Calico Fabrics

What is calico fabric?

By definition, calico fabric (in English calico) is a raw cotton fabric, unbleached, undyed, with a natural off-white color. You can also find versions in organic cotton and solid cotton, ideal for more eco-friendly projects. Weavers generally use a plain weave, which gives the fabric a slightly coarse but very durable appearance.

This woven fabric offers good quality in terms of firmness and durability. It takes its name from the city of Calicut in India, where artisans were making it as early as the 16th century. It later spread to Europe in the 19th century. Thanks to its simple structure, breathable texture, and great strength, tailors and designers use it both for sewing and for decoration or crafts.

How to use calico fabrics in sewing?

Calico fabric is an excellent choice for sewing patterns. You can also use it to make bulk bags, linings, or banners. It is perfect for making tablecloths, curtains, napkins, or tea towels.

This fabric is also ideal for creating lightweight clothing. It adapts very well to making household linens. Home decoration projects can also benefit from its qualities. Its stable weave, smooth feel, and lack of elasticity make it easy to sew, even for beginners. Its neutral appearance makes it a perfect base for dyeing or textile printing.

What are the different types of calico fabrics available?

There are several versions of calico fabric depending on their weight, width, and treatment:

• raw calico,
• bleached calico,
• lightweight calico,
• solid calico or printed calico.

It can be sold in fabric pieces or by the meter, with different widths depending on the project needs. It is a material that adapts to all uses, whether sewing, decoration, or textile art projects.

Where to buy calico fabrics?

You can buy our calico fabric online or at our physical store, often at a low price, making it an ideal option for budget-friendly projects. We offer fabrics by the meter, fabric pieces, a variety of colors, and fabric choices suited to each project. You can place your order directly on our shop, whether you are looking for a raw product, a ready-to-sew fabric piece, or a piece to customize.

What is the origin and history of calico?

Calico gets its name from the city of Calicut, located on the southwest coast of India. This is where this coarse cotton fabric originated before being exported to Europe. It played a major role in the textile trade as early as the 16th century, becoming a staple product used in textile and craft industries.

What are the properties of calico fabric?

Calico is a breathable, strong fabric with good durability and a slightly smooth feel. Its plain weave structure also allows it to be used for prints, polka dots, stripes, or various geometric patterns. It is also easy to care for, non-elastic, and offers a highly sought-after natural look in artisanal or eco-friendly creations. Thanks to its simple structure, it is perfect for experimenting and creating freely.

How to print on calico?

Calico can be easily customized with fabric paints, screen printing, or natural printing techniques. Its plain weave allows for sharp and durable patterns. You can thus customize it as you wish for your artistic creations, decorations, or unique accessories.

Wash and iron the calico before printing to remove finishes and improve color retention. Work on a flat, clean surface. Protect the back of the fabric with cardboard or an absorbent sheet to avoid transfers. Let the ink or paint dry thoroughly, then fix the color according to the product instructions, either with an iron or by air drying.