Question 1

What does fabric weight in GSM mean and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

GSM stands for grams per square meter, the standard measure of how heavy and dense a fabric is. Lower GSM is lighter and drapier; higher is thicker and holds shape. Voile and double gauze run about 60-100 GSM for baby clothes and breezy tops, quilting cotton and linen sit near 130-200 GSM for everyday garments, and canvas, twill, and denim start around 200 GSM for bags, aprons, and upholstery. Match the GSM to how soft or structured you want the result.

Question 2

What's the difference between woven and knit fabric?

Accepted Answer

Woven fabric, like quilting cotton, linen, and canvas, is made of threads crossing at right angles, so it has little to no stretch and frays at cut edges; it suits structured items sewn with standard seams. Knit fabric, like cotton jersey and French terry, is looped, so it stretches and resists fraying; it needs a stretch stitch or serger and suits t-shirts and leggings. Knit listings should state stretch percentage and direction, usually two-way or four-way.

Question 3

What fabric is easiest for a beginner sewist?

Accepted Answer

Quilting cotton is the most beginner-friendly fabric because it is stable, doesn't slip or stretch, presses crisply, and forgives uneven stitching. It works for totes, pillow covers, simple skirts, and quilts. Hold off on slippery rayon, stretchy knits, and shifty silk until you have more practice. A medium-weight cotton around 140-150 GSM in a small all-over print is the safest first buy, and 1-2 yards is plenty for a starter project.

Question 4

Why does fabric width matter when I buy yardage?

Accepted Answer

Check the listed width before you buy, because it changes how much you need. Quilting cotton and most prints are about 44 inches wide; linen, canvas, and apparel knits often run 54-60 inches. A wider bolt can cover a pattern piece in one cut, so a project needing 2 yards of 44-inch fabric may take only 1.3 yards at 60 inches. When a listing omits width, message the maker before ordering yardage.

Question 5

Do I need to prewash fabric before sewing?

Accepted Answer

Prewash natural fibers like cotton, linen, rayon, and double gauze before cutting, since they shrink 2-5% and can bleed dye on the first wash. Wash and dry the way the finished item will be cared for, then press flat. Hand-dyed and batik fabrics benefit from a cold rinse with a dye-catcher sheet. Skip prewashing only for precut bundles you plan to keep intact for English paper piecing or as a collectible set.

Question 6

How long do fabric makers take to cut and ship?

Accepted Answer

Most independent shops cut continuous yardage to order and ship within 3-7 business days, while precut fat quarters and bundles often go out faster. Hand-dyed, screen-printed, and made-to-order fabric can take 1-3 weeks because each piece is produced after you order. Order every cut you need from one dye lot in a single purchase, since the same color shifts between batches. Confirm the cutting window if you have a deadline.

Fabric by the Yard from Makers

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