All about cotton poplin
What is it?
Cotton poplin is a particularly dense fabric, slightly satin-like and soft, as easy to care for and durable as cotton itself. It is a fabric woven very tightly from two cotton threads of different thicknesses. This weaving technique gives the fabric its shiny and smooth appearance. Poplin can also be made from other materials, such as wool, silk, viscose, polyester, or a blend of fibers.
Originally, probably around the 12th century, poplin was made from silk and wool. It was widely used for furniture: the weft thread was twisted wool and the warp thread was silk. Remember that "the weft thread is a thread placed in the width direction. Its opposite is the warp thread, arranged in the length direction. It is the interlacing of these two threads that creates a fabric" (Wiktionary). Since the fabric is woven very tightly and the wool thread is thicker than the silk thread, there are therefore twice as many silk threads. This mix of threads gave the fabric its surface rhythm with fine transverse ribs. It is also this mix of threads that made this fabric have the warmth of wool and the softness of silk.
What can be made from cotton poplin?
Because it prevents the risk of irritation and allergies, it is used, among other things, in the manufacture of sheets and children's clothing. Since poplin is a versatile, comfortable, and lightweight fabric, it is also used to make blouses, bodices, dresses, coats, as well as tablecloths and sheets. In short, poplin is used just like cotton!
Care
Poplin is more robust and durable than quilting cotton. It will not deform or pill over time. Easy to care for, you can wash and machine dry this fabric. Poplin wrinkles less than quilting cotton when washed, but you will still need to iron it.
Cotton poplin has an advantage over its competitor, cotton/polyester blended poplin: it is more absorbent and more flexible. Its main advantage, however, is that it is hypoallergenic.
Sewing
It is recommended to sew cotton poplin with cotton or polyester thread and a fine needle. Sharp scissors will save you many troubles when cutting!You can starch the fabric to stiffen it if it is too slippery.
Free patterns!
Here is a small list of FREE patterns perfect for using our organic cotton poplin!
https://www.seamwork.com/catalog/sorbetto
https://shop.duchessandhare.com/collections/free/products/free-at-last
https://www.ellieandmac.com/products/girls-rachel-skirt-pattern-updated/
https://littlelizardking.com/free-tutorials/martinique-bznpw
https://oliverands.com/free-patterns/ruffled-halter/
https://www.tadahsewing.com.au/collections/free-patterns/products/first-timer-skirt-pdf-pattern
https://www.thesimplelifecompany.com/product/holly-apron/
http://www.sewpony.com/2017/03/dulcie-dress-free-pattern.html
https://violettefieldthreads.com/products/free-london-dress
And finally, one last pattern, which is not free but that I particularly like, is the bow tie pattern from Frank & Tie! Try it in poplin, you will see the result is amazing!
