10 Types of Crafts Fabrics You Should Know

When starting a new craft project, one of the most exciting and sometimes overwhelming steps is choosing the right fabric. With so many textures, weights, and materials available, it’s easy to get lost in the options. But selecting the right fabric is crucial: it can make or break your project’s final look, durability, and usability. Whether you’re diving into sewing, quilting, DIY home décor, or simple craft projects, understanding different types of fabrics will help you create with confidence. This guide breaks down the essentials of craft fabrics in clear, simple terms perfect for beginners eager to learn or experienced crafters looking for a handy reference.

1. Cotton: The Crafting Essential

Cotton is by far the most popular and versatile fabric in the crafting world. Its soft texture, breathability, and ease of handling make it a favorite for both beginners and seasoned crafters.

Best Uses:

• Quilting and patchwork
  
• Sewing clothing or accessories
  
• DIY home décor like pillow covers and curtains

Practical Tips:

• Always pre-wash cotton fabric before starting your project to avoid shrinkage later.
  
• Cotton is available in countless prints and colors, making it ideal for projects that need a pop of pattern.

Many crafters find cotton especially accessible when browsing fabric collections from suppliers like Craftsfabrics, where quality and variety are key.

2. Felt: Perfect for No-Fray Projects

Felt is a fantastic fabric for simple, no-sew projects. Made from wool, acrylic, or a blend of fibers, it’s thick, non-fraying, and easy to cut into various shapes.

Best Uses:

• Kids’ crafts and DIY ornaments
  
• Soft toys and puppets
  
• Appliqué and embellishments

Practical Tips:

• Use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter to get clean edges.
  
• Because felt has no grain, you don’t have to worry about cutting along specific directions.

For hobbyists searching for easy-to-use materials, Craftsfabrics often offers felt in assorted packs, ideal for both beginners and teachers planning group craft sessions.

3. Burlap: Rustic and Textured

Burlap (also known as hessian) brings a natural, rustic charm to craft projects. It’s a loosely woven fabric made from jute or hemp, and it’s especially popular in farmhouse-style or eco-friendly décor.

Best Uses:

• Table runners and placemats
  
• Gift wrap and rustic wedding décor
  
• Wall art and banners

Practical Tips:

• Burlap tends to shed, so handle it gently and consider serging the edges to minimize fraying.
  
• Air out burlap before use, as it sometimes carries a strong natural scent.

If you’re into rustic or eco-themed projects, Craftsfabrics includes burlap selections that work wonderfully for both functional and decorative pieces.

4. Denim: Durable and Stylish

Denim isn’t just for jeans, it’s a sturdy, reliable fabric perfect for projects needing extra durability. Denim comes in different weights, from lightweight chambray to heavy-duty versions.

Best Uses:

• Tote bags and pouches
  
• Aprons and utility accessories
  
• Upcycling old jeans into creative crafts

Practical Tips:

• Use a heavy-duty needle when sewing denim to avoid breaking standard needles.
  
• Denim can be bulky at seams, so consider grading (trimming layers) to reduce bulk.

For those exploring practical yet stylish designs, Craftsfabrics provides different shades and weights of denim that are great for both fashion and functional items.

5. Flannel: Soft and Cozy

Flannel is a soft, brushed fabric that adds a cozy feel to any project. Available in cotton and synthetic blends, it’s popular for its warmth and softness.

Best Uses:

• Baby blankets and bibs
  
• Pajamas and loungewear
  
• Quilts and winter accessories

Practical Tips:

• Flannel frays easily, so reinforce seams or consider using pinking shears.
  
• Pre-wash and dry flannel to prevent excessive shrinkage after your project is finished.

When making soft goods like blankets, Craftsfabrics’ flannel options often available in charming prints offer great choices for comfort-focused crafts.

6. Muslin: Affordable and Versatile

Muslin is a plain-woven cotton fabric, often used in dressmaking and as a base for other projects. It’s lightweight, breathable, and budget-friendly.

Best Uses:

• Practice sewing or pattern testing
  
• Quilting backing
  
• Home décor like curtains or light covers
  

Practical Tips:

• Muslin wrinkles easily, so keep your iron handy.
  
• It’s excellent for dyeing and painting because of its neutral, absorbent surface.
  

Crafters who want to experiment or test new designs often turn to Craftsfabrics for affordable muslin options, helping them perfect their creations without wasting expensive materials.

7. Satin: Sleek and Elegant

Satin is a smooth, glossy fabric that adds elegance and luxury to craft projects. It can be made from silk, polyester, or nylon, and has a characteristic sheen that catches the light beautifully.

Best Uses:

• Hair accessories and ribbons
  
• Wedding or party decorations
  
• Decorative pillows and costumes

Practical Tips:

• Satin can be slippery; pin generously or use fabric clips to keep layers together.
  
• Handle gently to avoid snagging or pulling the delicate fibers.

For glamorous touches, Craftsfabrics stocks satin in a range of rich colors, ideal for elevating any special occasion craft.

8. Canvas: Strong and Sturdy

Canvas is a heavy-duty fabric, often made from cotton or a cotton-polyester blend. Its sturdiness makes it a go-to choice for long-lasting, high-usage crafts.

Best Uses:

• Tote bags and backpacks
  
• Wall art and banners
  
• Upholstery and seat covers

Practical Tips:

• Use a thicker needle and strong thread to work effectively with canvas.
  
• Canvas can be stiff at first; washing it may soften the texture slightly.

If you’re making something that needs to withstand wear and tear, Craftsfabrics offers durable canvas that’s well-suited for tough, practical projects.

9. Jersey Knit: Stretchy and Comfortable

Jersey knit is a stretchable fabric made from cotton, polyester, or blends. It’s commonly used in garments but also lends itself to comfy craft projects.

Best Uses:

• T-shirt quilts
  
• Baby clothes and swaddles
  
• Headbands and soft toys

Practical Tips:

• Use a ballpoint needle and stretch stitch to avoid skipped stitches.
  
• Handle gently to prevent warping, especially when cutting.

For soft, flexible creations, Craftsfabrics’ jersey knit collection includes fun prints and solids that work perfectly for wearable crafts.

10. Velvet: Luxurious and Plush

Velvet is a richly textured fabric with a dense pile, typically made from silk, cotton, or synthetic fibers. It’s prized for its soft feel and elegant appearance, making it ideal for both decorative and wearable crafts.

Best Uses:

• Cushion covers and throw pillows
  
• Holiday stockings and tree skirts
  
• Evening bags and costume accents
  

Practical Tips:

• Use a sharp needle and longer stitch length to prevent fabric bruising.
  
• Always sew in the same direction to keep the pile looking uniform.
  
• Pin within seam allowances to avoid leaving marks, or use fabric clips.

For projects that aim to impress, Craftsfabrics’ velvet collection offers rich hues and sumptuous textures, perfect for adding a touch of luxury to any craft.

Conclusion

Choosing the right fabric is a foundational step in any crafting journey. Each type of fabric, whether it’s cotton, felt, burlap, denim, or specialty materials offers unique benefits that can enhance your project’s look, feel, and longevity. By understanding the characteristics, best uses, and practical handling tips of these fabrics, you’ll be better equipped to select materials that match your creative vision and technical needs. Whether you’re sewing, quilting, or working on a DIY décor project, having a strong grasp of fabric types helps ensure success from the very first stitch. So, the next time you plan a craft, pause to think about the fabric because the right choice can truly bring your project to life.