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Dot & Check Ecru Dobby Cotton 75gsm Dress Fabric Swirl

Stitched & Embroidered Fabric

Our stitched and embroidered collection is full of decorative cottons, led by broderie anglaise and embroidered cotton, lawn and double gauze. These breathable fabrics bring texture and detail to summer dresses, blouses, children's clothes and special pieces.

From cutwork eyelets to delicate floral embroidery, there's plenty here to add interest without heavy embellishment. Order a sample to see the embroidery and base cloth up close.
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Embroidered fabrics carry a stitched design worked into the cloth, giving decorative texture without relying on print. Most of this collection is built on lightweight cotton bases, which keeps the fabrics breathable and easy to wear, a natural fit for warm-weather and occasion sewing.

Embroidered fabric and broderie anglaise

Broderie anglaise is a classic embroidered cotton with cutwork eyelets and embroidered edges, light, crisp and traditionally summery. Other embroidered cottons, lawns and double gauzes carry surface embroidery, often florals, on a soft base cloth. Broderie has those characteristic open eyelets; general embroidered fabric has the stitched motif but not necessarily the cutwork. Both are in this collection, so check the product photo for the exact effect.

Choosing the right base

  • Broderie anglaise: crisp and light, ideal for blouses, dresses and children's wear.
  • Embroidered lawn: fine and soft with lovely drape for summer dresses and tops.
  • Embroidered double gauze: relaxed and airy, suited to easy dresses and loungewear.
  • Embroidered chambray: a soft denim-look base for a little more structure.

Sewing with embroidered fabric

The cutwork and embroidery can make these fabrics slightly sheer, so lining dresses and skirts is common, while tops may only need a light layer underneath. Position the embroidery and any scalloped edges thoughtfully so they fall well on hems and necklines. As cottons can shrink, pre-wash before cutting, sew with a universal or fine needle, handle the embroidered areas gently to avoid snagging, and press from the reverse, unless the care label states otherwise.

What is broderie anglaise?

Broderie anglaise is a lightweight embroidered cotton recognised by its cutwork eyelets and embroidered edges, usually in floral or trailing patterns. It's crisp, breathable and a long-standing favourite for summer dresses, blouses and children's wear. It's one of the most popular fabrics in this collection.

Is embroidered fabric see-through, and does it need lining?

Cutwork and openwork can make these fabrics slightly sheer, so dresses and skirts are often lined for coverage and a better finish, while tops and blouses may only need a light layer underneath. It depends on the fabric and design, so hold a sample to the light if you're unsure.

Is the fabric 100% cotton?

Most of this collection is built on cotton bases such as lawn, double gauze and chambray, which keeps it light and breathable. A few pieces are blends. Always check the fibre content on the individual product page to confirm exactly what a particular fabric is.

Can I use the scalloped or eyelet edge as a hem?

Yes. Many broderie anglaise fabrics have a finished scalloped or eyelet edge that makes a ready-made decorative hem, sleeve or neckline. Plan your pattern placement so the edge falls where you want it before cutting, which also saves finishing work later.

How do I sew and press embroidered fabric?

Use a universal or fine needle and sew gently around the embroidered areas to avoid snagging the threads. Pre-wash cotton bases before cutting, as they can shrink, and press from the reverse with a warm iron, ideally over a soft towel, so the embroidery keeps its texture, unless the care label advises otherwise.

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