What specific fabrics would you suggest for sewing a hoodie?

Question

Please don't say things like cotton. I'm looking for specific fabric names.

I forgot to mention, I'd like it to be smooth on the outside. One side can be fuzzy/sweatshirt-like/etc, but I want the outside to appear smooth.

Answer 1

Hmm, depends on what look you are going for. I definitely think a knit will be your best bet, but it could be anything from a tee shirt weight jersey knit up to heavy polar fleece. Polar fleece has often been used to describe any fleece, but it is a specific type that is rather heavy and fuzzy on both sides. There are many types of fleece. If you choose a sweatshirt fleece, it will be fuzzy on one side and not on the other, just like a sweatshirt. There is also velor, which is kind of velvet-like, or you could even try terrycloth (which is not a knit, but like towels).

I recommend that you get a blend (cotton and polyester) rather than straight cotton, since it is less likely to shrink. If it has Lycra in it, it will be better able to keep its shape and not stretch out.

Good luck with your project.

EDIT:
Since you want it to be smooth on the outside, don't even look at the fleece. That is always fuzzy. =] Are you working from a pattern? It will suggest fabrics on the back of the envelope, if you are. Ask at your fabric store for the knits, or perhaps specifically the jersey knits (which is the kind that a t-shirt is made from), and then just look for the one that has the feel that you want. The people who work at the fabric store usually know what works for what, so don't hesitate to ask them.

When you go to sew your hoodie, be sure that your machine has a ball-point needle in it. The difference between a ball-point and a sharp needle is very minor to the naked eye, but where a sharp needle will cut the fibers when it goes through, a ball-point will push the fibers aside. If the fibers of a knit are cut, you will be likely to get a "run" in the fabric, just like in a pair of nylons.

My husband just mentioned something to me. If you are going for a completely different look, more like a windbreaker, you could try ripstop nylon. If you have the time, you could just wander through your fabric store until you find something that looks/feels like what you are thinking of. Then, take it to the cutting counter and ask the salesperson if it would be appropriate or if they could help you find something else that would work. Remember that you can talk to the people there, and don't just bluff your way around. I know of a woman who tried that and wound up trying to have my mother (who is a professional seamstress) make her a wedding dress out of swimsuit lycra. My mom had her go back for something else, and 9 yards of lycra isn't cheap! Fortunately, the store was able to take it back since it was such a large piece.

Answer 2

Check your pattern!!! The fabric for which a particular pattern is designed is listed on the back of the pattern envelope so you can buy your fabric when you buy the pattern. If you don't know what fabric to use, I'm guessing you'll need a pattern to work with. Check the pattern envelope. If the pattern is designed for knits, including sweatshirt fleece or french terry, it will often tell you how stretchy the knit should be to fit that pattern. Take your pattern envelope (leave the pattern itself at home so the store personnel will know you've already paid for it) to the fabric store and ask a salesclerk to help you find the right fabric. Personally, I'd recommend a french terry, and I'd suggest a cotton one. Weightwise, it's about halfway between a sweatshirt fleece and a t-shirt knit.

Answer 3

Fleece work great, but you want to make sure you get something that doesn't pill. If you have a Joann's around then there is a kind simply called anti-pill, which is warm and fuzzy and on sale for $4.99 a yard until June 2nd.

If you are looking for something other then fleece, some store still sell actual sweatshirt fleece, and it usually in with the knit fabrics.

Speaking of knits, if you are looking for something lighter weight for the summer, you could make a hoodie out of mast any knit fabric sine they will stretch when you put it on. Another great thing about knits is that jersey knits are smooth on both sides so they are super comfortable and a lot of them are made out of cotton so they can keep you cool in the summer! if you go to your nearest fabric store or an online one, it will almost certainly have a large section of knit fabrics.

Good luck. p.s. i make my hoodies out of lightweight knits *don't forget your ball point needle!*

Answer 4

You're talking about one of those hoodie sweatshirts? I'd look at that polar fleece stuff. It comes in various weights, and it's great stuff. I've used it to make baby blankets, but not apparel, it sews great!

Answer 5

you are mistaking fabrics for fibers. use sweatshirt fleece, polar fleece or for a fancy one crushed pane velvet. all will be mostly polyester as fibers go, except maybe sweatshirt fleece would be part cotton. it tells you right on the pattern what to use,

Answer 6

i could think of that the cat could produce different recommendations approximately your style type. If I see you, i'm going to call the law enforcement officers, animal cruelty isn't any shaggy dog tale! adverse cat getting its ears decrease off on your ill style needs!!

Answer 7

fleece works great i just made my son a sweatshirt

Answer 8

I would suggest a jersey blend that has a little bit of spandex in it.

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