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Viscose Fabric for Dressmaking

Viscose Fabric for Dressmaking

Viscose fabric is a popular dressmaking fabric known for its softness, breathability and fluid drape. Made from regenerated cellulose fibres derived from wood pulp, viscose combines the comfort of a natural fibre with a smooth finish that works beautifully for garments with movement. It's particularly well suited to dresses, blouses, skirts and relaxed separates.

Our viscose fabric collection includes viscose challis, viscose twill, viscose crepe, viscose jersey and a wide range of printed viscose fabrics. You'll also find modern regenerated fibres such as Tencel™ and Lyocell, which offer many of the qualities dressmakers love about viscose. Whether you're sewing a floaty summer dress, a blouse, a skirt or wide-leg trousers, viscose is often chosen for its graceful drape and comfortable feel.

Use the filters to narrow your search by colour, pattern, stretch or composition. If you're looking for 100% viscose fabric, select Yes in the 100% Yarn Content filter to remove blended options from your results.

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Choosing the right viscose fabric

Viscose is one of the most versatile dressmaking fabrics available, offering a combination of softness, breathability and beautiful drape. It's often chosen for garments that need movement, making it a popular option for dresses, blouses, skirts, jumpsuits and relaxed trousers.

Different viscose fabrics can behave quite differently. Lightweight viscose challis and printed viscose fabrics create soft, flowing garments with plenty of drape, while viscose crepe adds subtle texture and movement. Viscose twill offers a little more body and durability, making it a good choice for shirts, skirts, trousers and projects that benefit from extra structure.

If you're looking for a fabric that feels comfortable to wear throughout the day, viscose is a strong choice. Its breathable nature makes it particularly popular for spring and summer sewing, although heavier viscose fabrics work equally well for year-round wardrobes and transitional-season garments.

Our viscose collection includes plain and printed viscose fabrics, viscose jersey, challis, crepe, twill and modern regenerated fibres such as Tencel™ and Lyocell. With a range of weights, colours and designs available, there's a viscose fabric suitable for almost every style of dressmaking project.

Is viscose fabric good for dressmaking?

Yes, viscose is one of the most popular dressmaking fabrics for good reason. Its soft handle and fluid drape make it ideal for dresses, blouses, skirts, jumpsuits and wide-leg trousers. Viscose is also breathable and comfortable to wear, particularly during warmer months, making it a favourite for garments that need movement and a relaxed fit.

What is the difference between viscose and rayon?

In simple terms, viscose and rayon are the same type of fibre. Rayon is the term used more commonly in North America, while viscose is more widely used in the UK and Europe. Both are made from regenerated cellulose fibres derived from wood pulp. You may also come across fibres such as Tencel™ and Lyocell, which belong to the same broader family of regenerated fibres.

Does viscose fabric shrink when washed?

Viscose can shrink slightly during its first wash, particularly if it has not been pre-treated. We recommend washing your fabric before cutting out your project using the same method you intend to use for the finished garment. Following the care instructions and avoiding excessive heat will help maintain the fabric's appearance and drape.

Is viscose suitable for all seasons?

Viscose is often associated with spring and summer sewing because it is lightweight, breathable and comfortable to wear. However, heavier viscose fabrics such as viscose twill, crepe and some challis qualities can work equally well for autumn and transitional wardrobes. The weight of the fabric is usually a better guide than the fibre itself.

What is the difference between viscose challis, twill and crepe?

While all three are made from viscose fibres, they have different constructions and handles. Viscose challis is usually soft and fluid with a smooth finish, making it popular for dresses and blouses. Viscose twill tends to have a little more body and durability, while viscose crepe has a subtle texture and often drapes beautifully. The best choice depends on the style and structure you're hoping to achieve.

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