Fabrics cut to order by the metre: we offer a wide range of fabrics for sewing, from cotton fabric and poplin to double gauze , jersey, linen, viscose, velvet and canvas. You will find solid-colour fabrics, from white to orange, as well as many prints, all selected for their high quality and their performance under the needle.
For clothing, the collection covers the wardrobe - dresses, shirts and sweatshirts - as well as everyday textile items: cushion covers, bags and pouches. This range of fabrics does not include heavy upholstery fabrics; the selection is designed for the domestic sewing machine. Choose the fabric according to its weight and drape; we cut it by the metre. European fabrics, many of them Oeko-Tex certified.
Which fabrics by the metre are suitable for which project?
The project determines the material, not the other way around. Here are the combinations most often chosen, detailed on the Fabrics for clothing page.
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Fluid dresses, skirts and blouses: viscose, crepe, cotton sateen, double gauze . Soft drape and little structure; they slide under the presser foot, so pin closely.
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T-shirts, sweatshirts and joggers: jersey, French Terry, sweatshirt fabric, jogging fabric. Stretch knit, ballpoint needle and stretch stitch.
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Shirts and summer clothing: cotton poplin, linen, cotton piqué, broderie anglaise. Stable fabric, clean cutting, made for structured pieces.
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Trousers and jackets: denim, canvas, bi-stretch. Tight weave, denim needle and strong thread.
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Coats and winter garments: winter fabrics, velvet, wool, Alpine fleece sweatshirt fabric. Thickness and warmth; use a strong needle.
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Accessories and textile items: canvas for bags, pouches and cushion covers, terry cloth and bamboo for reusable wipes.
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Finishes: lining for jackets, skirts and coats.
Woven or knit: the question to settle before cutting
A woven fabric, with warp and weft, stretches only on the bias. A knit stretches across the width, and sometimes in both directions. The pattern indicates which one it requires, and getting it wrong can mean an entire size difference. With knits, use a ballpoint needle, stretch stitch or overlocker, and avoid firm pressing that could stretch the seam. With woven fabrics, a universal needle and straight stitch are sufficient. French Terry is recognisable by its loops on the reverse, while jersey has an edge that rolls as soon as you cut it.
How much fabric should you allow for?
This fabric is available here by the metre and as a piece. You can use it for dresses, trousers and skirts.
| Characteristic |
Value |
| Width |
140 cm |
| Weight |
220 to 250 g/m² |
| Care |
Wash at 30°C, do not tumble dry, iron on a cool setting |
| Packaging |
By the metre or as a piece |
The amounts below come from our fabric quantity guide, based on a width of 140 cm.
- Dresses: 1.30 m to 3 m
- Trousers: 1.20 m to 2.50 m
- Skirts: 70 cm to 2 m
For example, for a dress, allow 1.30 m to 3 m and add a little extra if the fabric has a pattern that needs matching.
In practical terms, a width of 140 cm often allows you to cut two pieces side by side. There is usually no need to pre-wash: our fabrics are already pre-washed and will not shrink as long as they are washed at 30 degrees.
Cotton, linen, viscose fabric: reading the composition
The composition is listed on every product page. It tells you more than the photo.
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Natural fibres: cotton, linen, wool, bamboo. Breathable and pleasant against the skin, they crease more easily but retain their dimensions at 30 degrees.
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Artificial and synthetic fibres: viscose, polyester, elastane. Fluid drape or stretch, easy care and little shrinkage.
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Blends: linen viscose, cotton elastane, bi-stretch. They combine comfort on one hand with structure on the other.
For more information, the Natural materials page explains the behaviour of each fibre in detail.
Which fabrics by the metre are best for beginners in sewing?
Start with a stable, medium-weight woven fabric, either plain or with a small non-directional pattern. Cotton poplin, canvas and double gauze are forgiving; they do not slip under the scissors and press well. Save jersey and viscose for later: one escapes under the needle, the other under the ruler. A pattern that needs matching and directional velvet require extra fabric and must be cut in the same direction for all pieces.
Width, weight and quantity: how much should you order?
Each product page indicates the fabric width, weight in g/m² and composition. These three lines are enough to calculate your required quantity. A narrow width requires more length than a wide width for the same pattern. A light weight is suitable for fluid pieces, while a heavier weight is suitable for jackets, bags and cushion covers. Add seam allowances, hems and, for a pattern that needs matching, the height of one motif. Cut as soon as you receive it; the fabric is pre-washed and will not shrink at 30 degrees.
How should you care for your fabrics?
Care symbols are shown on every product page: washing temperature, ironing, tumble drying and bleaching. Follow them from the first machine wash. Cotton and linen can be machine washed without difficulty; wool and silk require gentle washing or dry cleaning, while viscose does not like hot water or a very hot iron. The Fabric care page explains the symbols one by one.
European fabrics, Oeko-Tex and organic cotton
The fabrics by the metre in this collection are made in Europe. A large proportion carry Oeko-Tex certification, confirming the absence of substances harmful to the skin, while others carry the GOTS label for organic fabrics. These are two important points when sewing for a baby or sensitive skin. Details of the certifications can be found on the Quality labels page.
Cut to order, delivery and shop
We cut to order: you order the length you need, and we cut it for you. Orders are dispatched within 48 hours and delivery is free on orders over €75, throughout Europe. Fabric pieces let you try a material in a small quantity before starting a large project. The Grez-Doiceau shop remains the best way to assess a fabric's drape: you can touch it, scrunch it and decide.
Find your fabrics by the metre
The right project starts with the right quantity: measure, add the seam allowance, then order the exact length; we cut to order. Hesitating between two materials? Cotton fabric for beginners, jersey for comfort, canvas for cushion covers and bags. Orders are dispatched within 48 hours, delivery is free on orders over €75, and the Grez-Doiceau shop lets you feel the quality before deciding. Browse the collection, choose the fabric that suits your project and order your fabrics by the metre.
