FREE SHIPPING OVER $80 | Cut Yardage Only | U.S. Only |   Excludes Bolts, Bundles, Pre-Cuts, Batting 
FREE SHIPPING OVER $80 | Cut Yardage Only | U.S. Only |   Excludes Bolts, Bundles, Pre-Cuts, Batting 

WINTER FABRICS

DAVID JACKSON | FABRICS | NOVEMBER 27, 2019

41547-sweater-weather


Now that winter is upon us, it’s definitely bundle up, or freeze up like a popsicle! But layering isn’t just a matter of smothering yourself in multiple sweaters. There’s an art and a science to it. Marshall Dry Goods not only knows what fabrics will work best in the cold weather, but we also have the fabric and items you will need to create your warm masterpieces-  in stock, just waiting for you to pick up.


Keep in mind that there are two aspects to layering — aesthetic and functional — and a balance between the two is necessary to navigate the freezing winter. For example, ten thin cotton sweaters aren’t going to keep you as warm as a cable-knit wool turtleneck. As you may know, some fabrics may be mixed, such as wool and cotton, or cashmere and cotton. So, knowing what the fabric is made of will be essential to a successful project. Another tip is to remember is that although a synthetic fabric may be cheaper, it will more than likely not be as warm. So before you randomly choose a fabric that will hopefully word, here are some fabric choices we recommend for your consideration.


MERINO WOOL


This is one of the most popular fabrics to date. Although it won’t be the warmest material you will find, on our scale of one to ten it comes in at a six. The Merino breed produces some of the finest and softest wool of any sheep. Because of its fineness, merino sweaters can be worn next to the skin. It also makes a good layering piece on top of a button-down. Merino sweaters strike a good balance between warmth, comfort and price.

  • Layer-bility: 7/10

  • Looks: 4/10

  • Warmth: 6/10

CABLE-KNIT WOOL


Thick, chunky cable-knit sweaters can keep you warm - but make sure the fabric is actually made out of wool and not a synthetic blend. Synthetics can look toasty, but are as useful against the cold as a repurposed garbage bag. Cable-knit wool is also not so good for layering. Shawl cable-knits are especially popular these days, and have the obvious benefit of protecting your neck too.

  • Layer-bility: 2/10

  • Looks: 8/10

  • Warmth: 6/10

CASHMERE


Obtained from the fine hairs of the Cashmere goat, cashmere sweaters are the Cadillac of the sweater world. Keep in mind they are hard to upkeep, and are remarkably an easy fabric to damage.  Cashmere is very warm, can be somewhat more expensive, but is ridiculously comfortable. Can you imagine pillow covers and bed sheets made out of cashmere? (For the budget-minded seamstress, a cashmere substitute to consider would be using a lambswool knit)

  • Layer-bility: 5/10 (A bit thicker than Merino, and the wool bunches sometimes, but still looks good as a layer.)

  • Looks: 4/10 (Like Merino sweaters, cashmere sweaters come mostly in monochromes)

  • Warmth: 8/10

COTTON


A holdover from the good ol’ days of Fall, this works best under other heavier layers. You may want to set this one aside if the weather turns extremely cold. Cotton in the winter has been compared to eating junk food. Although it may temporarily satisfy, there are definitely better choices you could make. 

Layer-bility: 7/10 

Looks: 3/10 

Warmth: 1/10


COME SEE OUR HUGE SELECTION

Whatever your warm-fabric choice may be, Marshall Dry Goods has a wide variety of choices for you to use on your next project. Our professional sales staff is here to assist you if you have any questions. We guarantee to have what you need to warm things up during these cold months! Come see us at 310 West Main Street in Batesville, Arkansas, or give us a call at 9870) 793-2405 or (888) 744-8277. Our store hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.




SHARE THIS:
My Fabrics
0
You must be signed in to permanently save your fabrics