Cotton Fabric

To determine how much cotton you’ll need, check your sewing pattern’s yardage guide, your dress length, width of fabric, and whether there is a directional print. For a standard knee-length dress on 110–150 cm wide fabric, plan for 1.5 to 2.5 metres, adjusting upward for maxi-length dresses, sleeves, or pattern repeats. If your cotton fabric has a directional print, stripes, or motifs, add extra to match patterns across seams. Since we sell cotton dress fabric by the metre, we aim to cut your order in a continuous length when stock allows. If you share your pattern and measurements, we can help you fine-tune the amount to avoid waste.

We offer many cotton dress fabrics suited for different styles and drape. Poplin is crisp and holds shape well—great for shirts and dresses with structure. Cotton lawn and voile are lightweight, soft, and lovely for summer dresses or blouses. Chambray and cotton blends provide texture and a bit more body. Stretch cottons give extra ease and comfort for fitted styles. Each option has trade-offs in drape, opacity, and ease of sewing. On our product pages, you’ll see full specifications (gsm, weave, composition) to help you choose the best cotton dress fabric for your design and comfort needs.

Yes — pre-washing is highly recommended. Cotton is prone to shrinking, often by 2 % to 5 %, especially during the first wash. Washing your fabric before cutting ensures that your finished garment doesn’t distort or get misshapen after laundry. Use a gentle cycle with cool to warm water (30–40 °C), with mild detergent. Dry flat or tumble low, then press before cutting. Also, pre-washing helps remove sizing or finishes left over from manufacturing. Always pre-wash pieces of the same batch together to maintain consistency in shrinkage and color. Pre-washing cotton ensures your dress holds its shape and fit long term.

Cotton garments are fairly low-maintenance but benefit from proper care. Wash using a gentle cycle with cool to warm water (around 30–40 °C) and a mild detergent. Avoid bleaching agents, as they weaken fibres and fade colours. Dry flat or tumble dry on low heat to prevent excessive shrinkage. Iron cotton on a medium to hot setting while still slightly damp to ease pressing. Use steam for stubborn creases. Always turn garments inside out to protect prints or finishes. If your cotton dress fabric is blended with exotic fibres (linen, silk, stretch), follow the most delicate care instructions. Proper care helps preserve the fabric’s feel, colour, and shape over many wears.

At Remnant House Fabric, we specialise in high-quality dress fabrics, and cotton is a cornerstone of our range. We curate fabrics for repeat durability, even weave, and clean f inishes—not just mass-produced stock. Our cotton dress fabrics come with detailed specs (weight, width, weave), ensuring you get exactly what your project needs. We offer by-metre cutting, frequent restocking, and sample swatches so you can see texture and colour before commit. Our expertise helps you select the best cotton variant for your design. Buying from us means higher quality, better guidance, and a fabric shopping experience built specifically for dressmakers like you.