You know that fabric is the backbone of any well-designed space. Whether for crafting, mending, or decorating, having a variety of fabrics on hand allows you to change the look and feel of your home instantly. As an avid DIYer, you understand the importance of keeping your fabric stash stocked for any project that sparks your creativity.

Here are the essential fabrics you should always keep in your supply closet to whip up anything – from ancient pillows to complete upholstery makeovers. Get ready to refresh your space instantly; thanks to these versatile textiles, you'll turn to time and time again.

 

The Role of Fabric in Your Home

Fabric plays a vital role in interior design and creating a cozy home. Having a variety of materials on hand allows you to make quick changes that transform the look and feel of any room.

From upholstery and drapes to bedding, the fabric you choose has a huge impact. Natural fibers like cotton and linen are lightweight, breathable, and perfect for casual, relaxed spaces.

Wool is ideal for warmth and works well for winter accessories. Silk, on the other hand, brings luxury and sheen.

 

Fabrics to Have on Hand at All Times

Fabric is essential in any home; you use it to upholster furniture, make curtains and bedding, sew clothing, and craft decorations. Having a variety of fabrics on hand allows you to easily change up your space or make something by hand when inspiration strikes.

Consider having these fabrics:

Denim

Denim is a durable cotton twill perfect for placemats, rag rugs, upholstery, and jeans. Vintage denim with fraying edges adds rustic charm.

 

Linen

Linen is a breathable natural fiber perfect for warm weather. It's crisp, airy and relaxed. Linens are perfect for curtains, tablecloths, and upholstery. The looser weaves mean it wrinkles easily, but that's part of linen's casual charm.

 

Felt

Thick felt is fabulous for rugs, chair pads, and crafts. Wool felt is the warmest, but you can also find felt made of recycled materials.

 

Cotton

Cotton is a natural fiber that's breathable and soft. It's ideal for sheets, towels, t-shirts, and more. Look for high thread count cotton sheets and towels for extra softness.

 

Flannel

Soft, warm flannel is ideal for pajamas, robes, blankets, and plaid shirts. Cotton flannel gets softer with each wash. Use flannel for cozy layers in chillier weather or chilly rooms.

What you'll want to know about different fabrics is how much they shrink, fade, pill or wrinkle. Pre-wash fabric before sewing to avoid surprises. Consider a fabric's durability and care requirements before using it in high-traffic or outdoor areas.

With a selection of fabrics at your fingertips, you'll be inspired to create comfortable styling items for your home. So start collecting, get sewing, and make your space cozy.

 

What to Know About Different Types of Fabric

To make a house into a home, fabric plays an essential role. Having certain materials on hand always allows you to spruce up any space quickly. Here's what you need to know about different types of fabric.

 

1.      Cotton

Considered one of the most popular materials on the phase of the earth, cotton is a light and natural fabric. This feathery fiber is plucked out from the seeds of the cotton plant through ginning.

Cotton boasts of durability, versatility, and comfort. It can be easily found in almost any clothing: dresses, shirts, underwear, etc. Cotton also yields several fabrics, including chintz, muslin, and chino.

 

2.      Leather

You've probably heard of leather, but do you know how it is made? Leather, at its core, is a type of fabric made from the hides and skins of animals, including pigs, cows, lambs, and crocodiles. No matter the type of animal skin used, it will always need various treatment methods. It is well-known for its durability, wrinkle-resistant, and stylish abilities.

 

3.      Satin 

Satin, surprisingly enough, is not made from fiber. It is one of the three significant textile weaves made when each strand is well-knitted. Initially, it was made from silk; however, these days, it can be made from wool, cotton, and polyester. It is matte on one side and glossy and slippery on the other.

 

4.      Silk

Silk is considered one of the most luxurious natural fabrics. It is a soft fabric with a shimmering look and smooth feel. It comes from the silkworms in South Asia, China, and Europe cocoon.

Moreover, silk should be a top priority if you ever need a durable, hypoallergenic and robust fabric. This fabric is mainly used in shirts, wedding gowns, lingerie, scarves, ties, and suits.

Other fabrics include synthetics, linen, denim, lace, crepe, and chiffon.

 

Final Remarks

Fabric does so much to make a space cozy and livable, providing warmth, decoration, or functionality. Have a selection of natural and synthetic materials to prepare for any project - you'll be glad you did. Now, get out there and start creating! Make pillows, repurpose old clothes into cleaning rags, sew curtains or a quilt. The possibilities are endless once you have the suitable materials. What will you make first?

 

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for Rocky Woods