Cotton: everything you need to know about the world's most sewn fabric

What is cotton?

Cotton is a natural fiber extracted from the bolls of the cotton plant. Cultivated for over 7,000 years, it is the most used textile fiber in the world. Its success lies in a rare combination: soft, strong, breathable, easy to dye, and easy to care for.

From ancient Egypt to today's sewing workshops, cotton remains the universal fabric—the one you learn to sew first and never really leave behind.

Why choose cotton for your sewing projects?

Cotton is the most versatile fabric available. It comes in dozens of different weaves, from sheer voile to heavy canvas. It withstands repeated washes, irons easily, and does not cause allergies.

For beginners, it's the ideal fabric: it doesn't slip, doesn't fray too much, and forgives machine hesitations.

The different types of cotton

Cotton Poplin — Fine, smooth, and slightly lustrous fabric. The fabric of classic shirts. Easy to sew, beautiful drape.

Batiste — Ultra-fine and semi-transparent. Perfect for light blouses and lingerie.

Cotton Voile — Lightweight and airy, often printed. Ideal for summer dresses and curtains.

Cotton Gabardine — Tight twill weave, durable fabric with good body. The fabric of trench coats and chino pants.

Denim — The most famous cotton. Twill weave, indigo, robust. From jeans to bags, it does it all.

Cretonne — Thick and stiff cotton, often printed. Used for upholstery and bags.

Cotton Jersey — Knitted (not woven), stretchy and comfortable. The fabric of t-shirts.

Cotton Piqué — Raised texture with small diamond patterns. The fabric of polo shirts.

What projects can you sew with cotton?

A shirt — In poplin for a classic and neat result.

A summer dress — In voile or batiste for lightness, in poplin for more structure.

Chino pants — In cotton gabardine for structured, long-lasting pants.

A tote bag — In cretonne or denim for a strong and washable bag.

A t-shirt — In organic cotton jersey, the essential basic.

Our tips for sewing cotton

Needle: universal size 80 for fine cottons, 90 for thick cottons (denim, gabardine).

Thread: cotton or polyester — both work perfectly.

Cutting: cotton is easy to cut. Follow the grain for an even drape.

Ironing during sewing: press each seam open as you go. Cotton irons well and seams will be neat.

Tip: always pre-wash cotton. It shrinks on the first wash (3 to 5% depending on the weave).

How to care for cotton?

Washing: machine 30 to 60°C depending on the color. White cotton can withstand 60°C, colors prefer 30-40°C.

Drying: tumble dry possible (be aware of shrinkage) or air dry.

Ironing: hot iron with steam. Cotton wrinkles but irons very easily.

In summary

• Universal natural fiber — soft, strong, breathable
• Available in poplin, batiste, voile, gabardine, denim, jersey...
• The easiest fabric for beginners to sew
• Perfect for: shirts, dresses, pants, bags, t-shirts
• Universal needle 80/90, pre-wash before cutting
• Machine wash 30-60°C, easy ironing

Find our selection of cottons on sotissus.com.