How to… Choose stretch fabrics for the Cosy Jersey Dress
The Cosy Jersey Dress and Tunic Pattern is a really versatile pattern which can be made in a wide variety of fabrics. Your fabric choice will make a huge difference to the finished look of your dress or tunic.
How to choose fabrics for the Cosy Jersey Pattern…
Fabrics with a high cotton content are best for beginners, as the fibres have higher friction and won’t wiggle around quite as much as a jersey with a high synthetic content. Try working with a cotton sweatshirting fabric or a cotton single jersey. However, if the fabric is a heavier weight, like a ponte roma or scuba, it will more stable and less stretchy even though it has synthetic fibre content, and it should be easy to handle too.
If you are new to sewing with jersey, don’t go for anything too lightweight or too stretchy and watch for fabric which rolls a lot at the edges as this will be harder to cut and sew.
What fabrics to choose for the Tunic:
Ponti Roma
A double jersey fabric which will not roll and has good stability. It’s a great choice for a smarter look – and easy to cut and sew for beginners.
Brushed or looped back sweat
This lovely snuggly thick fabric makes a wonderful Cosy Jersey tunic.
Top Tip:
When using thicker fabrics it can be very helpful to layer your seams at the neckline to create a smooth finish – trim the seam allowance of the outer fabric to approximately 6mm. Trim the seam allowance of the facing down to approximately 1cm. This encourages the facing to roll onto the inside of the garment and makes topstitching easier.
French Terry
This mid weight knit is a little lighter weight than sweat fabric and also comes with either a brushed or loop back. It’s a good choice for a spring or autumn layering piece.
Textured or jacquard knits
Jacquard knits have an obvious right and wrong side. They also fray quite a bit so all the edges will need finishing, ideally with an overlocker.
What fabrics to choose for the Dress:
Cotton single jersey
This stable knit jersey is a great fabric to work when you are learning to sew. Cotton jersey has a little stretch but won’t return easily to its original shape so be careful not to stretch it whilst sewing.
Cotton elastane jersey
The addition of elastane to a single jersey means it will has better stretch and return properties.
Viscose jersey
A beautiful lightweight fabric with a very slinky feel. This works well if you want to make a dress for work or an evening out.
Polyester jersey
A soft and slinky fabric, also ideal for smarter looks. You can often find polyester jersey with some sparkle to it, ideal for a glamourous but comfortable dress!
Rebecca @Red W Sews Chose a fab sparkly jersey for her version. Read her review here.
Jersey fabrics 101
Learn more about choosing and sewing with jersey fabrics
