Sewing trends are shifting.
Shoppers are asking for natural fibers and longer-lasting materials that feel more intentional. Organic cotton is still in high demand, but it’s not the only one. Linen blends, bouclé, recycled synthetics, and nature-inspired prints are showing up in more projects and selling fast.
If you’re planning your next fabric order or reworking your store layout, this list will help you decide what to prioritize. For each fabric, we include what it’s best used for, why it’s popular right now, and how to position it in your sewing store.
Let’s get started.
72% of consumers are willing to pay more for natural fabrics. It’s part of a bigger shift — shoppers are rethinking what quality means. They’re looking for fabrics that hold up and feel good.
At the same time, organic and natural materials have picked up a bit of a high-end reputation. Some customers assume fabrics like organic cotton or hemp are only for generous budgets. But interest is growing across the board — especially among people who want their projects to last.
If you can find the right mix of sustainability and affordability, you win over shoppers who want materials that are thoughtful and made to last. Here are 10 trending fabrics that check all the right boxes.
Cotton is the original MVP of the sewing world. It’s breathable, soft, and endlessly versatile — and for a lot of customers, it still defines what good fabric feels like. Even with the rise of performance fabrics and high-tech synthetics, cotton remains a favorite because it’s reliable, familiar, and works for just about everything.
Organic cotton takes this a step further. It’s grown without pesticides and processed without harsh chemicals, which makes it ideal for shoppers with sensitive skin or eco-friendly goals. Textures like waffle, muslin, and piqué give it range without sacrificing comfort.
What it’s good for: Pajamas, baby items, quilt backs, tea towels, robes, and table linens
Why it sells: It’s a sustainable fabric that customers trust. It washes well, holds its shape, and works across seasons. Many shoppers also seek out natural fabrics specifically for children’s projects and home goods.
How to stock and display it: Merchandise by texture — group waffle, muslin, and smooth organic cotton together in a “Natural Basics” section. Use signage that calls out benefits like chemical-free processing, a soft hand feel, and being safe for sensitive skin. Pre-bundle half-yard cuts in soft tones like sage, ivory, or blush for grab-and-go projects like napkins or baby burp cloths. Pair with wooden or recycled fiber notions to reinforce the sustainability story.
Cotton has always had a place in the sewing room — and it still does. Framing it as both a timeless classic and a sustainable choice helps connect with new and returning customers alike.
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Hemp and linen blends bring a tactile, natural quality that feels elevated and grounded. These fabrics soften over time, resist wear, and age well — qualities that make them a go-to for sewists who care about longevity and texture. While linen on its own can be temperamental to sew, blends with cotton or hemp provide structure without sacrificing breathability.
Customers often reach for these fabrics when they want something that feels purposeful and artisan-made. For slow fashion and home projects, few materials strike the balance between rustic charm and quiet sophistication like a well-woven hemp or linen blend.
What it’s good for: Garments, napkins, aprons, curtains, duvet covers, and everyday totes
Why it sells: Linen and hemp give projects a timeless, handmade feel. These fabrics hold their shape and soften over time, which appeals to customers moving away from fast fashion and toward longevity.
How to stock and display it: Create a “slow-made” section with precut bundles in earthy neutrals like flax, ivory, rust, and soft blue. Showcase finished projects or sample swatches with wash-and-wear comparisons. Hang linen aprons or napkins to help customers visualize texture and drape. Place matching garment patterns — like tank tops or wrap skirts — nearby to help spark project ideas.
Related Read: 7 Fabric Store Marketing Ideas To Attract More Customers
Bouclé and velvet offer high-impact texture and depth — two qualities customers are craving in home decor right now. Bouclé’s looped yarns create a soft, nubby feel that’s visually interesting and cozy. Velvet has a smooth, plush dimension that works across seasons. These are the kinds of fabrics that can make even a simple pillow feel luxurious.
If you’re looking for a fresh alternative, chenille and brushed cotton canvas offer similar softness and texture, but with a cleaner, less trend-driven feel. These fabrics are gaining ground among customers who want to update their homes without following the crowd.
What it’s good for: Accent pillows, footstools, ottomans, curtains, and statement chair reupholstery
Why it sells: These fabrics elevate any home project with minimal effort. Their visual texture photographs well — perfect for sewists selling online or decorating small spaces.
How to stock and display it: Organize by tactile themes like “Soft Neutrals” or “Statement Texture.” Use rich colors — moss, camel, charcoal, and navy are great options for these fabrics. Create sample pillows or mini upholstery boards that show off texture and color in context. Include care cards with tips for brushing, steaming, and protecting the pile.
Waffle and huck weaves are increasingly popular with customers looking for utility with a twist. These fabrics offer absorbency, breathability, and texture — ideal for kitchen linens, bath accessories, and spa-style home projects. Waffle is a particular favorite for towels and robes because it dries quickly and feels luxurious without the bulk.
Unlike knit terry, waffle and huck weaves are easier to sew, more stable, and suitable for beginners. They also pair well with neutral palettes and clean lines, making them a great fit for modern minimalist aesthetics.
What it’s good for: Towels, bath wraps, spa headbands, reusable napkins, dishcloths, and baby bibs
Why it sells: These fabrics look and feel high-end but remain easy to cut and sew. They’re a go-to for giftable sets, self-care kits, or small functional projects.
How to stock and display it: Group waffle and huck textures in a “Spa & Kitchen” display. Include coordinating thread, trim, or twill tape for finishing edges. Hang rolled towel samples or neatly folded face cloths to show structure. Use signage to highlight fast drying time and easy care.
Tweed has a way of instantly signaling quality. Classic herringbone, speckled Donegal, and other woven styles add texture, structure, and warmth — ideal for fall jackets, structured totes, or cozy wool pillows. It’s a favorite among customers ready to dive into a more involved project that’s built to last. Makers are looking for fabrics with history, and tweed delivers — it’s durable, timeless, and just refined enough to elevate any design.
What it’s good for: Jackets, caps, satchels, scarves, decorative pillow covers, and outerwear accents
Why it sells: It brings durability, warmth, and depth. Projects made with tweed often become heirlooms or everyday staples.
How to stock and display it: Position tweeds near fall and winter garment patterns. Offer full-yard cuts in traditional and muted colorways. Build a “Heritage Sewing” endcap with lining fabric, buttons, and interfacing to make it easy for customers to gather everything they need.
Nature prints are an easy favorite for quilts, garments, and home decor. They feel soft and familiar — not too trendy, not too bold — and that makes them a go-to for all kinds of customers. Most people can picture what they’d make the moment they see them.
These prints also work across seasons. A leafy green pattern feels fresh in the spring and cozy in the fall. And they’re easy to mix with solids or textured fabrics, which helps customers pull together projects without overthinking it.
What it’s good for: Dresses, aprons, quilt blocks, curtains, tote bags, and cushion covers
Why it sells: These patterns feel familiar and forgiving. They span generations, seasons, and project types. Most customers know exactly how they’re going to use them.
How to stock and display it: Create themed displays like “Botanical Garden” or “Vintage Florals” with coordinating solids and blenders. Bundle prints with neutral canvas or linen for easy-sew kits. Use signage that encourages mixing textures or layering prints for a cottagecore aesthetic.
Chambray and denim-look fabrics are having a moment, especially in bedding and wearable basics. They give structure and texture without the bulk of heavy denim. Chambray, in particular, is popular with newer sewists thanks to its smooth finish and soft drape.
These fabrics also pair well with many current aesthetics — modern farmhouse, Japanese minimalist, and classic Americana — all of which have a strong presence in today’s DIY market.
What it’s good for: Shirts, quilts, bedding, pillow shams, skirts, and casual wear
Why it sells: They’re timeless, durable, and easy to match with prints or solids. They hold their shape without feeling stiff and give projects a polished, everyday feel.
How to stock and display it: Stock shades from pale indigo to charcoal and display them with striped or ticking prints for a utility-inspired bundle. Pair with topstitching thread and garment patterns for shirts, skirts, or lightweight jackets. Include a sample quilt block to showcase how well it balances with patterned cottons.
Not every customer is shopping for natural fibers — and that’s okay. Recycled polyester and performance fabrics like Crypton serve a different set of needs: durability, stain resistance, and easy care. These synthetics are especially useful for homes with pets, kids, or high-use furniture and bags.
When you stock synthetics with purpose, you help shoppers make informed, intentional decisions — without compromising on performance or sustainability.
What it’s good for: Pet beds, upholstery, outdoor cushions, diaper bags, and utility totes
Why it sells: These fabrics solve real-world problems. Recycled polyester helps reduce waste. Crypton is stain-resistant, antimicrobial, and easy to clean. Performance velvet and woven polyester with high rub counts are great for family-friendly furniture.
How to stock and display it: Build a “Performance Fabrics” zone with bold labels like “Pet Friendly,” “Kid Safe,” and “Stain Resistant.” Include care instructions and show off wipe-clean or scratch-test demos. Group items by use — home decor versus bags or outerwear — to help customers find the right fit.
Stripes, checks, and geometric prints are back — especially in modern and minimalist sewing. These patterns add visual structure and movement while still being simple enough for beginners to work with.
Because they’re easy to match and align, they’re often the go-to choice for customers making coordinated sets like placemats, pillowcases, or kitchen accessories.
What it’s good for: Curtains, table linens, button-downs, aprons, and casual garments
Why it sells: These prints are flexible and familiar. They’re easy to mix with solids or florals and add visual rhythm to even basic patterns. They also feel timeless, helping increase their shelf life.
How to stock and display it: Set up bundles with one stripe, one solid, and one floral or neutral. Group by color family or project type — like “Summer Table Settings” or “Back-to-School Staples.” Include sample napkins or aprons to show how directional prints play out on finished pieces.
Every year, design experts and organizations like the Pantone Color Institute announce a “Color of the Year.” These choices are influenced by fashion, interior design, pop culture, and even world events. Once the color is revealed, it quickly appears in retail displays, seasonal product launches, and marketing campaigns.
This year, warm, earthy browns are leading the trend. Shades like cocoa, mocha, and muted tan are showing up in apparel, home decor, and quilting fabrics. Even shoppers who don’t know the trend by name are drawn to the cozy, grounded look these tones create.
What it’s good for: Apparel, home decor, quilting projects, coordinated fabric bundles, and seasonal displays
Why it sells: Trending colors give projects a fresh, seasonal look without requiring a pattern change. Color updates are easier for customers to adopt than learning new techniques, making them a simple way to refresh a project. Warm browns feel current and inviting, while neutrals like black, white, beige, and gray remain reliable bestsellers.
How to stock and display it: Feature trending colors on endcaps or table displays with coordinating prints and textures. Bundle warm browns with matching patterns for ready-to-go project inspiration. Keep a “Neutral Basics” section for year-round sales, and rotate in seasonal colors to keep things fresh. Add finished samples — like a mocha-toned quilt block or cocoa-colored tote — to help customers picture the colors in their own work.
Like Sew is an all-in-one POS and e-commerce platform made for sewing stores. It helps you manage fabric by the 1/8 yard and track bestsellers.
Adding new fabrics is simple with integrated purchase orders and a built-in vendor catalog that keeps product details, pricing, and images ready to use. You’re never starting from scratch when it’s time to stock something new.
You can also create kits, group trending fabrics together for promotions, and keep online listings in sync with what’s on your shelves — without bouncing between tools or updating inventory manually.
If you’re ready to spend less time managing fabric and more time selling it, schedule a free demo today.