Bamboo fabrics have become increasingly popular with dressmakers, particularly for their wonderfully soft handle, fluid drape and comfortable feel against the skin. From bamboo jersey to soft towelling, they can be a lovely choice for clothing, babywear and useful projects around the home.
But there is a little more to bamboo fabric than the name suggests. How bamboo is turned into textile fibre matters, particularly when considering its environmental credentials. Here we look at how bamboo fabrics are made, what they are like to sew and wear, and what you might want to consider when choosing one.
What is Bamboo Fabric?
Bamboo itself is a fast-growing plant which can be harvested repeatedly because many varieties regenerate from their existing root system. However, the soft bamboo fabrics most commonly used for clothing are not simply fibres stripped directly from the plant.
Much of what is sold as bamboo fabric is a manufactured cellulosic textile, commonly viscose or rayon, made using cellulose obtained from bamboo. The cellulose is processed and regenerated into fine fibres which can then be spun into yarn and knitted or woven into fabric.
How is Bamboo Turned Into fabric?
There are different ways of producing textile fibre from bamboo. Mechanical methods can produce a more natural bast-style fibre, but these fabrics are comparatively uncommon and tend to feel quite different from the silky bamboo jerseys and woven fabrics most dressmakers will recognise.
The more common route is to process bamboo cellulose into a regenerated fibre such as viscose. Manufacturing methods vary considerably, so it is worth looking beyond the word “bamboo” and considering the fibre composition, manufacturer information and any relevant certification when these details are available.
Why Do Dressmakers Like Bamboo Fabric?
The real attraction is often how the finished fabric feels and behaves. Bamboo-derived viscose and similar fibres can produce fabrics with a beautifully smooth handle, excellent drape and a comfortable feel against the skin.
Soft handle: Many bamboo-derived fabrics feel exceptionally smooth and gentle, which makes them particularly appealing for garments worn close to the skin.
Fluid drape: Bamboo jersey and viscose-rich fabrics can fall beautifully, making them well suited to garments where movement is important.
Moisture absorbency: Regenerated cellulosic fibres can absorb moisture well, which contributes to their comfortable feel in warm weather.
Versatility: Depending on the construction and weight, bamboo fabrics can be used for everything from T-shirts and dresses to robes, towels and baby accessories.
Is Bamboo Fabric Sustainable?
This is where things become a little less straightforward. Bamboo grows quickly and can be a highly renewable source of cellulose, but the environmental impact of the finished fabric depends heavily on how that cellulose is processed into textile fibre.
Some manufacturing systems recover and reuse a greater proportion of the chemicals and water involved than others. Responsible sourcing can also be supported by schemes such as FSC certification, which can apply to bamboo used to produce man-made cellulosic fibres.
For that reason, we prefer not to describe every bamboo fabric simply as an “eco fabric”. Fibre composition, manufacturing method, certification, durability and how long you use the finished garment all deserve consideration.
Bamboo Fabric Compared with Cotton
There is no single winner because both cover a huge variety of fabrics. Cotton can be crisp, soft, brushed, tightly woven or almost sheer. Bamboo-derived viscose tends to have a smoother, more fluid handle and is particularly well suited to jerseys and softly draping dress fabrics.
For sewing, the better question is usually what you want the finished garment to do. A cotton poplin may be perfect for a structured shirt, while a bamboo jersey would be far better suited to a softly draping top or comfortable pair of pyjamas.
You can compare them yourself in our bamboo fabric collection and cotton fabric collection.
What Can I Make with Bamboo Fabric?
The answer depends on the particular fabric rather than the fibre name alone. A fine bamboo jersey can work beautifully for T-shirts, dresses, tops, underwear, pyjamas and loungewear. Heavier jerseys may suit leggings and relaxed trousers, while bamboo towelling is useful for robes, towels, reusable wipes and baby accessories.
Always check the weight, stretch and construction of the individual fabric before choosing your pattern.
Sewing with Bamboo Jersey
If you are using a bamboo jersey, remember that its lovely drape can also make it a little more mobile on the cutting table. Allow the fabric to relax before cutting, avoid letting it hang off the edge of the table and use plenty of pattern weights or fine pins.
A stretch or ballpoint needle is normally a good starting point for knitted bamboo fabrics, although the best needle will depend on the exact construction. A walking foot can also be useful if your layers are shifting while you sew.
How to Care for Bamboo Fabric
Always follow the care instructions supplied with the individual fabric. As a general sewing rule, it is sensible to pre-wash washable dress fabrics before cutting, particularly if the finished garment will be laundered regularly.
Gentler washing temperatures and avoiding excessive heat can help preserve the handle and appearance of many viscose and bamboo-derived fabrics.
Bamboo fabric FAQs
Is bamboo fabric natural?
Bamboo is a natural plant source, but many soft bamboo textiles are regenerated fibres such as viscose made using cellulose extracted from bamboo. They are therefore manufactured cellulosic fibres rather than untreated natural bamboo fibres.
Is bamboo fabric biodegradable?
Cellulosic fibres can biodegrade under suitable conditions, but it is misleading to assume that every bamboo textile will simply biodegrade quickly after disposal. Blends, dyes, finishes and disposal conditions all affect what happens to a finished fabric.
Is bamboo fabric antibacterial?
Bamboo plants themselves have particular natural properties, but these should not automatically be attributed to viscose or rayon made from bamboo. Unless a finished textile has specific testing to support an antibacterial claim, we would not describe it that way.
Is bamboo good for sensitive skin?
Many people enjoy bamboo-derived fabrics because they can feel exceptionally soft and smooth. However, suitability for sensitive skin depends on the individual fabric, dyes and finishes, so “hypoallergenic” is not something that should automatically be claimed for all bamboo textiles.
What is bamboo jersey good for?
Its soft handle and fluid drape make it particularly useful for tops, dresses, T-shirts, pyjamas, underwear and comfortable loungewear, depending on the weight and stretch of the fabric.
Fancy Sewing with Bamboo?
Have a look through our current bamboo fabrics, including soft jerseys, blends and towelling. Stock changes regularly, so there is often something a little different to find.
Shop Bamboo Fabrics
