Fabric Dictionary: What is fine plain fabric?

Broadloom: The perfect combination of simplicity and versatility

Welcome to the world of broadloom – a textile that embodies simplicity, practicality, and versatility. Easy to manufacture, this humble fabric, made primarily of cotton or blended with polyester, has a unique appeal. With its light to medium weight, crisp texture, and smooth feel against the skin, broadloom has been used in a variety of applications, from clothing and accessories to quilts and home decor.

Join us on a journey deep into the world of broadloom to discover its history, properties, and compelling reasons why it should be your first choice for your next sewing project.

What is muslin?

Muslin is a plain-woven fabric made from a set of horizontal and vertical yarns tightly interwoven in a one-to-one arrangement. This simple manufacturing process allows these textiles to be produced quickly and economically. Additionally, the fine, plain weave makes it slightly lustrous, durable, and has an even surface that drapes crisply.

Despite its tight and sturdy weave, muslin is a thinner, slightly sheer fabric that is perfect for regulating temperature on hot days.

What is muslin made of?

Historically, muslin originated in Western Europe and was woven from thick, densely carded wool. The original wool muslin was much thicker and heavier than today’s muslin. When used in clothing, wool fabrics are weatherproof, abrasion-resistant, and resistant to wear and tear.

Today, muslin fabrics are primarily made from cotton, polyester, or a blend of the two fibers. The cotton content makes it absorbent, anti-allergic, and easy to clean, while polyester is more durable, moisture-wicking, and wrinkle-resistant. Cotton-poly blends combine the best of both worlds, making this muslin fabric the best of both worlds.

What is muslin used for?

The plain weave and smooth, even texture of muslin fabric make it easy to use in a variety of crafts. Plus, this affordable fabric can be dyed a variety of colors or printed with vibrant patterns to suit your needs. For these reasons, muslin fabric is a great choice for sewing, patchwork, or DIY.

Apparel
Muslin is commonly used to make formal or casual shirts, blouses, dresses, and skirts. This fabric is smooth, comfortable to the touch, and stays cool on hot days. It holds its shape well, making it ideal for structured garments that require clean lines and defined silhouettes.

Decorating Styles
Many decorative items can be made with microflannel. This smooth, breathable fabric can be used as sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers; bedding woven with cotton is hypoallergenic, meaning it causes fewer skin reactions than synthetic fabrics.

Quilting
Broadloom is a great choice for quilters because it is easy to work with and versatile. Its tight, plain weave ensures that sewing stitches are strong and even, resulting in a durable quilt. Broadloom comes in a variety of colors and can be dyed or printed with bright patterns, allowing quilters to get creative with their creations.

Conclusion
With a simple plain weave, there are many possibilities. Broadloom fabric is a crisp, affordable, and smooth fabric that is usually woven from cotton and/or polyester. This versatile fabric can be used to create a variety of clothing and crafts. Best of all, it is easy to sew and quilt. The next time you’re in creative mode, consider broadloom fabric. Fabric Wholesale Direct offers a wide selection of broadloom in a variety of sizes, compositions, colors, and prints.