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Autumnal Equinox Midnight Paisley Pop Brushed Cotton Blue Red Abstract Floral Print Dress Fabric CU

Brushed Cotton, Winceyette & Flannel Fabric

Brushed cotton, winceyette and cotton flannel are soft, warm cotton fabrics with a gently brushed surface that creates a cosy feel and added insulation. Comfortable against the skin and easy to sew, these fabrics are popular for pyjamas, nightwear, children's clothing, shirts, loungewear and other cold-weather sewing projects.

Our collection includes plain and printed brushed cotton fabrics, traditional winceyette fabrics and cotton flannels in a variety of colours, checks, stripes and novelty designs. Whether you're sewing winter pyjamas, comfortable shirts or cosy garments for children, you'll find a range of options to suit your project.

Use the filters to browse by colour, pattern and design. If you're looking for fabrics made entirely from cotton, select Yes under 100% yarn content and choose Cotton in the Yarn filter. This will remove blended fabrics and other fibre types from your results.
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Brushed cotton, flannel and winceyette explained

All three fabrics start from a woven cotton base and are finished by brushing - a process that raises the surface fibres to create a soft, insulating nap. The differences come down to how they're brushed and their weight.

Brushed cotton is brushed on the face side only. The process lifts the surface fibres to create a soft, slightly fluffy face, while the reverse remains smoother. The brushed face traps warm air close to the skin, making it warmer than standard cotton without sacrificing breathability. It's easy to care for - machine washable on a cool cycle and quick to dry.

Flannel and flannelette are brushed on both sides, making them fuzzier and a little warmer than brushed cotton. Traditional flannel is thought to originate in Wales and has been used for bed linen, shirts and nightwear for centuries. Modern flannelette is most commonly used for pyjamas, children's nightwear and bed sheets.

Winceyette is a lighter brushed cotton with a slightly crisper hand compared to flannel. It's durable and easy-wearing - a traditional choice for children's pyjamas, baby clothing, quilts, soft toys and comfort blankets. Because it's lightweight, it's also comfortable for garments that sit close to the skin throughout the day.

What is the difference between brushed cotton, winceyette and flannel?

All three are soft, brushed cotton fabrics but with subtle differences. Brushed cotton is brushed on one side only, giving it a soft face and a smoother reverse. Flannel (or flannelette) is brushed on both sides, making it slightly warmer and fuzzier - it's the standard fabric for traditional pyjamas and bed linen. Winceyette is a lighter brushed cotton with a crisper hand, popular for children's nightwear, baby clothing and comfort blankets. All three are soft, breathable and easy to sew.

What can I make with brushed cotton and winceyette?

These fabrics are most commonly used for pyjamas and nightwear, children's clothing and babywear, bed linen and pillowcases, swaddle blankets and comforters, and warm casual shirts. The soft surface makes them particularly suitable for anything worn against sensitive skin, including baby and children's projects.

Is brushed cotton easy to sew?

Yes. Brushed cotton and winceyette are easy, forgiving fabrics to work with. They don't slip during cutting, sew well on a standard machine with a universal needle, and press cleanly. The main consideration is that the brushed surface can create a small amount of lint - clean your machine and bobbin area after sewing.

Does brushed cotton shrink when washed?

Cotton fabrics (including brushed cotton) can shrink on the first wash. Pre-washing before cutting is recommended to allow for this. Machine wash on a cool cycle (30°C or 40°C) and avoid high-heat tumble drying, as excessive heat can cause additional shrinkage and affect the softness of the brushed surface.

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