Fabric Weight

What is Fabric Weight?

Fabric weight refers to how much the fabric weighs per square meter or yard. This can be helpful information for garment sewers to determine the correct pattern pairing for a textile. 

Generally, as the weight gets higher, the fabric is more stable, opaque and thick. On the other hand, the lower the weight, the more pliable, breathable and sheer the fabric becomes.

Keep in mind that these rules work most of the time, but of course, there is always the odd exception. If you’d like to know more about a particular fabric, get in touch with our team.

Lightweight, Mid Weight or Heavyweight?

You can classify fabric into one of the following categories.

Lightweight Fabrics
Weight: 1 GSM - 150 GSM 

Types of fabrics: Cotton lawn, tencel, lace, voile, viscose, bamboo knits, polyester knits, rayon crepe
Project Recommendations: Dresses, shirts and blouses are a great pick to ensure breathability, a better drape and easier movement while wearing the garment. We recommend the Belcarra Blouse, Harwood Dress, and Roscoe Blouse & Dress.

Mid Weight Fabrics
Weight: 150 GSM - 350 GSM

Types of fabrics: Pure cotton, fleece, wool/poly blends, polyester knits (such as scuba), cotton sateen, linen

Project Recommendations: Structured dresses, tops & skirts, trousers, lightweight jackets,and cushions for a slightly structured look that’s in between flowy and rigid. We recommend the Tofino Pajama Pants, Upton Dress and Burnside Bibs Overalls.

Heavyweight Fabrics 

Weight: 350 GSM or higher 

Types of fabrics: Canvas, twill, upholstery fabric, denim, brocade, coating fabrics 

Project Recommendations: Warm coats, jackets, hoodies, upholstery, bags, and anything that needs to be durable and handle wear and tear. We recommend the Jack Tar Bag,  Neighbourhood Sweatshirt & Hoodie, and Yates Coat.