Sewing with Organic Fabric. An Ecologically Sound Way To Sew & Create.

Eco Fabrics

As the general population grows aware of the environment, organic fabric is becoming more popular, therefore easier to find in the fabric stores and online. However, so many of these fibers have been in use for many thousands of years.


More and more companies are manufacturing environmentally friendly sewing fabrics and big name designers are incorporating natural organic fabric into their designs. These sewing fabrics can be more expensive as they are not mass-produced the same way as other sewing fabrics. You could say it is similar to organically grown food, better for you but more expensive.

Most organic fabrics come in woven or knits and do come in a variety of colors. They are a little harder to find but, again, they are becoming more available as their popularity grows.

Hemp Fabric

Most hemp fabric is similar to linen, hemp fabric is a sturdy a fabric that does wrinkle but not as much as linen. Hemp does not require great quantities of pesticides like cotton does. It is a very hardy plant and needs very little or none of the same herbicides and irrigation that other fabrics from natural fibres require. Hemp cloth biodegrades much easier than cotton and is more durable.

Although hemp cloth looks like linen, hemp can be woven to achieve different textures and feel; it is blended with other natural fibres to achieve coarse or fine textures.

The photos below with show just how different hemp cloth can be and therefore, giving any seamstress many options to create beautifully eco friendly garments.

Press fabric on high and use a lot of steam when you are constructing your garment. It is recommended to have your finished garment professionally pressed, but spray starch is helpful if you choose to press yourself.

Again, remember to use your own discretion or ask a sales person at the fabric store if there are any special sewing instructions that will be needed for the hemp fabric you choose. Generally, you will use the universal needle, thread, and stitch length. However, if your hemp fabric, or any organic fabric is blended with other natural fibres it is best to ask.

Soy Fabric

This organic fabric is made form the hull of the soybean. Soy fabric is very soft and luxurious. Soy sewing fabric is used for exercise wear and stretch knit garments, such as t-shirts, dresses, and wrap tops.

Flowing styles like this top I made in the photo, is so comfortable. I find it a little like wear pajamas. The soy fabric I used, feels a lot softer than the jersey fabrics I have bought and sewn. I am guessing this comes form the fact that this is an organic fabric.

Exercise wear is also a popular use for soy fabric, like the one below.

The U.S. company called Lenzing Fibres manufactured lyocell. It is considered eco friendly because it is produced with recyclable and non-toxic dissolving agents in manufacturing this fabric.

Lyocell has some of the same properties as cotton and rayon. Like cotton, lyocell is a breathable, easy care fabric with the flow or drape of rayon.

Lyocell is suitable for shirts, pants, dresses and flowing skirts as well as pyjamas. You can wash or dry clean this fabric, and it comes in woven or knit fabrics.

Pre shrink in warm water and dry on Permanent press cycle. Pull from the dryer promptly to avoid wrinkles.

Use "Without nap" layout.

Mark your fabric with fabric marker or fabric chalks.

Use good quality sharp sewing scissors. Cotton thread is best for woven tencel and for knits use a good quaulity polyester.

Press with a steam iron on medium heat.
A straight stitch presser foot , with a 75/11 needle for woven fabrics and 75/11 stretch machine needle for knits is used or use a serger if you have one.

Here are some styles to consider when choosing sewing patterns. Sewing patterns.
Lyocell knits have a nice drape. This pattern would be a good choice for lyocell knit fabric.