Sewing is a joy… until your dreamy dress shrinks, your blouse droops, or your seams go rogue. But don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Whether you’re a seasoned sewist or just getting started, a little fabric know-how can save your project (and your sanity). Here are 10 common fabric oopsies, and how to sidestep them like a pro!
The Oops: Cutting into your gorgeous fabric… only to have it shrink in the wash.
Why It Matters: Natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and viscose love to get cozy (i.e. smaller) after the first wash.
The Fix: Always prewash your fabric the way you plan to wash your finished garment. Hot tip: if it’s going in your laundry basket, it should get a spin first! Check out our blog post on fabric care which includes a printable poster to keep by your machine!
The Oops: Making a flowy dress from canvas or structured pants from slippery viscose.
Why It Matters: Drape, weight and structure matter—a lot. The wrong pairing can totally change the look and feel of your project.
The Fix: We suggest ideal garment types on each fabric page, plus a few pattern recommendations to get you inspired! Still not sure? Check out our blog post all about fabric weights and how to choose the perfect fabric for your project.
The Oops: Running out of fabric halfway through because you forgot to check the width.
Why It Matters: Some fabrics are wide, some are narrow, and that changes how much you need.
The Fix: Always check the fabric width in the product description. For our U.S. customers shopping in yards, we’ve got a helpful metre-to-yard converter right under the quantity box!
The Oops: Realizing your brand-new skirt is more sheer than chic.
Why It Matters: Lightweight doesn’t always mean see-through, but sometimes it does.
The Fix: Hold your fabric up to the light or check our listings (we always note opacity). If it’s a little too transparent, plan for a lining, or pick one of our fully opaque cotton lawns like this one or Ecovero viscoses like this one.
The Oops: Your dress twists, your pants pull, and nothing sits quite right.
Why It Matters: The grainline of your fabric keeps everything in check. Cutting off-grain can throw it all off.
The Fix: Take your time with pattern placement and always double-check the grainline, especially with shifty fabrics like rayon or silk.
The Oops: Puckering seams or skipped stitches.
Why It Matters: Fabric type and needle size go hand-in-hand.
The Fix: Use a sharp needle for tight wovens, a ballpoint for knits, and adjust size based on weight. We’ve even got a free downloadable needle chart on the blog to help you pick the perfect match for your fabric.
The Oops: Jumping right into your beautiful fabric without testing settings.
Why It Matters: Tension, stitch length, and thread can behave differently depending on the fabric.
The Fix: Sew a quick sample on a scrap before you commit. Future you will say thanks.
The Oops: That slippery neckline won’t behave, or that waistband is all wobbly.
Why It Matters: Some areas need support to keep their shape.
The Fix: Add interfacing to collars, waistbands, and button plackets. For extra-slippery fabrics, try a spray stabilizer or sew-in interfacing.
The Oops: Seams that look… lumpy.
Why It Matters: Pressing as you go makes your project look polished and professional.
The Fix: Keep your iron handy and use it like a magic wand. Press every seam and enjoy that crisp, finished feel.
The Oops: Faded, dusty, or wrinkled fabric you forgot you even owned.
Why It Matters: Fabric deserves better!
The Fix: Store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Fold it neatly or roll it up—and maybe label it. (Psst: every fabric you get from us comes tagged with the name, composition, and care instructions, so you’ll always know exactly what it is, even months later.)
Skip the fabric mishaps and sewing gets a whole lot smoother. A little prep and the right fabric goes a long way.
Need help picking fabric for your next make? Browse our New Arrivals, or check out more of our Sewing Tips on the Blog.
