Viscose: everything you need to know about this versatile fabric
L'équipe So TissusFluid, soft and with a drape close to silk, viscose is a man-made fibre made from wood cellulose — neither natural nor synthetic. It's the chameleon fabric of floaty dresses, blouses and skirts, at an affordable price. Pleasant to wear, it just needs a little care when cutting.
What is viscose?
Viscose is a man-made fibre produced from wood cellulose (eucalyptus, bamboo, pine). Neither fully natural nor truly synthetic, it sits halfway between the two: a natural raw material transformed by a chemical process.
Invented at the end of the 19th century as an affordable alternative to silk, viscose has conquered the fashion world thanks to its fluid drape, silky hand and ability to take colours brilliantly.
Why choose viscose for your sewing projects?
Viscose offers an incomparable drape at an affordable price. It's soft against the skin, breathable in summer, and drapes with natural elegance. Prints look stunning on it, which explains the abundance of patterned viscoses.
It's the perfect fabric for summer clothes: light, airy and comfortable even in hot weather.
The different types of viscose
Viscose crepe — A slightly grainy texture, with a fluid, matte drape. Ideal for dressy dresses and blouses.
Viscose jersey — Stretchy and comfortable, it combines the softness of viscose with the stretch of jersey. Perfect for T-shirts and fitted dresses.
Viscose challis — Light and supple, often with floral prints. The summer dress fabric par excellence.
Viscose twill — A twill weave that gives more body. Suitable for trousers and light jackets.
Viscose serge — More structured than challis, with a beautiful drape. Works well for skirts and jumpsuits.
Viscose, silk or polyester: how to tell them apart?
All three offer a beautiful fluid drape, but their origin and care differ.
| Fabric | Origin | Drape & hand | Care | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viscose | Wood cellulose (man-made) | Fluid, soft, slightly cool | Delicate wash at 30 °C, iron on the wrong side | Fluid dresses, blouses, skirts |
| Silk | Natural (cocoon) | Fluid, luminous, noble | Hand wash / dry cleaning | Formal wear, luxury linings |
| Polyester | Synthetic (oil) | Fluid but less breathable | Easy wash, crease-resistant | Tight budgets, hard-wearing clothes |
What can you sew with viscose?
A wrap dress — The fluid drape of viscose is made for it. Choose a printed challis for a bohemian look.
A blouse — In viscose crepe for a dressy result, or challis for a relaxed style.
Palazzo trousers — Viscose twill has enough body for wide trousers that don't cling.
A midi skirt — Viscose swirls and moves with you. A joy to wear.
A kimono — Light, fluid, colourful: viscose is ideal for summer kimono jackets.
Our tips for sewing viscose
Needle: Microtex (fine and sharp) size 70 or 80. Viscose is a delicate fabric that doesn't like thick needles.
Thread: fine polyester. Cotton thread tends to break with the movement of the fabric.
Cutting: viscose slips a lot. Pin it onto tissue paper or use weights rather than pins.
Hems: choose a rolled hem on the overlocker — a classic hem can weigh down the drape.
Tip: wash your viscose before cutting. It shrinks in the first wash (up to 5%).
How to care for viscose
Washing: by hand or in the machine on a delicate cycle at 30 °C. Viscose is fragile when wet.
Drying: flat, never in the tumble dryer. The fabric can stretch out of shape under its own weight.
Ironing: medium iron on the wrong side, slightly damp for a perfect result.
In summary
- A man-made fibre of plant origin — fluid, silky, breathable
- Ideal for summer clothes and draped pieces
- Comes as crepe, jersey, challis, twill and serge
- Perfect for: dresses, blouses, fluid trousers, kimonos
- Microtex 70/80 needle + wash before cutting (it shrinks)
- Delicate wash at 30 °C, dry flat
Frequently asked questions about viscose
Is viscose a natural fabric?
Neither natural nor synthetic: it's a man-made fibre produced from wood cellulose. The raw material is natural, but it is chemically transformed.
Does viscose shrink in the wash?
It can shrink and creases easily. Wash it at 30 °C on a delicate cycle (or by hand) and iron it on the wrong side, slightly damp.
Which needle should you use to sew viscose?
A fine microtex 70/10 needle, fine pins and pattern weights. Viscose slips: ideally cut it in a single layer.
Viscose or silk: which to choose?
Viscose offers a drape close to silk at a gentler price and with easier care; silk remains more luminous and noble for special occasions.
Discover our selection of viscoses on sotissus.com.
