15 Best Cottagecore Fabrics For DIY Sewing Projects [2023]

Cotton fabric is a great choice for cottagecore fashion sewing projects, especially cottagecore dress ideas and handmade quilts. Cottagecore fashion is characterized by a romantic and whimsical aesthetic, often featuring flowing dresses, puffed sleeves, and vintage prints.

Cotton is a versatile and comfortable fabric that is widely used in fashion because it is breathable, easy to care for, and comes in a variety of weights and textures.

When choosing cotton fabric for a cottagecore project, consider using lightweight or medium-weight cotton which will drape beautifully and create a soft, feminine look.

You may also want to look for prints that evoke a nostalgic, pastoral feeling, such as floral or polka dots.

2. Linen Fabric

Linen fabric is also a great choice for cottagecore fashion sewing projects. Linen is a natural fiber that has a beautiful drape and a rustic, earthy feel, which many use for achieving the cottagecore aesthetic. It is also a breathable fabric that is great for warmer weather.

When choosing linen fabric for a cottagecore project, consider using medium-weight or lightweight linen, such as linen gauze, linen voile, or linen blend fabrics. These fabrics will give your garment a soft and airy quality, so you can achieve a romantic look.

Linen fabric also has a unique texture that adds depth and interest to a garment. It can be found in a range of natural colors, including earthy browns, greens, and blues, for a cottagecore-inspired color palette.

best cottagecore fabrics linen

3. Calico Fabric

Calico fabric is often found in a variety of prints, including floral, gingham, and polka dot, which are used for creating a nostalgic look of cottagecore fashion.

The fabric is also relatively affordable, making it a great choice for beginner sewists who are experimenting with different fabrics and designs.

When working with calico, it's important to prewash the fabric to prevent shrinkage and ensure that the garment will maintain its shape after washing.

It is also a good idea to use a lightweight or medium-weight interfacing to stabilize the fabric and prevent it from becoming too flimsy.

4. Muslin

Muslin is a lightweight and versatile cotton fabric that is often used for sewing projects such as mockups, lining, and even as a base fabric for embroidery or appliqué. While it's not the most common fabric choice for cottagecore fashion, it can still be used to create a variety of different styles.

Muslin could be used to create a simple and breezy sundress, a lightweight blouse, or a flowing skirt. The soft, airy texture of muslin fabric would be perfect for creating a loose and relaxed silhouette that embodies the casual, natural feel of cottagecore fashion.

Muslin fabric can also be dyed or printed with natural dyes or botanical prints, which would further enhance the rustic and organic feel of a cottagecore outfit.

best cottagecore fabrics muslin

5. Gingham Fabric

Gingham is a classic fabric often associated with cottagecore fashion, making it a great choice for a variety of different sewing projects. Here are some ideas for cottagecore sewing projects that can be made with gingham fabric:

Sundresses: A gingham sundress is a classic cottagecore look. Choose a lightweight gingham fabric in a soft color, such as blue or pink, and create a loose and flowing silhouette with a full skirt and ruffle details.
Pinafores: A gingham pinafore is another classic cottagecore look. Choose a small check gingham fabric in a soft pastel color and create a simple and sweet pinafore dress with a fitted bodice and full skirt.
Blouses: A gingham blouse is a versatile addition to any cottagecore wardrobe. Choose a larger check gingham fabric in a muted color and create a loose and flowing blouse with puffed sleeves and a gathered neckline.
Skirts: A gingham skirt can be both playful and romantic. Choose a lightweight gingham fabric in a soft color and create a gathered skirt with a ruffle hem and a fitted waistband.
Accessories: Gingham can also be used to create cottagecore hair accessories, such as headbands and scrunchies.

6. Chambray Fabric

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Chambray fabric can be a great choice for cottagecore fashion and is available from this Etsy shop. Chambray is a lightweight and breathable fabric made from cotton or a cotton blend, which makes it comfortable to wear in warmer weather. It has a denim-like texture and appearance, but is typically lighter in weight and softer in drape.

Chambray can be used to create a variety of cottagecore garments, such as dresses, blouses, and skirts. It can also be used for lightweight jackets or outerwear.

When using chambray for cottagecore sewing projects, consider choosing a fabric that is a lighter weight with a soft and drapey texture. This will help create a relaxed and flowing silhouette that is characteristic of cottagecore fashion.

7. Voile Fabric

Voile is a lightweight and sheer fabric made from cotton, cotton blends, or synthetic fibers, which gives it a delicate and airy texture. It is commonly used for creating summer garments and is ideal for hot and humid climates.

Garments, such as blouses, dresses, skirts, and even lightweight outerwear can be made with this fabric. When using voile for cottagecore sewing projects, consider choosing a fabric with a soft and romantic print, such as floral or botanical prints, or with a delicate embroidery or lace details.

Due to its lightweight and sheer texture, voile can be tricky to work with. It is important to handle it carefully and use the appropriate needles and stitches when sewing to avoid snagging or damaging the fabric.

You may also want to use a lining or an underlining to provide some structure and prevent the fabric from being too transparent.

8. Eyelet Fabric

Eyelet fabric can be used to create a variety of garments, such as dresses, blouses, skirts, and even lightweight jackets or outerwear.

When using eyelet for cottagecore sewing projects, consider choosing a fabric with a soft and muted color palette, such as whites, creams, or pastel tones, which will enhance the delicate and feminine look of the fabric.

You can also experiment with different eyelet patterns and sizes, such as small or large eyelets, to create different effects and textures in your garment.

Eyelet fabric can also be layered with other fabrics, such as cotton or linen, to add more structure and interest to your design.

9. Seersucker

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If you're looking for seersucker fabric for your cottagecore sewing projects, you may want to check out the selection available from this Etsy shop.

There are many seersucker fabrics in different colors and prints that would be fantastic for creating DIY clothing, such as dresses, blouses, skirts, and shorts.

When selecting a seersucker fabric for your cottagecore sewing projects, consider choosing a fabric with a soft and muted color palette, such as pastel or earthy tones, which will enhance the natural and relaxed feel of cottagecore fashion.

You can also experiment with different seersucker textures and patterns, such as stripes or plaids, to add more interest and texture to your design.

10. Flannel Fabric

Flannel is a versatile fabric that can be used for a variety of cottagecore sewing projects. It is a soft, warm, and cozy fabric that is ideal for creating garments and accessories for cooler weather. Here are some ideas for what you can make with flannel for cottagecore:

Flannel shirts: Flannel shirts are a staple of cottagecore fashion, providing a comfortable and relaxed look for cozy fall and winter days.
Dresses and skirts: Flannel can also be used to create cozy and rustic dresses and skirts. Look for patterns that have a flowy or relaxed silhouette, such as maxi dresses or A-line skirts.
Coats and jackets: Flannel can be used to create warm and cozy outerwear, such as coats and jackets, for chilly weather.
Scarves and shawls: Flannel can also be used to create cozy accessories, such as scarves and shawls, that can add warmth and texture to your cottagecore outfit. These can also go with your cottagecore jewelry themes.

11. Velvet Fabric

Velvet fabric can be a good choice for certain types of cottagecore sewing projects. Velvet is a soft, luxurious, and slightly textured fabric that can add an elegant touch to your cottagecore outfit.

It is a versatile fabric that can be used to create a variety of garments, accessories, and home decor items.

Velvet can be used to create a range of cottagecore garments, such as dresses, skirts, jackets, and blouses. When choosing velvet for your cottagecore sewing project, consider selecting colors that are muted and soft, such as blush pink, deep greens, and earthy browns.

You can also experiment with different velvet textures, such as crushed velvet or plush velvet, to add more depth and interest to your design.

Velvet can also be used to create accessories, such as headbands, scrunchies, and handbags, that can add a touch of elegance and luxury to your cottagecore outfit.

When creating accessories with velvet, consider using contrasting fabrics or textures, such as lace or linen, to create a more layered and interesting look.

It's important to note that velvet can be a bit challenging to work with, as it can be bulky and difficult to sew. Make sure to use sharp needles and a walking foot when sewing with velvet, and avoid ironing the fabric directly to prevent crushing or flattening the pile.

12. Corduroy

Corduroy can be a great fabric choice for cottagecore sewing projects. It is a durable and cozy fabric with a unique texture that adds a vintage feel to garments and accessories.

When selecting corduroy for your cottagecore sewing project, consider choosing colors that are soft and muted, such as rust, olive, or mustard, which will complement the natural and relaxed feel of cottagecore fashion.

You can also experiment with different corduroy textures, such as wide wale or narrow wale, to add more interest and texture to your design.

13. Tweed

Tweed can be a great fabric choice for cottagecore sewing projects. It is a versatile and durable fabric with a classic and timeless look that you can use to sew rustic garments and accessories.

Tweed jackets and blazers are a staple of cottagecore fashion, providing warmth and sophistication on chilly days. Look for patterns that have a classic and tailored silhouette, such as a fitted blazer or a tweed coat with a structured collar.

Tweed can also be used to create skirts and dresses for a cottagecore wardrobe. Look for patterns that have a simple and relaxed silhouette, such as a midi skirt or a shirt dress.

14. Broderie Anglaise

Broderie anglaise fabric is popular for cottagecore fashion because it has a nostalgic feel that fits well with the overall aesthetic of cottagecore.

This fabric is a type of embroidered cotton or cotton blend that features delicate and intricate cut-out designs that are often floral or geometric in nature.

The fabric has a light and airy feel, which makes it a good choice for sewing summery and breezy garments that evoke a sense of romanticism and simplicity.

In addition to its delicate appearance, broderie anglaise fabric is also popular for cottagecore because it is often associated with traditional and handmade crafts, such as embroidery and lace-making.

This fits well with the cottagecore ethos of embracing traditional and simple ways of living, which often includes an appreciation for handmade and artisanal goods.

15. Wool