Our fabrics

Bag makers rejoice! Our diamond leatherette is a synthetic leather product with a diamond texture to it. We have searched for a long time for this. Soft yet strong, we have had this one tested by one of our makers and here are her comments:

"It stitches up beautifully!!!! It folds well, no cracking so no issues on corners or turning through - that’s a big tick. ...It didn’t need a teflon foot which was amazing"

Composition: 100% synthetic leather

Weight: 470gsm

Width: 136cm

What can I make with this product?  Bags, belts, cushions, furniture coverings, earrings, bows - but mainly bags!

This great product is made from recycled plastic and has a 2-way stretch. It holds the print really well and is very vibrant.

Moisture wicking and quick drying this fabric is soft and durable.

Composition: 88% Repreve®Polyester  12% Elastane

Weight: 140gsm

Width: 145cm

What can I make with this fabric? Great for boardshorts or hiking or mountain biking shorts - or skirts that may get a little wet. This quick dry fabric is great for any sports performance garment.

Printed in Sydney, Australia.

A versatile fabric used mainly in activewear. It has a silky feel and 4-way stretch. This fabric is very durable with excellent recovery. It has moisture wicking properties making it an excellent choice for high impact activities.

Composition: 85% Polyester 15% Spandex

Weight: 280gsm

Width: 145cm

What can you make with this fabric? Given its name you can safely assume this fabric is perfect for any activewear! Tights, crop tops etc. Structured 'jeggings' or 'ponte pants' could also be created using this fabric.

Stretch velvet (or velour) can elevate a casual pattern to elegant statement piece. Velvet’s luxurious texture attracts attention all its own – then add one of our designs to the mix and you have the ultimate statement piece.

With 4-way stretch and soft and silky feel this knit fabric transforms the simple into special!

If sewing more than a scrunchie with this look for patterns that have simple lines and few finicky design details.. Generally speaking, patterns designed for stretch fabrics work best – just make sure they don’t require a higher stretch percentage than the fabric has. If so, consider sizing up.

Composition: 95% Polyester 5% Spandex

Weight: 240gsm

Width: 150cm

What can I make with this fabric? Now this is a fantastic fabric for hoodies, tracksuits, joggers, infinity scarves and other lounge wear. Or scrunchies and headbands.

Care: Machine wash, hang or tumble dry cold: do not iron or press. Store rolled.

The natural properties of bamboo help to keep you cool and comfortable in summer and warm in winter. A great layering fabric, it's perfect for tees and tanks and lightweight cardigans. Bamboo lyrca is soft and smooth; it feels delicate but is in fact relatively hardwearing and durable. Obviously as it contains lycra there is a bit of stretch to it and it has a lovely drape. It is also wrinkle resistant. With moisture wicking qualities it is a antimicrobial fabric so is great for making sheets and pillow cases.

Composition: 95% Bamboo 5% Lycra

Weight: 240gsm

Width: 150cm

What can I make with this fabric? If we could, we would make everything in this fabric, it's so lovely! But it is great for T-shirts, dresses, harem pants, pyjamas, underwear, baby swaddles/wraps, cardigans and bedding.

This GOTS certified, 100% Organic Rib Knit is perfect for cuffs, collars, wristbands, neckbands and waistbands.

Available in limited colours this super soft fabric is from Europe and is designed by PaaPii Design.

All tube ribbing is sold by increments of 10cm (1/10 metre).

For example: 1 qty = 10cm, 2 qty = 20 cm, 3 qty = 30cm, 4 qty = 40cm, 5 qty = 50cm.

Composition: 95% organic cotton 5% Elastane

Weight: 300gsm

Width: 84cm (2 x 42cm tube)

What can I make with this fabric? Cuffs, collars, wristbands, neckbands and waistbands – all the bands!

Wash between 40°C and do not tumble dry, warm iron.

A soft fabric with a brushed texture similar to the skin of a peach on one side - and the added bous - it is wrinkle free. Commonly known as ‘boardshort’ it is a quick dry fabric and as the name suggests mostly used for boardshorts and bottom weight items like skirts and shorts. It could also be used for the outer layer of jackets and in bag making, particularly beach bags.

Composition: 100% Polyester

Weight: 125gsm

Width: 145cm

What can I make with this fabric? Water resistant projects such as boardshorts, bucket hats, beach bags. Or pants and jackets (line with cotton lycra – really comfortable)

Bullet (colloquially known as Bullet Liverpool knit) is a soft flowing medium weight fabric with a textured outside and a smooth inside. Perfect for garments that need structure.

Composition: 95% Polyester 5% Spandex

Weight: 240gsm

Width: 145cm

What can I make with this fabric? This is a great fabric which can be used to make tops, dresses, skirts, cardigans and pants. It also works well for bows.

A lightweight, sheer fabric made from polyester, this fabric is used frequently in evening wear and lingerie, but also works well for blouses or other light, airy garments. Chiffon can be quite slippery, which makes it tricky to work with.

Composition: 100% Polyester

Weight: 80 gsm

Width: 145cm

What can I make with this fabric? Scarves, dresses, shirts, blouses, kaftans, lingerie, craft projects such as flower brooches. This is a stunning fabric. Given it is sheer the colours are not as vibrant as with the cotton fabric bases but is still beautiful.

As one of our heaviest fabric on offer, canvas is perfect for those items that need a little extra weight and durability, such as handbags and aprons.

Composition: 100% Cotton

Weight: 280gsm

Width: 150cm

What can I make with this fabric? This fabric is fantastic for totes, bags, aprons, clutches and other craft projects. It is also great for shorts, pinafores, overalls and pants!

This thin, sheer fabric is used to make loose, unstructured dresses and blouses, curtains and baby swaddles. Because of its open, airy weave, this is the perfect fabric to wear during hot summer months.

Composition: 100% Cotton

Weight: 125 gsm

Width: 150cm

What can I make with this fabric? Now this is a really fun fabric which is great making for scarves, curtains, baby swaddles, dresses, tops and whatever you can imagine where a beautiful floaty cotton fabric is required.

Tip: Make pimped up bandages for your first aid kit with your scraps!

Cotton Lycra 180gsm is a 4-way stretch fabric with excellent recovery and the most drape of our cotton lycras. A comfortable and versatile fabric, it is perfect for summer weight items like kids tees and dresses. It also makes extremely comfortable underwear and pyjamas. Suitable to be used for babies and adults alike. 180gsm will roll more than the other cotton lycras when working with it, to help with the roll we recommend pressing your fabrics prior to cutting and minimal handling once your pieces are cut.

Composition: 95% Cotton 5% Lycra

Weight: 180gsm

Width: 150cm

What can I make with this fabric?  This fabric is suited to drapey items like dresses, tops and tees, hoodies and pjs. Such a beautiful fabric to wear (and roll around in - no judgement!)

Cotton Lycra 240gsm is the workhorse of the knit world with a huge versatility in suitable projects. A comfortable fabric that can be worn year round and suitable for use with babies due to the high cotton content. This fabric can be used for nearly any project from t-shirts and shorts to dresses and underwear. It is great to use for children’s clothing or for anyone who is a little bit rough on their clothing.

Composition: 95% Cotton 5% Lycra

Weight: 240gsm

Width: 150cm

What can I make with this fabric?  This one is perfect for leggings, structured straight skirts, undergarments and leotards as it will give you more support than the 180gsm. You can also make t-shirt dresses, skater dresses, t-shirts, harems, shorts, a-line and gathered skirts. Great to use to make stretchy baby swaddles and wraps.

What a difference 40gsm makes! Cotton Lycra 280gsm is the thickest of the cotton lycra fabrics we stock at Material Difference and it is fabulous for winter and bottom weight sewing. This is a great “all round” fabric with excellent recovery and is perfect for jumpers, tights, pencil skirts, and dresses with structure. It works well for circle skirts that require a little more body. The additional weight in the cotton lycra adds a little more resistance to the stretch increasing the hold factor of the fabric, making it perfect for tights and skirts. 

Composition: 95% Cotton 5% Lycra

Weight: 280gsm

Width: 150cm

What can I make with this fabric?  This one is great for leggings and tights, pencil skirts, dresses with structure and jumpers.

Tip: Cotton lycra will curl towards the wrong side along the selvages and the right side across the stretch

Bamboo French Terry is popular in sporty or casual clothing‚ such as track suits and is ideal for exercising on both warmer and cooler days. Beautiful fabric for infant and toddler clothing. Soft and light, but highly absorbent, this bamboo french terry fabric features four way stretch, a smooth, luxurious face, and a looped back. The result is an absorbent, light-weight, moisture-wicking material that's super comfortable to wear any day of the year. It is soft and warm, and is easy to work with, and feels and looks great.

Composition: 95% Bamboo 5% Spandex

Weight: 260gsm

Width: 160cm

What can I make with this fabric? This fabric just feels amazing, like all the bamboo fabric does. It's heavier than a t-shirt, yet lighter than most jumpers/sweatshirts, and works well by itself or as a layer over or under another piece.

It is in the medium weight category of french terry fabric, and so, works well for both baby clothes and dresses, but also for light jackets, jumpers, yoga pants, cloth nappies, hoodies, hats or other bamboo terry clothes.

Let’s face it cotton sateen just feels great. Technically it is a fabric made with a satin weave using cotton instead of silk that has a lustrous, smooth feel and glossy sheen. It's used to make dresses, shirts, skirts, jackets, sheets and household décor items such as bed linen and cushion covers.

Cotton sateen comes in many different weights and is easy to sew. It has a lovely drape and creates great folds – if you need them.

Composition: 100% cotton

Weight: 90gsm

Width: 147cm

What can I make with this fabric?

It is a perfect material for children’s wear, shirts, tops and dresses. The fabric is wrinkle-resistant which is a great quality for a fashion dress or skirt – you will never hear the phrase “shoulda caught the bus” wearing cotton sateen!

Cotton woven is our most commonly used fabric and is suitable for both apparel and quilting. It has zero stretch on the cross and straight grain and is perfect for all of your woven sewing projects from dresses to bags. Great for projects for all age groups from babies through to adults, this versatile fabric is a must for any sewers stash. A perfect fabric to use for cot bedding and baby accessories. High colour fastness with exellent drape and hand feel, you will find sewing with the cotton woven a pleasure.

Composition: 100% Cotton

Weight: 150gsm

Width: 150cm

What can I make with this fabric? Well there are a lot of projects that make cotton woven a perfect fabric choice. It's great for dresses, A-line or gored skirts, scrubs, button up shirts, bags, bibs, scrunchies, quilting and craft projects, or even a nice pillowcase or two!.

Well this is what it is – ribbing. It is cotton which is great and can be used on its own or as cuffs and bands on jumpers and pants.

It has a 2 way stretch with textured vertical stripes and is commonly used for the neckbands and cuffs on garments. This soft and stretchy knit can also be used for pjs, tops and skirts.

Composition: 100% cotton

Weight: 250gsm

Width: 160cm

What can I make with this fabric? You can make cuffs, bands, pyjamas, tops, skirts and dresses.

Good old DBP! This is another 4-way stretch fabric that is a blend of mostly polyester, with a bit of spandex for stretch and recovery. Both sides of the fabric have been brushed giving it a slightly fuzzy feel, but it retains a smooth appearance and crisp printing ability. This fabric is really soft and super comfortable to wear. This gorgeous polyester/spandex blend does not shrink and has amazing colour fastness! The fabulous drape of DBP makes it great for loose garments like tent dresses and gathered items. It is also thin enough to be used for layering pieces and cardigans.

Composition:  95% polyester 5% Spandex.

Weight: 240gsm

Width: 145cm

What can I make with this fabric? Dresses, lots of drapey dresses would be perfect in DBP. It's also great for PJs, leggings, skirts, cardigans, tops, lightweight hoodies and jumpers.

Tip: Polyester fabrics are not suitable for making baby items as babies cannot regulate their body temperature and can overheat when wearing polyester. Bamboo or cotton lycra are better choices for baby items.

This novelty fabric would make a great jacket or vest!

Quilted fabrics are fabrics composed of wadding sandwiched between two layers of outer materials to form one thick and durable fabric. Our quilted fabric has a little bit of stretch to it. It is soft and light.

Composition: 95% polyester 5% spandex

Weight: 240gsm

Width: 160cm

What can I make with this fabric?  The possibilities with this fabric are extremely varied from clothing, furniture, sportswear and even upholstery. But a simple quilted jacket does come to mind!

French Terry is a midweight fabric (lighter than fleece). It is quite versatile and mainly used in casual clothing. French Terry has a smooth printed side, which looks the same as cotton lycra, and a looped back, making it a soft and cozy fabric. With 4-way stretch and the same recovery as cotton lycra, this thicker fabric still has good drape. Perfect for all your winter sewing needs, this fabric will keep you warm and toasty. For those in colder climates it is suitable for layering with a long sleeve tee underneath.

Composition: 95% Cotton 5% Spandex

Weight: 250gsm

Width: 150cm

What can I make with this fabric? Now this is a fantastic fabric for mid-weight jumpers, hoodies, tracksuits, jackets, shorts and other lounge wear.

So this is cotton woven but lighter!  It has zero stretch on the cross and straight grain and is perfect for all of your woven sewing projects from dresses to shirts.  High colour fastness with excellent drape and hand feel, you will find sewing with this lighter cotton fabric a pleasure.

Composition: 100% Cotton

Weight: 135gsm

Width: 147cm

What can I make with this fabric?  Well there are a lot of projects that make cotton woven a perfect fabric choice. This lighter cotton is great for making shirts and dresses.

So this is a just a heavier version of our other French Terry fabric.

Composition: 95% Cotton 5% Spandex

Weight: 280gsm

Width: 150cm

What can I make with this fabric? Most casual lounge wear such as jumpers, hoodies, track pants.

Minky is super soft and durable with a fluffy texture, like animal fur.  The reverse side is textured with a smooth backing. Minky can be used for jumpers, but ribbing is required for the binding/bands. Minky is excellent for making backed blankets and cuddly soft pillows and stuffed toys. It is also one of the fabrics used in making re-usable sanitary pads and nappies.

Composition: 95% Polyester 5% Spandex

Weight: 240gsm

Width: 145cm

What can I make with this fabric? Jackets, hats, scarves, throw blankets, toys, pet beds and accessories, cushions and anything that is going to be touched a lot!

Our plush can be used not only for plush toys, but also for jumpers, coats, collars, winter hats, blankets, pillows and other homewares. Plush (also known as squish), is a double sided stretch minky which is white on the reverse (non printed) side. When using it for clothing and apparel a ribbing is required for the bands/binding of the garment. It’s super cuddly and durable, with the advantage of being easy cleaning (no dry cleaning required).

Composition: 95% Polyester 5% Spandex

Weight: 380gsm

Width: 145cm

What can I make with this fabric? Jumpers, blankets, soft toys, jackets, cushions, winter hats and collars/scarves. Anything cuddly!

Tip: When making blankets and throws, binding or hemming is not required as the fabric will not roll like Cotton Lycra, but adding binding does finish it off nicely and can be a quick and easy gift!

PUL is a soft clear coating of polyurethane that is applied to the back of fabrics resulting in a product that is water resistant with a small amount of breathability.  Most PUL projects have a goal of either allowing for a quick clean up or keeping moisture and water at bay. 

Composition: 100% Polyester

Weight: 200gsm

Width: 145cm

What can I make with this fabric? PUL can be used to create wet bags for the beach, snow pants, art aprons, raincoats, umbrellas, cosmetic or toiletry bags, picnic blankets, reusable sanitary and nursing pads and pouches. You could also make shower caps and food covers!

Recommended cold to 40 degree washes and line drying in the shade. 

Rayon has a smooth, comfortable texture that feels soft and slightly silky to touch. It has a lovely drape so is great for projects that you want some movement in. Rayon shrinks so make sure you pre-wash before using. Rayon has no stretch on the straight and cross grain, but can be tricky to cut and sew, as it likes to move. We recommend using a rotary cutter and lots of pattern weights to cut rayon. A beautiful breathable fabric, great for use in summer and tropical climates to help keep you cool. It's perfect for apparel sewing with lots of ease in the pattern for a loose relaxed feel. It makes fabulous loose summer pants and woven harems.

Weight: 125gsm

Width: 145cm

What can I make with this fabric? Swing tops, dresses, loose camis, loose pants, woven harems, shorts, scarves or wrap skirts - anything drapey.

Our swim fabric is ultra-light, breathable, fast drying and UV protective (UPF 50+). Swim fabric like the name suggests can be used for swimwear, but it also makes excellent everyday wear. Use for tights, circle skirts and dresses, swim coverups and t-shirts. Swim has a cool and slinky hand feel with lots of drape.

Composition: 86% Polyester 14% Spandex UPF 50+

Weight: 240gsm

Width: 145cm

What can I make with this fabric? This one begs the question, what else can you make with this fabric? It is made for swimming but can also be used for dancewear and costumes and general activewear and even circle skirts and dresses.

Tip: If making swimwear please remember to wash your garments as soon as possible after swimming in chlorine to extend the life of your products.

You asked for it (well some of you begged and pleaded..) so we found you a beautiful linen blend fabric. Blended with cotton, this fabric holds its colour well and is lovely and soft yet robust enough for a tea towel. This mid weight fabric does tend to fray so keep that in mind.

More linen than cotton, the softness and smoothness of cotton resolves the roughness of the linen, with the lightness of the cotton balancing the linen's stiffness. This natural fibre combination make it a perfect choice for summer clothing.

A beautiful breathable fabric, great to help keep you cool.

Composition: 55% linen, 45% cotton

Weight: 125gsm

Width: 140cm

What can I make with this product?  Shirts, tops, pants, blazer, tea towel, napkins, table cloth - whatever you want to make with linen basically.

Care instructions: Hand wash or cold gentle machine wash. Line dry in shade do not tumble dry.