Whether you are browsing for baby clothes or planning on sewing one, these fabrics would be the perfectly soft “baby fabric” for your beloved little ones. Fabric for baby clothes making differs between younger and older babies.
The prime criteria for a younger baby’s cloth material is for it to be soft and non-irritating. This is to prevent irritating a young baby’s cut umbilical cord. On the other hand, an older baby’s cloth material should prioritise safety and comfort. This is to accommodate their more active routine.
Another important aspect to consider in fabric for baby clothes making are breathability and its ability to withstand wear and tear as well as many washing cycles.
Ok, So Cotton Is The Best Right?
Well, yes and no. Cotton knit for baby clothes making naturally fulfills all the criterias for the “perfect baby fabric”, however, there are almost 100 types of cotton to choose from. Furthermore, there is also the dilemma between “regular” and “organic” cotton. However if you can only find cotton, it is recommended to use organic cotton as it is more absorbent, just like this cute romper set made from organic cotton.
But if you are keen to explore other fabrics or just learn more about the best fabric for baby clothes making, read on to know more about these other types of baby fabric!
Bamboo Rayon
The name bamboo speaks for itself, however, the word ‘rayon’ (also known as ‘viscose’) changes this up. Bamboo rayon is made out of regenerating cellulose fiber, making it a material that is both natural and synthetic. However, in general it is recommended to go with bamboo rayon when choosing a fabric for baby clothes making. Rayon made from bamboo is thermal regulating, anti-fungal, anti-static and will keep your baby cooler, drier, warmer and odor free.
Shop: Junior Tribe Co’s 5 star, Knitted Sweater Set made from 47% viscose (also known as rayon).
Lawn Cotton
This fabric is completely made from cotton. This cotton knit fabric for baby clothes has a high thread count, giving it a silky and untextured feel. Furthermore, it is a lightweight, slightly transparent fabric, making it the perfect baby fabric for the warmer seasons. This fabric is suitable for sewing all types of clothes, all the way from flowy tops to cute dresses.
Fleece
Fleece is a warm fabric making it the perfect baby fabric for those cold, winter nights. Fleece is an alternative to cotton, as it is good at absorbing moisture, dries faster and is more durable than cotton. It is the perfect fabric for baby clothes making, such as outerwear and blankets
Jersey Knit Fabric
Jersey knit fabrics are the best choice for moms looking to sew clothes that’ll last longer than usual. This is because jersey knits are soft and stretchy, easily accommodating a baby’s constant body movements and sudden growth spurts. Furthermore, because of its highly absorbent and soft material, it is perfect to wear during play time. However, parents should take in mind that this cotton knit fabric for baby clothes is prone to pilling and static.
Eyelet Cotton
Eyelet cotton is especially suitable for making cute baby girl dresses because of its beautiful, delicate embroidery. Not only is it beautiful to look at, it is also great for your beloved baby girl because of its cotton material. This fabric is naturally absorbent, soft, and lightweight.
Pro-tip: When shopping for eyelet cotton, make sure to ask for organic cotton for an added kick of absorbency and softness. Furthermore, it’s an added plus to be making cute dresses and saving the planet at the same time!
Broadcloth
This silky soft, lightweight fabric is commonly made out of cotton, but sometimes may consist of a mix of materials. It is woven tightly, resulting in its characteristic luster. It gives off a glamorous look, making it perfect for making cute dresses or baby dress shirts.
Sewing tip: Use this fabric for most of the dress and decorate with the embroidery from the eyelet cotton fabric to give it that added feminine flair.
Batiste
We are not referring to the dry shampoo brand here (duh, obviously!), we are referring to the cloth which can be made out of a variety of materials, such as the usual cotton, wool, polyester or a blend. It is the softest fabric from the lightweight opaque fabric group. However, take in mind that this fabric is slightly transparent, but it is also the same reason it is especially lightweight and airy. This fabric is suitable for making christening gowns, or a smocked baby dress.
Napped/ Pile Fabrics
Napped and pile fabrics are used interchangeably to refer to fabrics with a fuzzy surface. To simplify, some napped fabrics can change colours when brushed, while pile fabrics are made of tiny loops which can be left intact (velvet, velveteen, corduroy, and velour) or cut open (terry cloth). This fabric is highly absorbent, making it the perfect choice for making cloth nappies and robes.
Microfiber Fabrics
Microfiber fabrics are man-made fabrics, mostly from polyester and some are mixed with nylon. These fabrics’ qualities differ depending on the size, mix of materials, and shape. However, it is generally soft, non-irritating, durable, and absorbent because of its tight weave. This baby fabric is best used for making towels and playtime clothes.
Shop: Junior Tribe Co’s Raw Romper, made out of 91.2% polyester.
Muslin
Muslin is a multi-purpose fabric made out of 100% organic cotton, often found in a variety of weights. It is not commonly used for sewing baby clothes due to its cheap look, however, it can be extremely well suited for sweaty babies. This is because the cotton knit fabric for baby clothes is the most breathable fabric currently available in the market. Nevertheless, it is better to reserve muslin fabrics for lining, burp cloths, and swaddle clothes.
Hemp
When picking fabric for baby clothes making, we cannot forget fabric for the baby’s nappies. Hemp is a porous, more absorbent, and durable fabric when compared to cotton. Hemp is perfect for modern baby nappies because not only is it a natural fabric, it is also a soft fabric which gets softer with each wash. The two hemp suitable for baby fabric are bamboo hemp fleece and bamboo hemp jersey, perfect for boosters.
Shop: Junior Tribe Co’s Modern Cloth Nappies with bamboo and hemp inserts.
Waterproof Cloths
More on the baby nappies fabric, it is recommended to utilise waterproof cloths, such as polyurethane laminated polyester (PUL) and athletic wicking jersey. Both are commonly used on the outside of cloth nappies, training pants, and bibs due to its moisture-wicking and stain-resistant characteristics.
Shop: Junior Tribe Co’s offer Cloth Nappies with athletic wicking jerseys, ensuring that your baby can stay comfortable even in warm weather.