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Member since 11/6/11
Posts: 31
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Posted on: 1/21/15 9:16 PM ET
Hi,

I am a little new to all things fabric and wondered if anyone had a good recommendation for a medium weight cotton fabric. I want to make a strapless dress with a tiered flared skirt. So the fabric needs some body to it. I prefer to use natural fibers. Because of the tiered skirt a 60" wide cotton would be better. I am looking for a solid color too. Preferably a fabric with lots of color options.

I am totally open to suggestions!

Thanks so much!
  
Member since 6/14/14
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Posted on: 1/21/15 10:08 PM ET
I personally love to use cotton sateen when I need a material that has a little body and stretch. Cotton sateen can be found in prints and solids and pretty easy to find online and in shops.
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Member since 3/17/12
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Posted on: 1/22/15 9:58 AM ET
A premium calico is wonderful for dresses. Also, poplin, by virtue of it's weave, has a little more body. Caution - watch the weight, the bottomweight is heavy! Most apparel cottons seem to be 44" in width, only occasionally, as with some sateens, do I find something wider, perhaps 54". Other ideas, seersucker, plisse, tuitti fruitt which is similar to plisse. A solid seersucker can be lovely and has a little natural stretch. Caution: launder any fabric before laying out to cut.
  
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Posted on: 1/22/15 10:23 AM ET
Another thought - cotton lawn. It's usually 55" to 58" wide and very comfortable. Yes, it more lightweight, but you can line the bodice and skirt (which doesn't have to be tiered).
-- Edited on 1/22/15 at 10:24 AM --
  
Member since 9/3/10
Posts: 48
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Posted on: 1/22/15 11:51 AM ET
In reply to cocosloft
cocosoft, I have looked for cotton lawn in the stores and have not been able to locate it. Would you have any suggestions on where I could find cotton lawn?
  
Member since 12/13/08
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Posted on: 1/22/15 1:31 PM ET
What pattern are you using? That may affect our recommendations.

I agree with the sateen suggestion, but just a warning: Don't accidentally buy *quilting* sateen, which (while an absolutely luscious fabric otherwise--wonderfully soft with a lovely sheen) has no body to it. I had some in my stash that I bought for a petticoat/underskirt for historical costumes, and it ended up being far too drapey.
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Member since 11/6/11
Posts: 31
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Posted on: 1/22/15 1:48 PM ET
Good suggestions on the sateen. I used some to make a pencil skirt a while back, it might be a slight bit too heavy for the skirt though. I think lawn will be too lightweight, I want something that's not sheer. I've not used poplin before so will look into that.

I am actually making the pattern myself. I don't usually use standard patterns as I can never get them to fit me! I've got the pattern making down. I just have no idea on fabrics to use for the designs I make! It will be a strapless bodice with a 3 tier half circle skirt. Each tier is separate from one another. I have made the muslin but just need to find a nice fabric to make the final dress from.

Thanks so much for the help!
  
Member since 11/25/11
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Posted on: 1/22/15 1:58 PM ET
For what you describe, quilting cotton will work. It's normally 100% cotton and it's available in solids and just about any pattern you could want. However, most of it comes in widths of 45" or 90" or 108".
I have also had good luck in getting 100% cotton home decorating fabrics and repurposing it for other uses. Home decorating fabrics normally say "Dry Clean Only" but the 100% cotton can be used for clothing, just wash it well in hot water first to make sure it's preshrunk and won't lose any dye in subsequent washings. Once washed, it's generally much softer but still nicely substantial.
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Member since 3/17/12
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Posted on: 1/22/15 7:46 PM ET
In reply to cricket363
Hi! Fabric.com has a lovely selection of both solid and print cotton lawn. eek, it's on sale today only, but sometimes they extend the sale. But usually a good price anyway. I've been really happy with lawn from them.
  
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