetah Print Polyester Satin Dress Fabric Fold
    20% off

    Tanza

    Made from 100% polyester, this silky satin dress fabric features a bronze and black animal print, ideal for blouses.

    £10.00 per metre £12.50 per metre
  • + More colours Albany 16 momme Silk - Mary Albany 16 Momme Silk Mary Satin Print Green Abstract Dress Fabric Roll

    Albany 16 momme Silk - Mary

    Peacock-inspired silk satin with subtle sheen and a fluid handle for elegant dressmaking.

    £55.00 per metre
  • + More colours Sewing Room - Lilyanne - Red Cotton Poplin Dress Fabric Yellow Flower Lilyanne Red Ruler

    Sewing Room - Lilyanne - Red

    110cm wide 100% cotton poplin fabric, printed with striking white & yellow lilies which elegantly contrast against a deep red ground.

    £8.50 per metre
  • + More colours Albany 16 momme Silk - Kate Albany 16 Momme Silk Kate Satin Print Red Abstract Dress Fabric Roll

    Albany 16 momme Silk - Kate

    Eye-catching silk satin featuring a dramatic feather-inspired print and smooth finish.

    £55.00 per metre
  • Ember Ember Jacquard Jersey Viscose Polyester Elastane Knitted Green Brown Zig Zag Dress Fabric Fold

    Ember

    Our polyester, viscose and elastane jacquard jersey fabric has a knitted zigzag pattern in a green hue.

    £24.00 per metre
  • + More colours Sewing Room - Lilyanne - Navy Cotton Poplin Dress Fabric Pink Flower Lilyanne Navy Ruler

    Sewing Room - Lilyanne - Navy

    Floral cotton poplin, 110cm wide, navy base with pink and white lilies in a smooth finish.

    £8.50 per metre
  • Fur Backed Faux Leather - Olive Fur Backed Faux Leather Olive Green Polyester Polyurethane Spandex Fabric Fold

    Fur Backed Faux Leather - Olive

    142cm wide, polyester-polyurethane stretch faux leather fabric in dark olive with a soft fur backing.

    £15.50 per metre
  • Samba Samba Navy Cotton Trousering Lightweight Woven Fabric Fold

    Samba

    Lightweight navy cotton trousering, 150cm wide, smooth finish for smart and casual wear.

    £10.00 per metre
  • Waffle Wool Coating Waffle Wool Coating Black Nylon Woven Pattern Fabric Roll

    Waffle Wool Coating

    150cm wide, black wool/nylon waffle weave coating with structure & body without excess weight.

    £15.00 per metre
  • Made in Italy Mac Lining

    Mac Lining

    140cm wide, polyester lining fabric in a pink/purple hue with a recognisable print, the perfect luxurious partner for outers.

    £7.00 per metre
  • Made in Italy+ More colours EZIO - Set In Blue Viscose Acetate Tailors Dress Lining Ezio Set In Blue Fold

    EZIO - Set In Blue

    140cm Italian viscose acetate lining, deep blue and black, featuring gothic stone sculpture designs; a luxurious partner for elegant outers.

    (1)
    £6.00 per metre
  • + More colours Lorien Crepe - Rouge Lorien Crepe Rouge Polyester Dressmaking Fabric Cu2

    Lorien Crepe - Rouge

    Heavy crepe dressmaking fabric in a red rouge shade, very flattering and wrinkle-resistant, perfect for trousers, jackets and skirts!

    (2)
    £10.00 per metre
  • + More colours Lorien Crepe - Grey Lorien Crepe Grey Polyester Dressmaking Fabric Fold

    Lorien Crepe - Grey

    Heavy grey polyester crepe dressmaking fabrics with a lovely drape; no need to line and doesn't crease, ideal for skirts, tops and dresses!

    £10.00 per metre
  • + More colours Carly Stretch Velvet - Smokey Grey Stretch Velour Smokey Grey Silver Metallic Polyester Elastane Dressmaking Fabric Fold

    Carly Stretch Velvet - Smokey Grey

    160cm wide, stunning stretch velour fabric in a smokey grey shade looks different from every angle as it captures the light.

    £10.00 per metre
  • Denim Jersey - Indigo Denim Jersey Indigo Cotton Polyester Spandex Stretch Knit Blue Fabric

    Denim Jersey - Indigo

    Indigo denim-look jersey, 150cm wide, cotton blend with stretch for comfortable structured wear.

    £19.46 per metre
  • + More colours Autumnal Equinox - Pastel Floral

    Autumnal Equinox - Pastel Floral

    Pastel floral brushed cotton, 150cm wide, soft grey base with a warm and cosy lightweight feel.

    £12.00 per metre
  • Printed Lining - Star Line Printed Lining Fabric Navy Blue Star Line

    Printed Lining - Star Line

    148cm wide, polyester lining fabric in navy with a scattered white and blue star design.

    £6.00 per metre
  • Apollo - Royal

    Apollo - Royal

    Blue and white check shirting, 152cm wide, crisp poly cotton with bold 23mm chessboard design.

    £8.50 per metre
  • + More colours Supershirt - Albert Supershirt Albert Cotton Small Check Yellow White Purple Green Shirting Fabric Fold

    Supershirt - Albert

    Multicolour check cotton shirting, 158cm wide, lightweight with a soft drape for summer wear.

    £9.96 per metre
  • + More colours Jack Spratt - Blue Jack Spratt Blue White Stripe Cotton Nylon Shirting Fabric Fold

    Jack Spratt - Blue

    Blue and white striped cotton blend, 147cm wide, lightweight crisp fabric for summer shirts.

    £8.00 per metre
  • + More colours Chessboard - Bottle Chessboard - Bottle

    Chessboard - Bottle

    Green and white check shirting, 163cm wide, crisp poly cotton with bold 2cm chessboard design.

    £14.00 per metre
  • Made in Italy Nocturne Viscose Suiting Black Italian Soft Woven Fabric

    Nocturne

    Manufactured in Italy, this viscose twill suiting fabric in black is perfect for sophisticated evening attire!

    £18.00 per metre
  • + More colours Chessboard - Red Chessboard - Red

    Chessboard - Red

    Crisp poly cotton shirting, 163cm wide, with a bold red and white 2cm chessboard check.

    £14.00 per metre
  • + More colours Chessboard - Royal Chessboard - Royal

    Chessboard - Royal

    Poly cotton shirting, 163cm wide, with a bold royal blue and white 2cm check design.

    £14.00 per metre
  • Seersucker Check - Lilac Cotton Seersucker Check Lilac White Fold

    Seersucker Check - Lilac

    Lilac and white seersucker, 152cm wide, lightweight cotton with a fine checked texture.

    £15.76 per metre
  • Midnight Petals Midnight Petals Viscose Black Floral Twill Dainty Dress Fabric

    Midnight Petals

    142cm wide 100% viscose fabric with floral print on a black ground. Lightweight at 121gsm with soft drape

    £14.96 per metre
  • Spring Time Spring Time Viscose Floral Mint Green White Dress Fabric

    Spring Time

    Lovely 180cm wide 100% viscose crepe de chine fabric with mint green ditsy floral print. Lightweight at 100gsm with a soft drape

    £14.96 per metre
  • Citrus Crush Citrus Crush Pink Orange Viscose Tie Dye Print Dress Fabric

    Citrus Crush

    125cm wide 100% viscose fabric with orange and pink tie-dye print. Lightweight at 125gsm with a soft drape

    £14.96 per metre
  • Fine Knit - Double Face Jersey - Black & Grey Viscose Polyamide Fine Knit Double Face Dressmaking Fabric Black And Grey Bolt

    Fine Knit - Double Face Jersey - Black & Grey

    This delightfully soft double knit and double faced black and grey jersey fabric is perfect for sweatshirts, jumpers, jackets and coats.

    £22.00 per metre
  • Made in Italy Shadow of the Night Shadow Of The Night Viscose Silk Polyamide Black Italian Fur Glitter Dress Fabric

    Shadow of the Night

    A blend of viscose, silk and polyamide, this black dress fabric features a glitter fur face. Woven in Italy.

    £26.00 per metre
  • Beau

    Beau

    Burgundy and rust coloured 50% acrylic, 50% polyester loose knitted boucle with thick, yet soft yarns. Perfect for coatigans and jackets.

    (1)
    £10.96 per metre
  • Parrot Song Parrot Song White Bird Print Viscose Yellow Green Dress Fabric

    Parrot Song

    Stunning 150cm wide 100% viscose fabric with a tropical parrot print in yellow, orange, and green. Lightweight at 136gsm with fluid drape

    £24.00 per metre
  • Azure Mist

    Azure Mist

    Stunning 145cm wide pale blue Morocain fabric, 97% polyester 3% elastane. Lightweight at 140gsm with a soft drape and gentle stretch--perfect for dresses, blouses, skirts, and occasionwear.

    £9.00 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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