Denim Weight Guide: From Lightweight Chambray to Heavy-Duty Denim Hey, sewists! If you’re a lover of all things denim, you’re in for a treat! Today, we’re diving into the world of denim weights so you can choose the perfect fabric for your next project. Whether you’re looking to create a breezy chambray shirt or a sturdy pair of work jeans, knowing the weight of your denim fabric is key. Let’s explore the different denim weights, from lightweight to heavy-duty, and everything in between! What Is Denim Weight? Denim weight refers to how thick and heavy the denim fabric is, typically measured in ounces per square yard (oz). The higher the number, the heavier the fabric. Different weights are perfect for different projects, so knowing how to choose the right one will help you create beautiful, functional pieces that last. Lightweight Denim: Breezy and Comfortable Light Denim: 4 oz Lightweight denim is perfect for those who want a soft, breathable fabric that drapes beautifully. Typically, you’ll find this weight in chambray or denim shirting fabrics, which are ideal for shirts, light dresses, and lightweight pants. The 4% spandex in these fabrics adds a little stretch, giving you comfort without sacrificing style. When to Use It Perfect for shirts, skirts, and light pants Great for summer outfits and casual wear Ideal for lightweight jackets Styling Tip Think relaxed, effortless looks! A chambray shirt with rolled-up sleeves or a floaty dress that moves with the breeze—swoon! Light/Mid-Weight Denim: The Best of Both Worlds Versatile and Durable: 8 oz and 9.5 oz Denim in the 8 oz to 9.5 oz range strikes a perfect balance between lightness and structure. With mechanical stretch and a small bit of spandex (around 2–4%), this fabric offers some flexibility while maintaining a crisp structure. Think of this weight as the go-to option for blazers, jeans, and trousers. When to Use It Ideal for skirts, blazers, mid-weight jeans, and light jackets Perfect for those trendy skinny jeans or high-waisted trousers Styling Tip These fabrics are versatile enough for both casual and professional looks, so you can make a stylish statement whether you’re at work or out on the weekend! Mid/Heavy-Weight Denim: Rugged and Ready for Anything Sturdy and Reliable: 11 oz If you want a denim fabric that can withstand wear and tear, look no further than the mid/heavy 11 oz denim. This fabric is often seen in overalls, jackets, workwear, and jeans that need to endure constant use. It’s also an excellent choice for denim skirts and jackets that need structure and durability. When to Use It Perfect for workwear, jackets, overalls, and sturdy jeans Excellent for garments worn often Great for heavy-duty applications Styling Tip The beauty of heavy-weight denim lies in its ability to age beautifully over time, developing a worn-in look that adds to the character of your garment. Pair it with flannel shirts or layer it with a cute scarf—so chic! Jegging and Stretch Denim: Comfort Meets Style Super Stretchy: 8.85 oz Looking for something super comfortable that moves with you? Try jegging denim! At 8.85 oz, this fabric is designed with a 4-way stretch to give you maximum comfort and flexibility. It’s perfect for leggings, skirts, or even any knit projects that need extra stretch. When to Use It Best for leggings, skirts, or stretch jeans Perfect for athleisure looks or stretch projects Styling Tip Get ready to move! Whether you’re lounging or running errands, this fabric gives you the perfect blend of comfort and style—no need to sacrifice either! How to Choose the Right Denim Weight for Your Project Choosing the right denim weight comes down to functionality and style. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide: For light and breezy pieces (think shirts, dresses), go for lightweight denim (4 oz). For versatile, all-purpose projects (blazers, skinny jeans), choose light to mid-weight denim (8–9.5 oz). For durable, rugged wear (jackets, workwear), opt for mid/heavy denim (11 oz). For comfortable, stretchy fits (leggings, skirts), grab some jegging denim (8.85 oz). Conclusion: Denim that Works for You! At Fabric + Flow, we believe that every project deserves the right fabric, and our denim collection has something for every style and skill level. Whether you’re crafting a casual chambray shirt or a rugged pair of work jeans, understanding denim weight is essential. Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of denim weights, it’s time to get creative and start sewing those stunning garments! Join our community of fabulous, creative women—don’t forget to share your projects with us on Instagram using the hashtag #FabricAndFlow. We can’t wait to see what you create!

Mistakes to Avoid When Sewing Swim Fabric Making your own swimsuits can be an incredibly rewarding hobby, but it’s also easy to make mistakes, especially if you’re just starting! Not gonna lie; we’ve all been there. For this blog, we’re highlighting some common sewing mistakes when working with swim fabrics—we also have some fab recommendations to help you get through it so you can rock that beachwear in style! 1. Stop That Stitch! Are You Using the Right Needle? Using a ballpoint needle is important when sewing swim fabrics like Swim Print | Mint Blossom. It avoids unpleasant snags and keeps your fabric in tip-top shape. 2. Grainlines Are Your Best Friends Let’s talk about grainlines. Cutting on the wrong grain can lead to garments that hang oddly. Always mind the grain, especially when working with fabrics like the Swim Kit | Coco Tweed. 3. Pre-Wash and Prep Your Fabrics! Always pre-wash your fabric to avoid any size surprises. And remember to follow the wash instructions, you don’t want to see the cute French Terry | Bamboo - Vanilla losing shape after you’re done sewing! 4. Seam Allowance Seam allowances are the secret to sleek finishes and a well-fitting garment. Patterns for swim projects—like the one you’ll need for the Swim Kit | Floral Rush + Wildberry—include specific seam allowances, so let’s give them the respect they deserve. 5. Thread Drama? Choose Quality for Smooth Sewing! Cheap or old thread just won’t cut it. High-quality threads are key when sewing swimsuit fabric, especially pieces like the ones in our Swim Kit | She’s An Icon + Black—which, by the way, already includes some top-quality Gütermann thread! 6. Test Garment First Before you cut into your precious fabric, make a test garment. Try using a less fancy fabric before handling your awesome Swim Kit | Grey Leopard + Black. 7. Steam Power! Press your seams and hems as you go. For swim fabrics like Swim Print | Baroque Silhouette, use a pressing cloth and low heat to avoid damaging the fabric! 8. Maintain the Right Tension Make sure your sewing machine’s tension is set correctly. Play around with a scrap piece of stretchy fabric from the Swim Print | Spot On to get it just right. 9. Keep Your Scissors Sharp Using dull scissors is a no-go. Sharp tools are essential, especially with designs like Swim Print | Gilded Flora. 10. Sew Slow and Steady Rushing through your projects is a recipe for frustration. Trust us, patience pays off. Take your time and enjoy the process while working with Swim Kit | Life’s A Peach + Forest Green or another kit. 11. Study Your Pattern Always read through the entire pattern instructions. It clarifies everything, especially with fab kits like the Swim Kit | Lost In Lagos + Navy. 12. Tune into Your Fabric’s Mood Each fabric has its personality. Some fabrics like our Swim Print | Check it Out have unique stretch and thickness, so adjust those techniques accordingly. 13. Use the Right Stitches Different fabrics require different stitches. Zigzag stitches are amazing for swim fabrics like Swim Print | Sleepy Hollow. 14. Handle with Love Delicate fabrics like swim ones need a gentle touch. Use special needles and take your time with the Swim Kit | Garden Whimsy. By mindfully following these tips and tricks, sewing swimsuit fabrics can be fun and fabulous! Check out our Swim 2025 Collection and our Swim Kits Collection to get your fabrics and kits. We’re here to cheer you on and get you the best materials to create something awesome. Now, turn those wrong stitches into something memorable.

Creating your own swimwear is an exciting project, but choosing the right fabric is key to getting a comfortable, stylish, and long-lasting swimsuit. Whether you’re sewing a bikini, one-piece, or rash guard, the fabric you choose will determine how well it fits, stretches, and holds up to all your activities. What to Look for in Swimwear Fabric Swimwear fabrics need to be: Stretchy: Look for at least 50% four-way stretch to ensure a snug, comfortable fit. Quick-drying: Fabrics that hold moisture will feel heavy and uncomfortable. Durable: Strong fibres prevent sagging and wear. Top Fabrics for Swimwear Nylon Spandex (Polyamide Spandex) If you’re looking for a classic, go-to swim fabric, this is it! Nylon spandex is soft, stretchy, and fits like a dream. It moves with your body and gives that smooth, second-skin feel—perfect for bikinis, one-pieces, and even swim leggings. Pros: Soft, lightweight, and dries quickly Cons: Slightly less chlorine-resistant than polyester blends Best for: Bikinis, one-pieces, swim leggings Our Pick? Swim Basic Solid | Dewy Blue Content: 80% Nylon | 20% Spandex Width: 150 cm | 60” Weight: 200 gsm | 7 oz Stretch: 4-way | 80-90% cross-grain and straight-grain Polyester Spandex If you’re planning to swim a lot—as in, lap after lap in the pool or back-to-back beach days—this is the fabric you need. Polyester spandex holds up like a champ against chlorine and UV rays, meaning your swimsuit will stay vibrant and stretchy for the long haul. What we’d grab? Swim Print | Porcelain Rhapsody. This print has such a soft romantic vibe and just the right amount of stretch to keep things comfy. Why you’ll love it: Long-lasting, fade-proof, and feels great against the skin. Keep in mind: It’s not as silky-soft as nylon, but it makes up for it with durability. Textured Swim Fabrics Want to take your DIY swimwear to the next level? Textured fabrics are where it’s at. Whether it’s ribbed, waffled, or jacquard, these fabrics add a unique, high-end look to your swimsuit. What we’re obsessed with? Swim Basic Rib | Marine. Navy is a timeless, elegant color that never goes out of style. Why you’ll love it: Looks stylish, fits like a glove, and makes your DIY swimsuit feel designer-level. Pro tip: Ribbed swim fabric provides amazing compression by hugging the body with its structured texture, creating a flattering and supportive fit. Don’t Forget the Lining! No one wants a see-through swimsuit, right? For a pro finish, always add a good lining. It keeps things secure, adds comfort, and makes sure your swimsuit lasts! What we’d use? Swim Lining | Nude . It’s lightweight and stretchy enough to move with you. Why you’ll love it: Gives your swimsuit that polished, high-quality feel. Pro tip: Use Power Mesh if you're looking for tummy control in a one-piece! Where to Buy High-Quality Swimwear Fabrics At Fabric + Flow, we offer a curated selection of high-performance swimwear fabrics designed for DIY creators. Whether you’re making a classic one-piece or an on-trend bikini, our fabrics are handpicked to provide the best fit, durability, and style. Explore our Swimwear Fabric Collection or check out our Swimwear Sewing Kits for everything you need in one place!