Dreaming of sewing your own tent? Or maybe a play teepee for the kids? And if so, trying to think of a way to thicken your fabric? First lets take a look at the options available for thick fabric and then learn about how to go about thickening that fabric that you really want to use, but it just isn't thick enough for the project at hand. If you live in the Northern Hemisphere and it is summer, now is a great time to start thinking about DIY holiday gifts, which in many cases might use, you guessed, it thick fabric to provide warmth. The internet is of course packed with great DIY tutorials for anything you can dream of and for the kind of project that can suit almost everyone, and take a look at 3 DIY Duvet Cover Ideas To Make At Home . Of course you'll want to know about the kinds of fabric you can use for those projects, so keep on reading!
Above: Velvet fabric comes in various thicknesses, and makes luxurious curtains.
Fabric is an essential part of our lives, but it's often taken for granted. We wear it, sit on it, and use it to decorate our homes without giving much thought to what it's made of or how it's produced. Some of the most common fabrics are wool, cotton, silk, etc. Lets delve into this topic a bit more.
What Is A Thick Fabric?
A piece of thick fabric is a material that is thicker than ordinary fabric. It is often used for making clothing, such as jackets and coats because it is more durable and resistant to wear and tear. Thick fabrics can also be used for making quilts, blankets, and other items that need to be warm and comfortable. The thickness of a fabric is measured in ounces per square yard. While the average thin fabric is about 3 ounces per square yard, a thick fabric, on the other hand, can be anywhere from 6 to 8 ounces per square yard. In general, the thicker the fabric, the more expensive it will be. However, it is important to keep in mind that thickness is not always an indicator of quality.
Some thin fabrics are actually better made and more durable than some thick fabrics, or maybe you just can't find the upholstery fabric of your dreams? It all depends on the specific material and how it was manufactured. So you'll have to do your homework when it comes to making fabric purchases!
10 Types of Thick Fabric
There are many types of fabric, and each has its own unique set of characteristics. These fabrics are perfect for a variety of applications, including upholstery, drapery, and even home decor. Get to know you options as far as thick fabric, and you may not need to actually thicken any fabric, rather use already thick fabric!
Lets take a look at the 10 most common thick fabrics:
- Canvas: Canvas is a heavy-duty cotton fabric that is often used for tents, sails, and upholstery, as well as bags, director's chairs, aprons and more. It is also popular in the art world as a surface for painting or other forms of artwork. Canvas is very durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
- Denim: Denim is a sturdy cotton twill fabric that is most commonly associated with blue jeans. However, denim can come in a variety of colors, including black, white, and even pink! Denim is very versatile and can be used for clothing, upholstery, and more. There are many amazing projects out there using upcycled jeans to make baskets, rugs, floor pillows and much more.
- Corduroy: Corduroy is a type of fabric that has raised, velvety lines, or "wales." It is typically made from cotton or wool and is often used for clothing, upholstery, and home decor. Corduroy is a very cozy fabric and is perfect for the winter months!
- Flannel: Flannel is a soft, brushed fabric that is typically made from cotton or wool. It is popular for shirts, pajamas, and bedding because it is so cozy and warm. Flannel can also be used for other things like quilts and tablecloths.
- Fleece: Fleece is a synthetic fabric that is made from polyester or other synthetic fibers. It is often used in sportswear because it is warm and lightweight. Fleece is also popular for making blankets, hats, and scarves, and of course can be used for many no-sew projects that you can find on my blog right here.
- Fur: Fur is a type of fabric that is made from the pelts of animals. It is often used in clothing and accessories, but can also be used for upholstery and other things. Fur can be real or fake, and is often dyed to achieve a certain color.
- Leather: Leather is a durable, natural fabric that is made from the skin of animals. It is most commonly associated with clothing like jackets and pants, but can also be used for upholstery, bags, and more. Leather is very strong and long-lasting.
- Linen: Linen is a natural fabric that is made from the fibers of the flax plant. It is very strong and durable and is often used for clothing, sheets, and towels. Linen is a popular choice for summer clothing because it is cool and breathable, and while more costly, it is a very popular choice for bedding and drapery for those looking for something natural and elegant.
- Velvet: Velvet is a luxurious fabric that has a soft, velvety surface. It is typically made from silk or other synthetic fibers and is often used for clothing, upholstery, and home decor. Velvet can be solid or patterned, and comes in a variety of colors.
- Wool: Wool is a natural fiber that is made from the fur of sheep and other animals. It is very warm and is often used for clothing, blankets, and other things. Wool is also popular for felting and other crafts.
How To Thicken Fabric
There are all sorts of reasons you might want to thicken fabric. Maybe you want to sew curtains that will simulate black out curtains. Maybe you're looking for a material that will offer more warmth or more durability. Or perhaps you need something that will drape better or stand up to heavy wear and tear. Or maybe you want to sew that play teepee using that amazing fabric you bought to make curtains that never happened? Whatever the case, there are a few different ways to thicken fabric, and the best method will depend on the fabric itself as well as the desired result.
- Batting: One common way to thicken fabric is by adding a layer of batting or interlining. This can be done by sandwiching the batting between two layers of fabric, which is how quilts are made. Batting comes in several levels of quality, so you'll have to consider whether you want to invest in the project, or choose the most budget friendly version that may not hold up as well over time. Batting can also be applied to the wrong side of the fabric with adhesive, which can be useful for upholstery.
- Fusible Interfacing: Another option is to use fusible interfacing, which is a type of interfacing that is bonded to the fabric with heat. Fusible interfacing is available in a variety of weights, so you can choose one that will give you the amount of stiffness or body you desire.
- Sewing Multiple Layers Together Finally, you can also add thickness by stitching multiple layers of fabric together. This is often done with quilting fabrics, but it can be used with other types of fabrics as well. Whichever method you choose, make sure to test it out on a scrap piece of fabric first to see how it works. For advanced sewing tips and tricks check out The Sewing Machine
- Fabric Stiffener: If what you really need is fabric that is stiffer rather than actually thicker, consider fabric stiffener which can be found at most craft stores and comes in a variety of formulas.
Now that you've learned about ten types of thick fabric, as well as how to thicken fabric, hopefully your gears are spinning and a new horizon of DIY project opportunities has come to mind. If you ever have questions about what kind of fabric is appropriate for a given project, you can always ask for advice at any fabric store, whether it be in person or online.
Now get busy with those holiday gifts!
