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Sewn to Fit: The Best Bamboo and Cotton Ribs for Fitted Dresses and Summer Staples
If you’ve ever wished your handmade pieces could hug you just right, rib knit is the fabric you’ve been dreaming of. And this season, we’re head over heels for two ribbed stars in our studio: ultra-soft Bamboo Rib Knits and freshly dropped Cotton Rib Knits.
These fabrics are more than just comfortable—they’re curve-loving, stretch-happy, and made for your next summer obsession (hint: fitted dresses, dreamy two-piece sets, and perfect tanks that play nice with everything in your wardrobe).
So what makes them special—and what should you create first?
Let’s dive in!
Why Rib Knits Deserve a Spot in Your Summer Stash
Whether you’re sewing for comfort, shape, or a little bit of both, ribbed knit fabrics check all the boxes. Here’s why:
Bamboo Rib Knit is luxuriously soft, naturally breathable, and sustainable. With fantastic stretch and drape, it’s perfect for slinky silhouettes that still feel wearable in real life—think fitted dresses, soft tanks, or lounge sets that work double time.
Cotton Rib Knit offers the same comfort but with a touch more structure and durability. It’s great for casual basics and layering pieces like T-shirts, crop tops, and skirts. Plus, it’s available in a gorgeous lineup of go-with-everything shades. And just like Bamboo Rib:
Both are ideal for fitted garments
Both offer that signature ribbed texture
What Can You Sew with Bamboo & Cotton Ribs?
We thought you’d never ask! If you’re into sewing pieces that move with you, rib knits are your go-to. And when it comes to matching the right fabric with the right pattern, we’ve done the thinking for you.
For Bamboo Rib (Fitted Dresses + Lounge Sets):
The Nikko Dress by True Bias is a chic sleeveless turtleneck that’s all about silhouette.
The Adult Easy Set by Lowland includes two trend-forward pieces: an oversized tee with an uneven hem and fitted shorts, perfectly styled for easy mix-and-match fashion.
Pro Tip: Why don’t you use our Bamboo Rib Knit in Soft Mint for this pattern? The fabric’s buttery drape and breathability make it perfect for creating sleek lines without sacrificing comfort—it’s polished, wearable, and your next go-to dress.
For Cotton Rib (Tops, Tees + Everyday Sets):
The Islington Top by Styla Patterns is classic fitted scoop neck tee. Perfect to dress up or down.
The Rio Ringer Tee/Dress by True Bias because who doesn't love a dual look pattern.
Pro Tip: Pair it with our Cotton Rib in Sweet Cherries–the stretch is spot-on, and the subtle rib texture gives just enough structure for a clean silhouette that still feels soft and summer-ready.
Style Inspo: Fitted, Flowy, or Floral?
Want to spice up your sewing queue? Pair solids with a little pattern play:
Our Sweet Cherries Cotton Rib adds a fun, vintage feel to any tee
Our Floral Cotton Ribs make perfect statement tops or kids wear pieces
Mix ribbed solids with printed bottoms, or go full monochrome for a sleek summer capsule
Try a two-piece set with a fitted tank and skirt, or layer a ribbed tee under linen overalls. The styling options are endless (and endlessly comfy).
Final Thoughts
When it comes to sewing summer staples, rib knits give you everything you want—texture, movement, shape, and softness. Reach for the bamboo blend for your next dressy basic or cotton rib for everyday comfort, and turn these rib knits into something special.
Bonus Tip: These fabrics also pair beautifully with our Swim Solids or Linen Prints for contrast textures in transitional layering!
Ready to rib it up? Your next wear-all-week piece is just a stitch away.
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