8 Different Types of Fabrics and Their Uses

If you're interested in taking up knitting or sewing, deciding which type of fabric you want to use to craft a certain item is an important decision that you'll have to make. Here are eight of the most common types of fabrics and their uses.

Cotton

Cotton is an extremely popular fabric option due to its versatility and low price. Composed mainly of cellulose, a compound found in plant cells, cotton is a natural fiber that is spun into a yarn in order to create fabric. Cotton is known for being soft and breathable, which makes it an ideal choice for clothing and diapers.

Fleece

Although it's named after a sheep's coat, fleece fabric is a man-made product that's actually made from polyester or recycled plastics such as water bottles. This makes fleece an eco-friendly and inexpensive option. In addition, fleece is known for trapping heat and resisting moisture, making it a great option if you want to keep warm or protect yourself from treacherous weather conditions. Fleece is mainly used to create sweaters, mittens, jackets, blankets and other objects that people use to keep warm in the cold winter months.

Silk

Silk is a natural textile that's produced by insects such as silkworms, bumble bees and weaver ants. Once these insects produce silk for their nests, the raw silk is extracted and then either knit into a fabric or spun into a yarn in order to create the finished product. Although silk is on the pricier side, it's known for its shine, absorbency and durability, which are sometimes hard to find in other fabrics. Some of silk's most common uses include bridal gowns, ties and bedding.

Cashmere

Like silk, cashmere is also a natural and expensive fiber. As the name suggests, cashmere is made from the underside of cashmere goats, which are mainly found in China, Mongolia and Nepal. Cashmere is used to knit sweaters, cardigans, shawls, or gloves. It's one of the most luxurious fibers on the market, and it's a great option if you're looking for a soft fabric that also absorbs moisture.

Linen

If you want to make items like towels, bedsheets or tablecloths, linen may be the fabric for you. Linen has been crafted from flax plants for over 6,000 years in almost every country in the world. It's a biodegradable and sustainable fabric, meaning that it won't sit in a landfill once you're finished using it. In addition to its environmental benefits, linen is also breathable, which makes it perfect for hot, humid summer days.

Gingham

Gingham is made from either cotton or man-made fibers and sewn into a checkered or plaid pattern. It's typically sewn into a red and white or blue and white pattern, and it's a popular option due to its low price and ease of manufacture. Some of gingham's most popular uses include tablecloths, aprons and dresses.

Leather

Leather is a type of fabric made from animal hides. Although cows are the most common animal used to produce leather, other animals such as sheep, pigs and goats are also used. If you're looking for a fabric that's resistant to wrinkling and is also extremely durable and thick, leather may be a good choice. It's also an excellent insulator, which means that it'll keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Leather is typically used to make shoes, jackets, car seats and furniture.

Merino Wool

Merino wool is a type of wool that's obtained from Merino sheep, which originate in Spain. Unlike traditional wool, which is known for being itchy and irritating to the skin, Merino wool is much thinner and softer. It's also biodegradable, fire-resistant and a great insulator. Merino wool is used for a variety of purposes, including activewear, bedding and carpets.

Understanding the different types of fabrics available on the market is important if you want to craft the appropriate articles of clothing. Use this guide to learn about eight of the most common types of fabrics and their uses.