William Morris Cotton Fabric

Arts and Crafts patterns, still in print

William Morris designed these patterns in the second half of the nineteenth century, drawing on English hedgerow and garden plants — willow, strawberry thief, honeysuckle, acanthus. They were revolutionary then for taking pattern seriously as design, and they have never really gone out of fashion since.

The scale is generally large and the repeats are strong, which matters when you cut: a Morris print rewards being shown in a big, uninterrupted piece. They suit curtains, blinds, cushions, quilt panels, bags and lined jackets. Allow extra length for matching the repeat across seams.