Novelty Fabric

Novelty Fabric:

Also known as loose weave fabric is an interesting fabric option. Loose weave sewing fabric is woven with yarns that give an uneven irregular look to the fabric.

Natural almost potato sack or home spun comes to mind. However, unlike the potato sack, these fabrics come in many colors and textures varying from fine to coarse and tight weave to loose weave.

Loose weave fabrics should be considered for simple style garments that do not have a lot of seams or detail. The fabric ravels easily, so excess pattern pieces are not suitable. The looser the weave, the more simple style should be chosen

Consider the "with nap" layout with extremely nubby loose weaves. Avoid buttonholes and instead use looped buttons.

Pre shrink fabric with a steam iron. Hold your iron slightly above the fabric and dry clean your finished garment.

If you have a serger, serge the raw edges of each cut piece. This will secure the fabric and eliminate unravelling before you construct your garment. If you do not have an over lock machine, use double fold bias binding. Sew the binding on each side of the seam allowance to secure the edges.

Mark with tailor tacks or tailor chalk to mark the cut out pieces.


Use cotton or polyester thread A standard presser foot.


Use an 80/12 machine needle with 2.5 mm stitch length.

To ensure your hem does not ravel, use a double fold bias tape around the seam edge and hand sew the hem to preferred length.


Check this site for interesting creative use of novelty fabric