Cotton poplin and cotton lawn are perennial favourites among dressmakers – but what sets them apart?
Both Are 100% Cotton – But They’re Not Quite the Same
While both poplin and lawn are made from pure cotton, they have noticeably different textures and characteristics that can influence the outcome of your sewing projects.
Here in our dressmaking shop, we’ve a beautiful array of cotton lawns and poplins just waiting to be transformed! Our cotton poplins come in a rich palette of plain colours as well as a wide variety of stunning prints. Poplin is a crisp, structured fabric that’s a dream to sew with – ideal for beginners and experienced stitchers alike.
Cotton lawn, by contrast, is finer than poplin, with a smooth, almost silky finish. It’s perfect for creating smart, lightweight blouses and other garments that require a soft drape. It can sometimes be slippery so if you have thoughts or tips on sewing with cotton lawn please share in comments below!
Cotton Poplin
Poplin is a lightweight, closely woven cotton fabric that feels soft yet crisp. It has a lovely smooth texture and resists creasing better than many other traditional cottons.
Not only is it a brilliant choice for dressmaking, but it’s also a staple for crafters and frequently used in quilting and patchwork projects thanks to its strength and ease of handling.
Cotton Lawn
Cotton lawn is also tightly woven but made using finer threads, giving it a lightweight, silky feel. It has a delicate finish, and drapes beautifully.
Our collection of printed lawns features stunning designs perfect for tops, summer dresses, and lined skirts. We also love using plain cotton lawn as a breathable, lightweight lining fabric.
Sewing with Poplin and Lawn
As with all cotton fabrics, we recommend pre-washing your fabric before you begin your project to eliminate any shrinkage – saving you a headache later!
Poplin sews beautifully with a standard machine needle and can, of course, be stitched by hand if preferred. For lawn, a finer universal needle is best, as the fabric is lighter and more delicate.
Both fabrics work well with Gutermann’s sew-all or cotton threads.
