Reed Skirt Sew-Along: Choosing Fabrics
Today we're going to talk about fabrics for the Reed Skirt! Since this skirt has so many suitable fabric options, I'm going to divide it up into the weights of fabric we believe would work well for the Reed Skirt. We'll be using a wide variety of the fabrics mentioned for our sew-along so you can really get an idea of how the different fabrics drape. Lets dive in!
Mid-Weight Fabrics
- Robert Kaufman Ventana Twill: 7.9oz
- Robert Kaufman Essex Yarn Dye: 5.6oz
- Mid-weight Tencel Twill: 6.5oz
- Robert Kaufman 14 wale Corduroy: 8.1oz
Mid-weight fabrics are a natural choice for the Reed Skirt. Think things labeled bottom weight such a twills, denim, corduroy, or other mid-weight wovens. Also keep in mind that these are weaves, not fibers. These fabrics could be made from cotton, linen, poly, other blends, or even wool. Depending on how heavy your fabric is, the skirt will either have a slight bit of drape, or retain its shape so think about how you want your skirt to hang before you start shopping. I would try to avoid heavy-weight fabrics of a tight weave especially. Something like canvas may be a bit much for this skirt and you could end up with a bell shaped bottom half.
Light-Weight Fabrics
- Abstract Spot Silk Cotton
- Modal Twill: 4.4oz
- The Fabric Store Linen: 4.2oz
- Atelier Brunette Rayon Twill: 4.4oz
Another option for this skirt, which will likely be better suited for the warmer months, are light-weight fabrics. You'll end up with a skirt that has much more drape than the mid-weight fabrics give, and it's a look that I especially like for the longer versions of the Reed. Look for things like rayons, Tencel, silk, lightweight cottons, linen, or blends of any of the fabrics mentioned here.
Interfacing
You'll also need interfacing for your skirt, no matter the type of fabric you use. We'll be interfacing the waistband and if you're making a button front version, you'll also be interfacing the button bands. Any time you put a button on or stick a buttonhole in your garment you're going to want to have interfacing inside since the buttons and buttonholes instantly create areas of high stress and high use.
When choosing your interfacing you're going to want to look for something that's labeled weight-wise similarly to the type of fabric you choose. If you're using a lightweight fabric, look for a lightweight interfacing. Same for mid-weight.
Additionally please please please use a woven fusible interfacing for your garments, not a bonded interfacing such as you would use for bags. Even if you have a lightweight bonded interfacing there is no drape to it and that part of your garment won't act the same way the rest of your garment does.
So that's about it for fabric selection! If you have specific questions let us know in the comments below, we're always happy to help you make sure you're choosing a successful fabric for your Grainline garments!
