Best Fabric for Children's Clothes

What Makes a Good Fabric for Children's Clothes?

Sewing for children is rewarding: small garments are quick to make and use little fabric. But kids play hard and clothes get washed a lot, so the fabric needs to earn its place. Look for fabrics that are:

• Soft and comfortable next to sensitive skin
• Breathable, so little ones don't overheat
• Durable enough for climbing, crawling and rough play
• Easy to wash at home, again and again
• Fun, because a favourite print makes a favourite outfit

The Best Fabrics for Kids' Clothes

100% Cotton Prints

Printed cotton is the go-to for dresses, shirts, shorts and summer wear. It's breathable, easy to sew and comes in endless designs. Our Little Johnny digital cotton prints are 100% cotton at around 115gsm and 148–150cm wide, and our Crafty Cottons are 100% cotton at around 150gsm and 140cm wide. Browse Little Johnny prints and Crafty Cottons.

Cotton Jersey

Stretchy and comfy, jersey is perfect for T-shirts, leggings, dresses and loungewear, and there are no buttons to fiddle with. Our plain cotton jersey is 95% cotton, 5% elastane at 150cm wide, in a wide range of colours. See our plain jersey and the full jersey collection.

Brushed Cotton and Brushed Jersey

For pyjamas and cosy winter wear, brushed fabrics are hard to beat. Our printed brushed cottons are 100% cotton, and our brushed jerseys add stretch and softness. Both are popular for children's nightwear and everyday clothes. Explore our brushed cotton collection.

Corduroy

Corduroy is warm, durable and perfect for dungarees, pinafores and trousers that need to survive the playground. Our 21-wale cotton needlecord is 100% cotton, around 145–150gsm and 146cm wide. See our corduroy fabrics.

Fleece

Fleece is warm, light and quick-drying, which makes it great for dressing gowns, hoodies, hats and snuggly blankets. Our cuddle fleece is 100% polyester, around 280gsm and 148–150cm wide. Browse our fleece fabrics.

Don't Forget the Ribbing

Stretchy ribbing gives hoodies, sweatshirts and joggers a professional finish at the cuffs, neckline and waistband. Our tubular ribbing is 36cm wide laid flat and 72cm when cut open, with plenty of stretch. See our ribbing and tubular jersey.

Which Fabric for Which Garment?

GarmentGood fabric choices Summer dress or shirt100% cotton print, cotton poplin T-shirt or leggingsCotton jersey PyjamasBrushed cotton, brushed jersey, cotton jersey Dungarees or trousersCorduroy, heavier cotton Hoodie or joggersJersey or fleece, with ribbing Dressing gownCuddle fleece Safety and Practical Tips

• Pre-wash cotton fabrics before cutting, as natural fibres can shrink.
• Avoid cords and drawstrings around the hood and neck of young children's clothing, and keep other cords short.
• Secure small parts. Stitch buttons on firmly, or use elastic waists and poppers for babies and toddlers.
• Keep sleepwear well fitted. Loose, flowing nightwear is more of a fire risk, so choose snug-fitting pyjama patterns and keep children's sleepwear away from heat sources.
• Use a ballpoint or stretch needle for jersey and ribbing, and a stretch stitch or overlocker so seams can move.
• Add growing room. Deep hems and adjustable straps help clothes last longer.

Start Sewing for Little Ones

For a first project, try a simple cotton dress or elastic-waist shorts in a bright print. Once you're confident, move on to jersey T-shirts and cosy brushed cotton pyjamas. New to dressmaking? Read our guide to choosing fabric for your first dressmaking project, then explore our cotton fabrics.