I just love cotton lawn… Have you sewn with it? It’s divine!
I thought I’d pen some tips and facts about cotton lawn as we’ve had lots of new designs arrive and it’s the perfect fabric to start thinking about using as the warmer months approach…
What is cotton lawn?
So what exactly is cotton lawn, you may ask? Well, it’s a plain weave fabric that’s made from 100% cotton fibers. It’s similar to cotton voile, but it has a slightly crisper hand and a bit more body to it.
Think of it like the fancy cousin of regular cotton – it’s still casual and comfortable, but with a little extra oomph.
And as the name suggests, cotton lawn is made from 100% cotton!
It’s a very fine and lightweight fabric with a crisp finish. Cotton lawn has a lustrous sheen and a high thread count.
One of the best things about cotton lawn is how breathable it is. Because it’s so lightweight, air can easily flow through it, keeping you cool and comfortable even on the hottest days. Plus, it’s soft and smooth to the touch, so it feels great against your skin.
Cotton lawn originates from a place called Laon in France and has a smooth, polished feel.
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What can I make with cotton lawn?
Cotton lawn, oh my! The possibilities are endless, my dear friend. Let’s dive into the world of cotton lawn and see what fun and playful creations we can whip up!
First up, we have the classic summer dress. Picture yourself twirling around in a flowy cotton lawn dress with the sun beaming down on you – perfection! You can choose a bold print or a soft pastel color to really make a statement.
But why stop at dresses? Cotton lawn is also perfect for a cute summer skirt. The lightweight fabric will keep you cool during those hot summer days, while still allowing you to look fabulous. Pair it with a tank top and sandals for an effortless and playful look.
Feeling crafty? Use cotton lawn to make a fun and colorful quilt. The soft and breathable fabric will make for a cozy blanket that you can snuggle up with on chilly nights. Plus, you can mix and match different prints and colors to create a truly unique masterpiece.
And let’s not forget about accessories! Cotton lawn is perfect for making playful hair accessories like scrunchies or headbands. Or, try your hand at making a cute tote bag to take to the beach or farmers market.
The possibilities truly are endless with cotton lawn. So go ahead, let your creativity run wild and have fun making something playful and unique!
Don’t forget that cotton lawn makes delicious children’s garments too!
And let’s not forget about facings – they are the perfect canvas for adding a pop of color and some extra pizzazz to your outfit.
Oh, and did I mention that Lawn makes for excellent handkerchiefs? Trust me, your nose will thank you.
Cotton lawn is the bomb for warm weather gear and linings because its fine threads create a subtle drape. Plus, it’s lightweight and breezy, perfect for staying cool.
Just be careful with lighter colors, they can be a bit see-through. And hey, if you’re new to sewing, cotton lawn is your homie. It won’t wrinkle too much and holds its shape like a boss!
Working With Cotton Lawn
Cotton lawn may sound like a fancy garden material, but it’s actually a lightweight and breathable fabric that’s perfect for warm weather. If you’re new to working with this material, fear not! I’m here to give you some playful tips on how to handle this fabric like a pro.
First things first, cotton lawn is known for being slightly sheer, so be mindful of your undergarments when wearing it. No one wants to accidentally show off their polka dot undies to the world, right?
When it comes to cutting your cotton lawn, a rotary cutter is your best friend. It’ll give you clean edges and prevent fraying, which is always a plus. Plus, it’s just so satisfying to slice through fabric like a ninja.
Now, let’s talk about sewing with cotton lawn. It can be a bit slippery, so make sure to use sharp needles and pins to keep everything in place. And don’t forget to adjust your tension settings on your machine – you want to avoid any puckering or pulling.
But the best part of working with cotton lawn? The endless possibilities for fun prints and patterns! From cute florals to quirky animals, there’s a cotton lawn print out there for everyone. So go ahead and let your playful side show through your fabric choices.
- Cotton lawn is a stable fabric so is a good choice for beginners
- Use a finer needle such as a 60/8 and consider using a Sharps or Microtex machine needle
- Depending on how fine your lawn is you might also want to consider using finer pins such as these, which are dreamy to work with.
- The best choice for a seam finish is a French Seam. You can use an overlocker but your seam could pucker. A rolled hem would also be a great construction choice with cotton lawn.
- Watch your tension to avoid seam puckering
- It’s a good idea to use a pressing cloth when ironing cotton lawn because it’s so fine.
- If you need to interface your garment the best choice is to use a sheer one like Vilene H180
- When marking your fabrics it’s best to use a water soluble marker to ensure the marks can be easily removed.
Do you have any more tips for handling cotton lawn? Do let us know if you have any to share.
In conclusion, working with cotton lawn may sound a faff from that list, but it’s actually a breeze – promise! Just remember to be mindful of sheerness, use a rotary cutter, and adjust your tension settings. And most importantly, have fun with your fabric choices!
Happy sewing, friends.
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Cotton Lawn sounds a great fabric and thank you for the sewing pattern suggestions! I’ve not used it before but I will have a look, I mostly use cotton and Polycotton fabrics in my sewing 💛
Emily M x
http://www.princessemilym.wordpress.com
Thanks… Keep us posted with your sewing wins Emily!
Thank you for the tips! When checking the tension, should it be tighter or looser than I’d normally have it for, let’s say, quilting cotton?
Apologies for the delayed response – I’ve not been getting notifications. I wouldn’t change the tension – needle size, thread thickness perhaps