As the nights draw in and the temperature drops, it’s time to swap lightweight summer cottons for warm, cosy fabrics that keep children snug as a bug. But which fabrics strike the perfect balance between softness, durability and appealing to children’s sense of fun?
Why Fabric Choice Matters for Children’s Dressmaking
- Many children have allergies and sensitive skin, making soft, organic fabrics the obvious choice.
- We all know how much children hate wearing coats when running around, so clothes need to be made of warm yet breathable fabrics.
- Parents of younger children will know exactly how many loads of washing need doing every week! Fabrics which are easily washable and can be tumble dried are popular choices.
- To avoid potential irritants, avoid fabrics which have been through a chemical manufacturing process. Look for the OEKO-TEX 100 label which guarantees that fabrics have been made without harmful chemicals.
Top Fabrics for Autumn and Winter Children’s Wear
Brushed cotton
So named as it has been brushed on the facing side to remove any excess lint and fibres, resulting in a soft, cosy cotton which traps heat and is super comfy to wear.
- Soft warm and breathable
- Perfect for pyjamas, shirts and dresses
- Tip: pre-wash brushed cotton to prevent shrinkage
Check out our brushed cotton prints with cute kittens, sleeping lions, bold stripes and spots.
Corduroy
Distinguished by its twill weave and ridged cloth (known as corduroy wales), corduroy is incredibly durable and hard-wearing while having a soft, velvet like texture. Popular with both younger children and teens, it is a beautiful autumn and winter fabric.
- Durable and warm
- Perfect for trousers, pinafore dresses, dungarees and jackets
- Tip: cut on the ridged side and wash inside out to preserve that velvety feel
Discover our gorgeous jumbo cord, needlecord, printed and plain corduroys in 100% cotton or a 97% cotton stretch corduroy.
Double Gauze
Although double gauze is a lightweight cotton fabric, its construction with two layers of fine cotton stitched together makes for a soft texture which is warm and especially suited to baby clothing. Read our complete guide to double gauze for more information about this under-used fabric.
- Extremely soft fabric with a crinkled finish
- Breathable in 100% cotton with a loose weave
- Double layer of cotton insulates providing warmth
- No need to iron
- Tip: cut carefully as double gauze can stretch out of shape due to the crinkle finish.
Shop for plain double gauze in over 10 colours, our reversible gingham double gauze fabrics and more in our double gauze fabric collection.
Jersey
Jersey is a go-to for childrenswear as it is a knit fabric ideal for children’s t-shirts and tops. It has a flat side and a soft “piled” side which makes it super comfy to wear. Cotton rich jerseys blended with a little bit of stretch make versatile clothes which are easy to wash.
- Stretch and comfort for active kids
- Ideal for leggings, tops and T-shirts
- Easy care and long-lasting
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Tip: look for cotton jersey fabrics which meet OEKO-TEX 100
Our range of children’s cotton jersey fabrics include striped jersey in fun colours and printed jerseys with dinosaurs, Miffy, prints and more. Safe for children’s skin and easy wash-and-go care.
Sweatshirt
No children’s wardrobe is complete without a few sweatshirts, and it is the easiest layering item to throw on to keep warm in autumn and winter. The main difference between sweatshirt and jersey fabric is that sweatshirt fabric tends to be heavier, have little or no stretch and is warmer with a soft brushed or fleecy texture on the reverse side. Loop back jersey or French Terry is also good for sweatshirts.
- A warm knit fabric with a cosy feel
- Smooth front and soft “brushed back” reverse
- Ideal for sweatshirts, hoodies and sweatpants
- Tip: look for fleece backed jersey for even more warmth
Discover our collection of brushed back, fleece backed, loop backed and organic heavy sweatshirt fabrics to find your perfect match for your child.
Fleece and Sherpa
For ultimate warmth and softness fleece fabrics make lightweight tops and jackets which are comfortable to wear, quick to dry and easy to wash. A fleece is an essential item for children and a range of colours, and fun prints make it a popular everyday choice.
- Very warm and soft
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Durable and easy to wash
- Affordable and easy to sew
- Tip: choose anti-pill fleece retains its smooth soft feel
Shop for anti-pil polar fleece in plain colours, and gorgeous children’s fleece prints
Choose Seasonal Prints and Colours
While young children love brightly coloured clothes and fun prints, older teens are extremely fashion-conscious and will prioritise print and colour over fabric type. Choose fabrics and patterns with your children so they have a say in the finished garment.
Woodland themes and fun animal prints are popular for young children while older children appreciate more grown-up prints like tartan and leopard.
Work out what can be worn together, e.g., a jersey top under corduroy dungarees or an oversized brushed cotton shirt over a T shirt. This will maximise the wears of your children’s garments and make all the sewing effort worthwhile. Although children grow out of clothes quickly, they can be passed onto younger siblings or friends with younger children.
Our Best-Selling Children’s Fabrics for Autumn and Winter
Brushed cotton Sleeping Lions and Sleepy Head
Whether you are a seasoned sewer of children’s clothes or a beginner sewer keen to try out your skills, we have guides for the different fabrics highlighted above and tips for sewing with knit fabrics,
A Guide to the Different Uses of Fleece Fabric
A Complete Guide to Double Gauze
The Different Types of Sweatshirt Fabric
The Beginner's Guide to Corduroy Wales
Browse our full children’s collection for the very best Autumn and Winter fabrics.
Authored by: Annabelle Rigg, Online and Store Manager at Fabrics Galore London
Reviewed by: Paul Johnston, Owner and Founder of Fabrics Galore London since 1992
