What fabric are people using for toiles?

Hi Karen, if you can - use something that is similar weight to the fabric you want to use for your final garment. You can buy calico fabric in different weights or if you have some cheap fabric, old duvet covers also work well for making toiles 

I make lots of Calico/muslin toiles. I buy my Calico from Pound Fabrics. They sell it by the metre and on rolls.

I make toiles as I hate to cut into precious fabric and find later down the line I've made a mistake. For the sake of a couple of hours extra work I personally find it part of the fitting process. 

I use a mix of fabric depending on what I want and how I feel. Calico often just for figuring out a pattern I don't quite understand and for trying out a new technique. Old bed sheets and duvet covers are good too especially more drapey garments  

If there's fabric in my stash that I know I won't use/wear, I'll use that for wearable toiles and then either have it as nightwear or I'll cut it up and use it as stuffing for cushions etc. 

For toiles, a lot of people go with muslin or calico since they’re cheap, easy to sew, and behave similarly to many fashion fabrics. If your final fabric has stretch or drape (like silk or lightweight cashmere), try to find something with a similar feel so your fit is accurate.

I have started buying duvet sets in on sale.

A king size works out at about 10m.

I will use them for actual garments or toiles.