Fabric Dictionary: What Is Broadcloth Fabric?
Introduction
Welcome to the world of Broadcloth – a textile that embodies simplicity, practicality, and versatility. This unassuming fabric, easily manufactured and sourced primarily from cotton or blended with polyester, holds a unique charm. With its lightweight to mediumweight nature, a crisp texture, and a smooth feel against the skin, Broadcloth has found its way into an array of applications, from garments and accessories to quilts and home decor.
Join us on this journey as we delve deep into the world of Broadcloth, exploring its history, properties, and the compelling reasons why it should be your go-to choice for your next sewing project.
What Is Broadcloth?
Broadcloth is a plain woven fabric. This fabric is made by tightly interlacing a set of horizontal and vertical yarns in a one-over-one pattern. This straightforward manufacturing process, allows these textiles to be produced quickly and affordably. Additionally, the tight, plain weave of Broadcloth fabric makes it slightly shiny, durable, even surfaced, and stiff when draped.
While Broadcloth is tightly woven and solid, it is known to be a thinner fabric that can be slightly sheer. That being said, the fabric is also perfect for regulating temperature when the weather is hot.
What is Broadcloth Made Of?
Historically, Broadcloth fabric originated in Western Europe where it was woven from thick and dense carded wool. The original wool broadcloths were much thicker and heavier than today’s broadcloth. When used for garments, the wool fabric allowed for weather protection, abrasion resistance, and the ability to be cut without fraying.
Today, Broadcloth fabric is sourced primarily from cotton, polyester, or a blend of the two fibers. A cotton content of broadcloth makes it absorbent, hypoallergenic, and easy to clean. On the other hand, a broadcloth made from polyester is more durable, moisture wicking, and wrinkle resistant. A cotton polyester blend is the best of both worlds, giving this type of Broadcloth fabric characteristics from both types of fibers.
What Is Broadcloth Used For?
The plain weave and smooth, even texture of Broadcloth fabric makes it easy to use fora variety of crafts. Additionally, this affordably priced fabric can be dyed in a variety of colors, or feature vibrant printed designs, to match any of your needs. For these reasons, Broadcloth fabric is a great choice to sew, quilt, or DIY with.
Check out this list of Broadcloth craft ideas to get inspired for your next creation:
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Apparel
Broadcloth is commonly used for formal or casual, shirts, blouses, dresses, and skirts. The fabric’s smooth texture is comfortable to the touch, and this type of fabric will keep you cool in the heat. Its ability to hold its shape well makes it suitable for structured garments that require clean lines and defined silhouettes.
The featured patterns or bold colors of Broadcloth are sure to stand out and draw attention, and the price point of the fabric is hard to beat. Due to its moderate weight and smooth finish, Broadcloth fabric can be layered under other garments without adding excessive bulk. Lasty, when made with cotton, the fabric is hypoallergenic and is made into shirts, pants, and dresses, that are also easy to clean.
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Decor
Many decor items can be sewn with Broadcloth fabric. The smooth texture and breathability of this fabric allow it to be used as bed sheets, pillow cases, and duvet covers; when woven with cotton, the bedding is hypoallergenic meaning it causes fewer skin reactions than syncthetically sourced fabrics.
Additionally, the stiff and crisp drape of Broadcloth makes this type of fabric ideal for curtains, table covers, and table linens. Broadcloth fabric is generally easy to clean, and when woven with polyester, gains wrinkle resistant properties.
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Quilting
Broadcloth is a quilter's best friend, thanks to its ease of use and versatility. Its tight, plain weave ensures secure and even quilting stitches, resulting in durable and long-lasting quilts.
This fabric comes in a vast array of colors, and its ability to be dyed or printed with vibrant designs allows quilters to get creative with their projects. Plus, when woven with cotton, Broadcloth offers a comfortable and hypoallergenic option, making it perfect for quilts meant for snuggling.
If durability is a priority, consider a polyester blend, which also brings moisture-wicking and wrinkle resistance benefits to the table. Broadcloth's low maintenance requirements and suitability for a wide range of quilt styles make it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced quilters alike.
Conclusion
From a simple plain weave comes so many possibilities. Broadcloth fabric is crisp, affordable, and smooth textured fabric, that is generally woven from cotton and/or polyester. This fabric is versatile and can be used to create a wide range of clothing and craft items. On top of that it is easy to sew and quilt. Next time you are in creation mode, consider using Broadcloth fabric. Fabric Wholesale Direct offers a wide selection of Broadcloth in various sizes, contents, colors, and printed patterns.