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

Breathable, soft and easy to sew, cotton is a natural fibre from the cotton plant — the most-sewn fabric in the world. Available in countless weaves (poplin, gauze, jersey, twill), versatile and comfortable, it's the ideal choice for beginners and for everyday wear.

What is cotton?

Cotton is a natural fibre taken from the bolls of the cotton plant. Grown for more than 7,000 years, it's the most widely used textile fibre in the world. Its success comes from a rare combination: soft, strong, breathable, easy to dye and easy to care for.

From ancient Egypt to today's sewing rooms, 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 there is. It comes in dozens of different weaves, from sheer voile to heavy canvas. It withstands repeated washing, irons easily and doesn't cause allergies.

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

The different types of cotton

Cotton poplin — A fine, smooth, slightly lustrous fabric. The fabric of classic shirts. Easy to sew, with a lovely drape.

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

Cotton voile — Light and airy, often printed. Ideal for summer dresses and curtains.

Cotton gabardine — A tight twill weave, a strong fabric with body. The fabric of trench coats and chinos.

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

Cretonne — A thick, stiff cotton, often printed. Used for home furnishings and bags.

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

Cotton piqué — A raised texture of small diamonds. The fabric of polo shirts.

Cotton, linen or viscose: which to choose?

Three essential fabrics with very different characters.

What can you sew with cotton?

A shirt — In poplin for a classic, crisp result.

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

Chinos — In cotton gabardine for structured trousers that last.

A tote bag — In cretonne or denim for a strong, 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 cuts easily. Follow the grain for an even drape.

Press as you sew: press each seam open as you go. Cotton presses well and your seams will be crisp.

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

How to care for cotton

Washing: machine at 30 to 60 °C depending on the colour. White cotton can take 60 °C, colours prefer 30-40 °C.

Drying: tumble dryer possible (beware of shrinkage) or air dry.

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

In summary

• A universal natural fibre — soft, strong, breathable
• Comes as poplin, batiste, voile, gabardine, denim, jersey…
• The easiest fabric to sew for beginners
• Perfect for: shirts, dresses, trousers, bags, T-shirts
• Universal needle 80/90, pre-wash before cutting
• Machine wash at 30-60 °C, easy ironing

Frequently asked questions about cotton

Does cotton shrink in the wash?

Yes, especially in the first wash. Wash and dry your cotton before cutting to pre-shrink the fabric.

What are the different cotton weaves?

Poplin (fine, smooth), gauze and double gauze (airy), twill (sturdy, denim-like), jersey (stretchy), cotton satin (shiny).

Is cotton easy to sew?

Yes, it's the ideal fabric for beginners: stable, it doesn't slip, and it sews with a universal 80/12 needle.

How do you care for cotton?

Washable at 30-40 °C, easy to iron with a hot iron. It's a strong, durable fabric.

Discover our selection of cottons on sotissus.com.