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Viscose Fabric for Dressmaking

Viscose Fabric for Dressmaking

Viscose fabric is soft, breathable and drapes well, which makes it a favourite dressmaking fabric for dresses, blouses and wide-leg trousers. This is our full viscose range, printed and plain, with the main types also on their own pages: viscose challis, viscose twill, viscose jersey and viscose blends. Sold by the metre or half metre depending on the fabric.
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Viscose is made from wood pulp that's dissolved and spun back into a fibre, so it sits between natural and synthetic: plant-based in origin, but manufactured. In the US the same fibre is called rayon, which is why you'll see both names on patterns and product listings. What dressmakers value is the handle. It's cool against the skin, takes dye and print well, and falls into soft folds rather than standing away from the body.

Types of viscose fabric

Viscose challis is a lightweight plain weave and the most fluid of the group, the usual choice for summer dresses, blouses and gathered skirts. Our viscose challis fabric page has the full selection.

Viscose twill has a diagonal weave that gives it more weight and body, so it suits shirts, culottes and trousers that need a bit of structure. See viscose twill fabric.

Viscose crepe has a fine, pebbly texture and a heavier drape, which helps it hang well in midi skirts, wrap dresses and occasionwear.

Viscose jersey is knitted rather than woven, so it stretches. Use it for patterns designed for knits, from T-shirts to jersey dresses, and browse it on our viscose jersey fabric page.

Viscose blends mix viscose with linen, elastane or other fibres for texture, stretch or fewer creases. They're grouped together under viscose blend fabric.

Tencel and lyocell are also made from wood pulp, by a different process, and behave in a similar way. You'll find them under Tencel and lyocell fabric.

Finding 100% viscose

This page shows pure viscose and blends together. To see only 100% viscose fabric, select Yes in the 100% Yarn Content filter, then use the colour, pattern and stretch filters to narrow it down.

Sewing and caring for viscose

Viscose is slippery to cut, so lay it out flat in a single layer and use pattern weights or plenty of pins. A fine, sharp needle and a slightly shorter stitch help on lighter weights, and finishing the seams stops them fraying. Viscose can shrink on its first wash and is weaker when wet, so pre-wash before cutting, wash cool on a gentle cycle and don't wring it out, unless the care label states otherwise. Press with a cool to medium iron, ideally through a cloth.

What is viscose fabric made from?

Viscose is made from cellulose, usually wood pulp, which is dissolved and spun into fibres. That makes it a regenerated fibre: plant-based in origin but produced in a factory, so it's neither fully natural like cotton nor fully synthetic like polyester.

What is the difference between viscose and rayon?

They're the same fibre. Rayon is the name more commonly used in North America, and viscose is the name used in the UK and Europe. Both are regenerated cellulose fibres made from wood pulp. Tencel and lyocell belong to the same broad family but are made by a different process.

Is viscose fabric good for dressmaking?

Yes, viscose is one of the most popular dressmaking fabrics. Its soft handle and fluid drape suit dresses, blouses, skirts, jumpsuits and wide-leg trousers, and it's breathable and comfortable to wear. It's a little slippery to cut, so take your time at that stage.

Does viscose fabric shrink when washed?

Viscose can shrink slightly on its first wash, particularly if it hasn't been pre-treated. We recommend washing your fabric before cutting out, using the same method you'll use for the finished garment. Wash cool and avoid high heat, unless the care label states otherwise.

Can you wear viscose fabric in winter?

Yes, depending on the weight. Lighter viscose such as challis is mostly a spring and summer fabric, but viscose twill, crepe and heavier jersey work well through autumn and winter, especially layered. The weight of the fabric is a better guide than the fibre.

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