Choosing Materials

Hi Dan

I'd look first at the fabric suggestions on the pattern envelope and start there. Then I'd order some sample swatches, if ordering online, to get an idea of composition and weight (GSM - grams per metre). If you intend to purchase fabric from your lovely shop, ask the sales assistant if they can tell you what the weight is and what the fabric is made up of. 

I've been doing this for years and have built up a little sample folder so I can get a feel of the fabrics and see how they drape and check to see if they'd look good in the project I'm hoping to use a specific fabric for.

At the end of the day there is always an element of risk. But you will make informed fabric choices as you understand composition and weight more.

Good luck, Kim

Hi Dan, lovely to meet you! 

I agree with Kim, this is definitely a skill you build up over time and with experimentation. 

The instructions should give you some indication of what fabric to go for - for bags it depends on the style as to weather you need something with a lot of structure like a heavy canvas, leather, cork but if it's something a little softer like a tote bag you can use cottons - interfacing will make it a little more structured.

Linings will always be lighterweight - from a cotton poplin, quilting cotton, satins etc. 

If it helps you are welcome to create a post here when you are searching for fabrics for a particular project and we can help you out.

But also, the staff in your fabric should should be able to help guide you and a lot of online fabric shops offer a swatch service too.

Hi Dan. When I make bags or pouches and the fabric on hand is too thin I just interface it with iron-on interfacing in whatever thickness I want to go for. Thus I'm not that dependent on the fabric on offer. Or I quilt my own  fabric and use that. As Hayley advises, the lining should be thin and supple to adjust to the inside of the bag.