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

4 Great and 4 Not So Great Winter Fabrics

DAVID JACKSON | FABRICS | NOVEMBER 02, 2021

With the temperatures falling outside, now is a great time to get started on those winter sewing projects. The staff at Marshall Dry Goods has compiled a list of great, and some “not so great” fabrics for the months ahead. Many of you may be surprised by some of these no doubt! We also realize that some fabrics will still work for you, regardless of our opinion or anyone else’s. 


Here’s some of our observations over the years regarding winter fabrics:


GREAT WINTER FABRICS


1. CASHMERE



Although cashmere technically is in the “wool family,” it really stands on its own when it comes to winter fabrics. It is also 3-8 times warmer than wool, is very breathable and lightweight. The fiber is natural, and comes from the extremely fine under layer hairs of the Cashmere Goat. It’s texture is smooth and silky, and basically the perfect choice to keep you warm! 

 

2. MERINO WOOL



Merino wool is a natural fiber grown by Merino Sheep. It’s thinner and softer than regular wool making it easy to wear next to your skin. This natural fiber is odor resistant, fire resistant, helps to regulate body temperature, is biodegradable, and helps provide UPF protection (UPF 20+). Unlike many winter fabrics, merino wool won’t leave you cold and clammy if you sweat.


3. FLEECE



Fleece and winter just go together. It is a lightweight fabric, perfect for the person on the go! Sewing projects that involve fleece include coats, jackets and more! Fleece is inexpensive, but isn’t water resistant - still a great choice!


4. SILK



Silk is another natural fiber secreted by silkworms. Sounds gross...but it is considered a luxurious fiber. Silk is extremely fine, and is probably one of the softest fabrics ever! It is lightweight, a natural insulator, as well as hypoallergenic. Silk does tend to be a more expensive fabric, but sometimes is woven with a synthetic blend in order to bring the cost down. You’ve heard the phrase, “Smooth as silk?” Sew a winter top using this amazing fabric and you’ll understand this phrase in an entirely different way!


"NOT SO GREAT" WINTER FABRICS


1. COTTON


Let’s go ahead and get this one taken care of. Cotton is a fabric that is usually synonymous with warm fabric. It is actually worn year round in most circles. Yes it is warm, and yes it is a natural fiber - BUT it doesn’t wick away moisture, and doesn’t insulate very well at all. If you’re not going to sweat, cotton is ok - BUT if you do sweat, you’ll wind up wet, cold, and miserable! If you insist on wearing cotton in the winter, consider wearing a wool or silk layer underneath. You’ll be glad you did!


2. LINEN


While linen has great body temperature regulating features, it still requires another thin layer to be worn underneath (such as wool) to keep you warm. Linen is a great fabric, but on its own, needs to be worn only in warmer months. 


3. SYNTHETIC


Synthetic fibers are not breathable at all. Heat gets trapped and you will sweat. If you wear a synthetic fabric while you exercise, look out! Synthetic fabric is man made, just as polyester, acrylic and rayon, and is best when woven into another material such as wool (mentioned above).


4. RAYON


Rayon is basically a fabric to avoid if you’re going to get cold. All of your body heat will escape, allowing the cold air to hit your skin like a blizzard. In many cases, rayon production includes the use of highly toxic carbon disulfide. It is also made from cellulose, which is chemically converted from wood pulp. This material can be dangerous and unhealthy. In some instances, rayon has been known to cause headaches, nausea, chest and muscle pain and more.

 

MARSHALL DRY GOODS HAS THE PERFECT WINTER FABRIC FOR YOU!



At Marshall Dry Goods we understand the properties of fabric and what makes them suitable for a particular style, as well as what makes them work for a given season. Once these concepts are understood, it becomes much easier to realize the possibilities of fabric choice. Give us a call or come see our huge selection for yourself! You can also shop online anytime!



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