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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 Gold Strike Gold Strike Viscose Polyamide Stripe Pink Italian Dress Fabric Fold

    Gold Strike

    155cm wide, Italian viscose blend dress fabric in pinky beige with pink and gold striped detailing.

    £22.00 per metre
  • Made in Italy Office Office Viscose Black Satin Woven Dress Fabric Roll

    Office

    136cm wide, viscose suiting fabric in classic black, woven in Italy. Smooth, fluid and breathable.

    £21.50 per metre
  • + More colours 100% Wool Fleece - Royal

    100% Wool Fleece - Royal

    143cm wide Australian virgin wool fleece in royal blue, 100% wool and mulesing-free.

    (1)
    £29.00 per metre
  • + More colours Double Gauze - Grey Double Gauze Fabric Grey 5002

    Double Gauze - Grey

    135cm wide, cotton double gauze fabric in grey, 130gsm, breathable and Oeko-Tex certified.

    £9.50 per metre
  • The Big Knit - Cerise Polyester Wool Boucle Fabric Pink Black The Big Knit Cerise Fold 1

    The Big Knit - Cerise

    Polyester and wool blend boucle fabric with a pink, black and white striped design. Create jackets and coatigans with this 145cm wide chunky knit fabric.

    £23.00 per metre
  • Made in Italy Hornpipe Hornpipe Navy Cotton Twill Woven Trouser Fabric Roll

    Hornpipe

    Italian 100% cotton twill shirting navy, soft texture and refined structure.

    £16.00 per metre
  • Made in Italy+ More colours Silks of Italy - Zagaleta Silks Of Italy Zagaleta Abstract Purple Navy Yellow Lightweight Sheer Dress Fabric Roll

    Silks of Italy - Zagaleta

    140cm wide, 100% silk fabric woven in Italy with a coarser weave and bold abstract print.

    £37.00 per metre
  • + More colours What Light Shines - Satin Mini Micro Navy Ex Designer Satin Shirting Fabric What Light Shines Mini Macro Fold

    What Light Shines - Satin Mini Micro

    152cm navy cotton shirting fabric with a subtle white fleck print and satin finish.

    £9.50 per metre
  • + More colours Double Gauze - Mint Double Gauze Fabric Mint 5036

    Double Gauze - Mint

    Soft mint double gauze fabric in breathable cotton, 135cm wide.

    £9.50 per metre
  • + More colours French Terry - Mid Blue French Terry Fabric Blue 0839

    French Terry - Mid Blue

    150cm mid blue French terry jersey fabric with stretch for hoodies, joggers and sweatshirts.

    £12.90 per metre
  • Made in Italy Cool Running Cool Runnings Blue Cotton Floral Abstract Fine Woven Shirting Fabric Roll

    Cool Running

    Italian ice blue cotton jacquard shirting fabric, 157cm wide for shirts and blouses.

    £19.00 per metre
  • + More colours Chiffon - Trixie Chiffon Trixie Polyester Abstract Multicoloured Printed Dress Fabric Mannequin

    Chiffon - Trixie

    152cm wide printed polyester chiffon fabric featuring an abstract multi-coloured pattern, great for blouses and skirts!

    £6.00 per metre
  • Made in Italy+ More colours Silks of Italy - Zesty Silks Of Italy Zesty Acid Yellow Woven Dress Fabric Roll

    Silks of Italy - Zesty

    147cm wide, 100% silk lightweight Italian shirting fabric in vibrant yellow with a crisp finish.

    £37.00 per metre
  • Hot Hot Pink Polyester Woven Dressmaking Fabric Roll

    Hot

    Our hot pink dress fabric made from 100% polyester is excellent for evening wear, loose pants, and fitted dresses!

    £12.00 per metre
  • Made in Italy+ More colours Finest Silk - Coral Finest Silk Coral Orange Plain Italian Deadstock Lightweight Dress Fabric Fold

    Finest Silk - Coral

    Soft washed silk in a rich coral shade with a relaxed matte finish, fluid drape and luxurious feel.

    £33.00 per metre
  • Made in Italy Viscose Lawn - Toto Toto Grey Black Cream Viscose Abstract Woven Dress Fabric Roll

    Viscose Lawn - Toto

    135cm 100% viscose lawn fabric woven in Italy. Brown abstract leaf print on ivory.

    £19.00 per metre
  • + More colours In All My Born Days - Mute In All My Born Days Mute Check Wool Shirting Fabric Twist

    In All My Born Days - Mute

    This Italian fine wool shirting fabric features a black, brown, light and dark pink check. A gorgeous ex designer cloth you may recognise from the high street.

    (1)
    £20.00 per metre
  • Between The Lines

    Between The Lines

    Taupe cotton corduroy fabric, 150cm wide with mixed rib texture for jackets and trousers.

    £12.00 per metre
  • + More colours Candy Crepe - Beige Polyester Double Crepe Dress Fabric Candy Crepe Beige Fold

    Candy Crepe - Beige

    145cm wide, polyester double crepe dress fabric in beige. Perfect for special occasion garments.

    £9.50 per metre
  • Made in Italy Snuggle Check Snuggle Check Brushed Cotton Red Black Cream Heavy Coating Fabric Roll
    20% off

    Snuggle Check

    Italian brushed check cotton fabric, 154cm wide in black, red and cream tones.

    £16.80 per metre £21.00 per metre
  • + More colours Enigma Linen - Stone Enigma Linen Stone Ramie Cotton Oeko Tex Plain Dress Fabric

    Enigma Linen - Stone

    Stone ramie linen cotton fabric, 140cm wide for clothing and soft furnishing projects.

    (1)
    £13.00 per metre
  • What Goes Around - Navy Viscose Fine Rib Trouser Fabric What Goes Around Navy Fold

    What Goes Around - Navy

    146cm wide grosgrain dress fabric. Dark navy viscose shirting and trouser fabric with a fine ribbed weave and interesting wood grain effect.

    £7.00 per metre
  • Iwo Jima Iwo Jima Polyester Viscose Elastane Beige Nude Plain Stretch Suiting Fabric Fold

    Iwo Jima

    140cm wide, ex-designer super soft polyester, viscose & elastane fine suiting fabric in a pale beige.

    £10.26 per metre
  • + More colours Filmstar - Olive Filmstar Olive Polyester Green Woven Velvet Satin Dress Fabric Mannequin

    Filmstar - Olive

    160cm wide lightweight soft polyester draping fabric. With a gorgeous khaki/live hue and soft velvet satin finish. Perfect for dresses with glamour.

    (4)
    £6.50 per metre
  • Holi Holiday Holi Holiday Polyester Nylon Vibrant Pink Woven Crepe Dress Fabric Mannequin

    Holi Holiday

    Vivid hot pink polyester and nylon crepe fabric is a fabulous choice for summer dresses. 150cm wide heavy polyester dress fabric.

    £9.00 per metre
  • + More colours 8oz Washed Denim - Black

    8oz Washed Denim - Black

    8oz washed black denim, 160cm wide with soft handle and classic twill finish.

    (1)
    £13.00 per metre
  • + More colours Enigma Linen - Grey Enigma Linen Grey Ramie Cotton Oeko Tex Plain Dress Fabric

    Enigma Linen - Grey

    Grey ramie linen cotton fabric, 140cm wide for clothing and home furnishing makes.

    (1)
    £13.00 per metre
  • + More colours Enigma Linen - Red Enigma Linen Red Ramie Cotton Oeko Tex Plain Dress Fabric

    Enigma Linen - Red

    Red ramie linen cotton fabric, 140cm wide for clothing and furnishing projects.

    £13.00 per metre
  • + More colours Enigma Linen - Pewter Enigma Linen Pewter Ramie Cotton Oeko Tex Plain Dress Fabric

    Enigma Linen - Pewter

    Pewter grey ramie linen cotton fabric, 140cm wide for garments and soft furnishings.

    (1)
    £13.00 per metre
  • + More colours Enigma Linen - Silver Enigma Linen Silver Ramie Cotton Oeko Tex Plain Dress Fabric

    Enigma Linen - Silver

    Silver grey Enigma linen fabric in ramie cotton blend, 140cm wide with durable weave.

    £13.00 per metre
  • + More colours Fine Viscose Plain - White Plain Viscose Poplin Dress Fabric White Dress

    Fine Viscose Plain - White

    144cm wide, gorgeously lightweight dress fabric is ideal for summer garments! Made from 100% viscose has a soft yet bright white hue.

    (2)
    £10.00 per metre
  • + More colours Fine Viscose Plain - Black Plain Viscose Poplin Dress Fabric Black Twist

    Fine Viscose Plain - Black

    This bold black 144cm wide lightweight dress fabric is made from 100% viscose. A beautiful cloth that handles like a dream, ideal for summer designs.

    £10.00 per metre
  • + More colours Enigma Linen - Mint Enigma Linen Mint Ramie Cotton Oeko Tex Plain Dress Fabric

    Enigma Linen - Mint

    Mint green ramie linen cotton fabric, 140cm wide for garments and home interiors.

    £13.00 per metre
  • Made in Italy+ More colours ITA Collection - Lana Check Ita Collection Lana Check Red Navy Houndstooth Ex Designer Woven Coating Fabric Fold

    ITA Collection - Lana Check

    Red and navy Italian wool check coating, 148cm wide. Heavyweight ex-Celine deadstock for coats and outerwear.

    £33.00 per metre
  • Made in Italy Foxy Foxy Wool Mohair Orange Soft Italian Coating Fabric Roll

    Foxy

    157cm wide, wool and mohair coating fabric in a rich rusty ginger. Super soft with a beautiful finish.

    £30.26 per metre
  • Made in Italy Marcella Grey Marcella Grey White Wool Tweed Italian Woven Coating Fabric Roll

    Marcella Grey

    150cm wide, Italian wool coating in a grey, white and black melange. Loosely woven and cuddly.

    £30.50 per metre
  • + More colours Sewing Room - William - Navy Sewing Room William Navy Roll

    Sewing Room - William - Navy

    White paisley cotton fabric, 113cm wide with pink, purple and taupe printed design.

    £8.50 per metre
  • + More colours Sewing Room - William - Black Sewing Room William Black Roll

    Sewing Room - William - Black

    Black paisley cotton fabric, 113cm wide with red, yellow and sage green detailing.

    £8.50 per metre
  • + More colours Sewing Room - Micro Dot - Orange Sewing Room Mirco Dot Orange Cotton Fabric S

    Sewing Room - Micro Dot - Orange

    Superior quality cotton poplin in a small orange and white polka dot. 113cm wide.

    £8.50 per metre
  • + More colours Sewing Room - Micro Dot - Navy Sewing Room Mirco Dot Navy Cotton Fabric Cu

    Sewing Room - Micro Dot - Navy

    113cm wide superior quality cotton poplin in a small navy and white polka dot.

    (2)
    £8.50 per metre
  • + More colours Sewing Room - Micro Dot - Black Sewing Room Mirco Dot Black Cotton Fabric Cud

    Sewing Room - Micro Dot - Black

    Superior quality cotton poplin in a small black and white polka dot. 113cm wide.

    £8.50 per metre
  • + More colours Cotton Sateen - Coral Cotton Sateen - Coral

    Cotton Sateen - Coral

    This fabulous coral pink cotton sateen fabric is the perfect choice for prom, event and bridesmaid dresses.

    (1)
    £5.50 per metre
  • Skulls & Sombreros Skulls & Sombreros

    Skulls & Sombreros

    Oeko-Tex certified cotton fabric with sombrero-wearing skulls and bold florals on a deep black ground.

    £13.00 per metre
  • + More colours Cotton - Circus True Craft Circus John Louden Korean Crafting Fabrics Clowns Black Roll
    50% off

    Cotton - Circus

    Circus clown cotton fabric, 150cm wide with red and blue print on black background.

    £6.50 per metre £13.00 per metre
  • + More colours Cotton - Barking Mad True Craft Barking Mad John Louden Korean Crafting Fabric White Pug Roll
    30% off

    Cotton - Barking Mad

    Dog print cotton quilting fabric, 150cm wide on soft white background for crafts and sewing.

    (1)
    £9.10 per metre £13.00 per metre
  • + More colours Cotton - French Bulldogs True Craft French Bulldogs John Louden Korean Crafting Fabric White Dogs Swirl
    30% off

    Cotton - French Bulldogs

    French bulldog cotton quilting fabric, 150cm wide on soft white background design.

    £9.10 per metre £13.00 per metre
  • + More colours Sweatshirt - Dark Grey Marl Customer Make By Linda Sweatshirt Dark Grey Marl Loungewear Set January 2023

    Sweatshirt - Dark Grey Marl

    280gsm sweatshirt fabric in dark grey marl, light, soft and fluffy on the inside for extra comfort.

    £15.00 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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