Muslin 100% Cotton: A True Sewing Essential Has Arrived

We’re delighted to share that muslin cotton has joined our shelves for the very first time — and like our double gauze, it’s come to us all the way from Spain. Simple, honest, and endlessly useful, muslin is one of those fabrics that every sewist should have to hand, and we’re so pleased to finally be stocking it.

What Is Muslin?

Muslin is a plain-woven 100% cotton fabric with a soft, slightly open weave. It’s lightweight, breathable, and has a natural, unbleached quality that gives it a wonderfully understated character. It’s been used by dressmakers, tailors, and textile artists for centuries — and with good reason.

Because it’s 100% cotton, it’s completely natural, kind to skin, and becomes even softer with repeated washing.

A Fabric With Many Roles

One of muslin’s greatest strengths is its versatility. It’s the quiet workhorse of the sewing room — not flashy, but utterly indispensable. Here’s how sewists put it to work:

As a toile (or “mock-up”): This is perhaps muslin’s most famous role. Before cutting into expensive or precious fabric, dressmakers sew a test version of their garment in muslin first. It’s inexpensive enough to use freely, and its plain surface makes it easy to mark adjustments directly onto the fabric with a pen or chalk.

As a finished fabric: Don’t overlook muslin as a fabric in its own right! Its natural, relaxed aesthetic is perfect for loose shirts, simple trousers, lightweight smocks, and summer dresses. Unbleached muslin in particular has a beautiful raw, artisan quality.

For babies and children: Muslin is a staple of the nursery. Its softness and breathability make it ideal for swaddle blankets, muslins (yes, the cloth is where the name comes from!), bibs, and cot liners.

For the home: Think lightweight curtains that filter the light beautifully, dust covers, herb bags, and reusable produce pouches.

Why Plain Is Perfect

Our muslin arrives in classic plain — and honestly, that’s exactly as it should be. The beauty of muslin lies in its simplicity. The natural, undyed cotton has a warmth and quietness to it that printed or heavily processed fabrics can’t replicate. It takes dye exceptionally well too, so if you fancy a pop of colour, a simple cold-water or hot-water dye will transform it beautifully.

Tips for Sewing With Muslin

• Pre-wash first: Muslin can shrink noticeably on its first wash, so always launder and press it before you begin cutting. A hot wash will give you the maximum shrinkage upfront.
• Use a fine needle: A size 70/10 or 80/12 needle works well and keeps the weave from distorting.
• Finish your seams: The open weave means muslin frays readily. A serger, zigzag stitch, or French seam will keep everything neat and lasting.
• Press well: Muslin responds beautifully to a good press with a medium-hot iron, giving you crisp, clean seams.
• Mark freely: If using it as a toile, don’t be shy — mark it up with pencil, chalk, or pen to your heart’s content.

Ready to Try It?

Whether you’re fitting a tricky pattern, making something beautiful from scratch, or stocking up your sewing room essentials, muslin is a fabric you’ll reach for again and again.

Come and see our new plain muslin in-store or online — it’s our first time stocking it and we’re already fans. As ever, stocks are limited, so don’t wait too long!

Happy sewing