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Italian Fabrics

Italian Fabrics

Italy's mills have a long-held reputation for finish, and it shows in the handle of the cloth more than in anything written on a label. This collection gathers the fabrics we buy from Italian weavers: silks, wools for suiting and coating, crepes, viscose, cotton, denim and jersey, in the kind of weights and finishes that make a garment look considered.
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Italian fabrics are known for the quality of their weaving, finishing and handle. Washing, brushing, pressing and setting can all affect how a finished cloth feels and behaves, which is why two fabrics with a similar composition and weight can still have a noticeably different drape or handle.

What we buy from Italy

Wool and cotton make up a large part of our Italian collection, from fine tailoring cloths, coatings and tweeds to crisp shirtings, dressmaking cottons and more relaxed woven fabrics. We also source plenty of viscose and silk, alongside linen, jersey, denim, cashmere, acetate, alpaca, mohair and a changing selection of blends. What we have depends entirely on what we've been able to source, so no two visits to the collection are quite the same.

Much of what we buy from Italian mills comes to us in limited quantities, including end of rolls, surplus cloth and deadstock. Some fabrics can be reordered, while others are very much here while they last. The collection changes regularly, and the products and filters above are the best guide to what we currently have in stock.

Sewing with Italian cloth

There isn't one way to sew with Italian fabric because the collection covers everything from crisp cotton and structured wool to fine silk and fluid viscose. A wool suiting may benefit from careful pressing and a pressing cloth, while lightweight silk and viscose usually call for a fine needle, sharp scissors and a little more patience when cutting. Cotton and linen can be much more straightforward. Always take your lead from the individual fabric and, if you're unsure, ordering a sample first can help you get a feel for its weight, handle and drape.

If you're new to working with wool or silk, our guide to Italy's finest fabrics takes a closer look at the different types and what you can make with them.

Care

Care will depend on the fibre, weave and finish of the individual cloth. Some fabrics may be suitable for machine or hand washing, while others are better dry cleaned. Always check the washing instructions on the individual product page before you start, and if you're planning to wash your finished garment, we recommend testing a sample first.

What makes Italian fabric different?

Italian fabrics are particularly well known for their quality, handle and finish. The mills produce everything from beautifully tailored wools and crisp cottons to fluid viscose, silk and linen, so there isn't one particular feel that defines an Italian cloth. We choose ours for the quality of the fabric itself, whether that's the drape, softness, weave, colour or something a little more unusual.

What kinds of Italian fabric do you stock?

Wool and cotton make up a large part of our Italian fabric collection, alongside a strong selection of viscose and silk. You'll also find linen, jersey, denim, polyester, cashmere, acetate, alpaca, mohair and other blends depending on what we've been able to source. Our stock changes regularly, so the filters on this page are the best way to see what we currently have available.

Why does the Italian range change so often?

Much of our Italian fabric is sourced in limited quantities, including end of rolls, surplus cloth and deadstock that may not be available for us to reorder. It means the collection is always changing and we can often offer fabrics that are a little different from the usual. If you find something that works for your project, it's worth ordering the length you need while it's available.

How should I care for Italian wool, silk and other fabrics?

Care depends on the fibre, weave and finish of the individual fabric, so there isn't one rule for all Italian cloth. You'll find our recommended washing instructions on each product page. If you're unsure how a fabric will respond to washing, we always recommend testing a sample first before washing your finished garment.

Do you sell Italian fabric by the metre?

Yes. Our Italian fabrics are sold by length, with most available to order in half metre increments so you can buy the amount your pattern requires. Where stock is limited, the maximum length currently available is shown on the individual product page.

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