As the days get brighter, warmer and longer, our wardrobe shifts too. Not only do we swap the chunky knits for lightweight linens, we also find ourselves choosing brighter colours and bolder patterns.
If you’re looking to expand your handmade wardrobe this spring, you’ll find smooth, drapey rayons and viscose a dream to wear as the weather warms up. Cotton lawn is also a great option for breathable dresses, skirts and tops.
Linen is another spring essential and the perfect choice for loose-fit trousers and jackets. You could also add some further interest to your wardrobe by using textured fabrics such as double gauze and seersucker. These fabrics make lovely lightweight tops that are super soft and comfortable to wear.
Here are some of our favourite spring fabrics for whatever you’re looking to make this sunny season.
New to sewing? You might find it helpful to check out our beginner's guides before you start using your spring creative fabrics.
11 spring creative fabrics to sew
1. Polycotton Chambray in Light Blue, Minerva
If you’re a denim fan but don’t want the weight or structure of the fabric in the warmer months, chambray is the solution. This fabric comes into its element in the spring and summer and is the perfect choice for skirts, shorts and shirts. It’ll feel soft and comfortable against your skin on hot summer days.
It’s non-stretch and machine washable, so it’s suitable for a wide variety of sewing projects. We absolutely love the soft blue shade of this fabric too – you’re bound to love any garment you make with using this stunning material!
2. Bluebells White Ditsy Floral Flowers in Green, Rose & Hubble
Poplin is a cool and lightweight fabric that doesn’t crease easily, so it’s another great choice for spring. It’s also known for its durability, so whatever you make in this fabric will last you for years to come. This floral print and fresh colour make this poplin from Rose & Hubble a good option for spring shirts and skirts. We’d love to make it into a flowing tea dress for weekend outings – perfect for picnics or a stroll in the park.
It would also look lovely made into cushions to give a room a soft English country garden style.
3. Garden of Dreams collection by Lamazi Fabrics
This new collection is a dream come true for Lamazi owners Liana and James. Garden of Dreams is a collection of five sustainable fabrics with nature-inspired prints in a variety of colours. These sateen fabrics would make luxurious midi skirts or dresses for spring.
4. Ginghams from Atelier Brunette
Gingham dresses were no summer 2021 fling - they’re here to stay, and we’re oh-so-happy about that! Atelier Brunette has just launched a brand-new collection of gorgeous ginghams, and these soft cotton gauzes are double-sided with different sized squares on each side so you can get experimental with your designs. We love the idea of a mix and match bodice, or you could go subtle and use the reverse side for your pockets.
5. Millennial Holiday by Jennifer Bouron, Nerida Hansen
This fabric is so fun, and the print is just made for sunny days out. Printed on Tencel linen, it’s lovely and soft and we think it’d look fab made up as a boxy tee or pair of shorts. You can also use this fabric for homewares, so why not add a cushion set or new lampshade cover to your collection?
6. Scattered Stems on Ochre
Another dreamy double gauze! This mustard shade with vibrant blue leaves is a winning colour combo for the spring season, and the delicate design makes it the ideal choice for a blouse.
7. Peacock Feathers, Dovetailed
You can’t look at this fabric and not feel joy! A fabulous circle skirt or a pair of wide-leg trousers made up in this would be a go-to in your spring wardrobe for when you’re looking for something special to wear.
8. Daisies For My Love
Lightweight, super soft and with a print that makes us happy just looking at it – it’s ticking all our boxes! A floaty, spaghetti-strap dress in this would be beautiful.
9. Cheetin' Heart Viscose Sateen in Rose, Fabric Godmother
Weddings, date night, a good catch up with friends – this romantic viscose sateen is just calling for a special occasion! Made with 100% viscose, this soft, drapey fabric will feel lovely to wear.
10. Woven jacquard with green/vanilla check
This retro-vibe textured jacquard is such a fun choice for a summer dress or crop top. Pair it with bold accessories and chunky footwear for an on-trend go-to outfit.
11. Watercolour Animal Spots
Spring isn’t just for wovens – there’s plenty of room for comfy stretch fabrics too! This vibrant print would make a fun playsuit or gym set.
Looking for patterns to make with your new fabrics? Check out our best spring sewing projects or explore our blouse patterns.
Are you a fan of craft TV shows? Check out our guide to The Great British Sewing Bee.
