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Digital Base Guide

Fabric by Missy Rose

The Digital Base Guide

Your sample pack is in your hands. This guide tells you what every base is made of, how it behaves, how to wash it, and what to sew with it — so you can order with confidence.

How to use your sample pack

Every panel in your pack is printed with its base name and fibre composition, so there is no guessing which swatch is which. Find that name below for the full specs, care and project ideas. Every design on our website can be printed on any base you hold.

01
Stretch it

Pull the swatch side to side, then top to bottom. Knits give in both directions; wovens barely move. That single test rules out half the range.

02
Drape it

Hang the swatch over your hand. Fluid fabrics fall close and soft — think dresses. Fabrics that stand away hold shape — think skirts and structured pieces.

03
Hold it to the light

Opacity matters most for leggings and light colours. Higher GSM means more coverage. 220 GSM and up is safe for bottoms.

04
Read the label, then find it here

Each panel is named with its base and what it is made of. Match that name to the sections below, and check it against the fabric requirements on your pattern.

Reading GSM

GSM is grams per square metre — the weight of the fabric. It is the fastest way to picture a base before you touch it.

Under 160Light and airy. Summer tops, linings, flowy skirts.
180 – 260Everyday clothing weight. Tees, leggings, dresses.
270 – 350Warm and substantial. Hoodies, trackpants, jackets.
Over 350Heavy duty. Blankets, bags, vinyl and canvas work.

Knit or woven?

Stretch decides which patterns you can use, so it is the first thing to settle.

Knits — spandex in the blend

Cotton Lycra, Bamboo Lycra, French Terry, DBP, Rib, Athletic, Swim. Stretch and recover, so they suit close-fitting patterns. Sew with a ballpoint or stretch needle.

Wovens — no spandex

Cotton, Sateen, Twill, Gauze, Linen Blend, Canvas, Vinyl. No give, so patterns need darts, zips or ease. Sew with a universal or sharp needle.

Cotton Lycra & Basics

6 bases

Our everyday knits. Same 95/5 cotton–spandex blend across three weights, plus the silky bamboo, rayon and Tencel options for drape.

Photo coming soon
Cotton Lycra 180

Cotton Lycra 180

180 GSM • 152cm Wide • 95% Cotton / 5% Spandex

A lightweight, breathable knit ideal for hot Aussie summers. Great drape and softer feel than heavier weights.

Care
Cold machine wash. Line dry in shade. Warm iron. Do not soak.
Best for
Summer Tees, Flowy Dresses, Lightweight Leggings
Photo coming soon
Cotton Lycra 220
Essentials Kit

Cotton Lycra 220

220 GSM • 152cm Wide • 95% Cotton / 5% Spandex

Our "Standard" weight. Not too thin, not too thick. Perfect opacity and structure for everyday wear.

Care
Cold machine wash. Line dry in shade. Warm iron. Avoid dryer.
Best for
T-Shirts, Leggings, Bands & Cuffs, Underwear
Photo coming soon
Cotton Lycra 260

Cotton Lycra 260

260 GSM • 152cm Wide • 95% Cotton / 5% Spandex

A structured, heavier weight knit. Provides excellent hold and warmth for cooler months.

Care
Cold machine wash. Line dry. Warm iron.
Best for
Structured Pants, Hoodies, Jumpers, Winter Skirts
Photo coming soon
Bamboo Lycra
Essentials Kit

Bamboo Lycra

230 GSM • 152cm Wide • 95% Bamboo / 5% Spandex

Luxury feel. Incredibly soft, cool to the touch, and has a heavy, fluid drape. Very stretchy.

Care
Cold gentle wash. Lay flat to dry. Cool iron.
Best for
Flowy Dresses, Luxe Tees, Underwear, Sleepwear
Photo coming soon
Rayon Spandex Jersey

Rayon Spandex Jersey

250 GSM • 152cm Wide • 95% Rayon / 5% Spandex

A soft, stretchy knit with a beautiful, heavy drape. Similar to Bamboo Lycra but slightly more substantial.

Care
Cold gentle wash. Dry flat to prevent growing. Cool iron.
Best for
Maxi Dresses, Skirts, Tops with Drape
Photo coming soon
Tencel

Tencel

150 GSM • 147cm Wide • 100% Tencel

Eco-friendly fibre known for its silk-like drape and breathability. Very similar to Rayon but stronger.

Care
Cold gentle wash. Do not tumble dry. Warm iron on reverse.
Best for
Blouses, Flowy Skirts, Wide-Leg Pants

Textured & Structured Knits

5 bases

Knits that bring surface interest or hold their shape. Reach for these when a flat jersey would fall limp.

Photo coming soon
Rib Knit

Rib Knit

270 GSM • 152cm Wide • 95% Bamboo / 5% Spandex

Features a distinct vertical texture. Soft, stretchy, and perfect for adding texture to a garment.

Care
Cold wash inside out. Line dry. Cool iron.
Best for
Cuffs, Neckbands, Fitted Tanks, Bodysuits
Photo coming soon
Brushed Single Rib

Brushed Single Rib

400 GSM • 147cm Wide • 90% Poly / 10% Spandex

A heavy-weight rib with a brushed, fuzzy surface for extra softness. Very warm and substantial.

Care
Cold wash. Line dry. No iron needed.
Best for
Warm Tops, Cardigans, Beanies
Photo coming soon
Cotton Waffle Knit

Cotton Waffle Knit

240 GSM • 152cm Wide • 100% Cotton

Classic waffle/honeycomb texture. Breathable and absorbent with moderate natural stretch.

Care
Cold wash (may shrink). Pull to reshape while wet. Line dry.
Best for
Loungewear, Robes, Baby Blankets, Tops
Photo coming soon
Bullet (Liverpool)

Bullet (Liverpool)

230 GSM • 147cm Wide • 95% Poly / 5% Spandex

A textured knit with a "crepe" feel on the outside. Holds structure incredibly well (doesn’t flop).

Care
Cold wash. Tumble dry low or line dry. Cool iron only.
Best for
Hair Bows, Bell Sleeves, Skirts, Structured Blazers
Photo coming soon
Scuba

Scuba

320 GSM • 147cm Wide • 95% Cotton / 5% Spandex

A unique cotton-based scuba. Thick, stable, and smooth with good recovery. Great structure without the synthetic feel.

Care
Cold wash. Line dry. Do not iron high heat.
Best for
Skater Dresses, Circle Skirts, Structured Hoodies

Warm & Cozy

7 bases

Winter weights, from breathable French Terry through to fluffy Squish. Higher GSM means more warmth and more fabric weight in the finished garment.

Photo coming soon
French Terry
Essentials Kit

French Terry

250 GSM • 152cm Wide • 95% Cotton / 5% Spandex

Smooth on the outside with soft loops on the inside. Breathable warmth that isn’t too heavy.

Care
Cold machine wash. Line dry. Warm iron.
Best for
Hoodies, Tracksuits, Jumpers, Cardigans
Photo coming soon
Brushed French Terry

Brushed French Terry

270 GSM • 152cm Wide • 95% Cotton / 5% Spandex

Like regular French Terry, but the loops inside have been brushed to create a fuzzy, fleece-like warmth.

Care
Cold machine wash. Line dry. Warm iron.
Best for
Winter Hoodies, Warm Trackpants, Joggers
Photo coming soon
Bamboo French Terry

Bamboo French Terry

270 GSM • 152cm Wide • 95% Bamboo / 5% Spandex

The best of both worlds. The loop-back structure of French Terry with the silky, liquid drape of Bamboo. Warm but breathable.

Care
Cold gentle wash. Line dry. Cool iron.
Best for
Lounge Sets, Drapey Cardigans, Soft Hoodies
Photo coming soon
Extra Wide Heavy French Terry

Extra Wide Heavy French Terry

350 GSM • 172cm Wide • 95% Cotton / 5% Spandex

The "Big Daddy" of winter fabrics. Much thicker than standard French Terry and wider, giving you more fabric for your money.

Care
Cold machine wash. Line dry. Warm iron.
Best for
Oversized Hoodies, Blankets, Heavy Tracksuits
Photo coming soon
Squish (Double Minky)

Squish (Double Minky)

380 GSM • 147cm Wide • 92% Poly / 8% Spandex

The ultimate comfort fabric. Stretchy, fluffy, and incredibly soft on both sides. Heavy and warm.

Care
Cold wash. Tumble dry low or line dry. Do not iron.
Best for
Oodie-style Hoodies, Blankets, Winter Pyjamas
Photo coming soon
Minky

Minky

230 GSM • 147cm Wide • 100% Polyester

Soft, fuzzy pile on one side, smooth on the back. No stretch. Purely for softness.

Care
Cold wash. Tumble dry low. Do not iron.
Best for
Blanket Backing, Baby Toys, Pram Liners
Photo coming soon
Double Brushed Poly (DBP)
Essentials Kit

Double Brushed Poly (DBP)

230 GSM • 147cm Wide • 92% Poly / 8% Spandex

Brushed on both sides for a "buttery soft" peach-skin feel. High stretch and very resistant to wrinkles.

Care
Cold wash. Line dry. No iron needed.
Best for
Leggings (that feel like nothing), Dresses, Tops

Wovens (Non-Stretch)

6 bases

No give, so choose patterns drafted for wovens. Crisp structure, breathable fibres and a completely different look to our knits.

Photo coming soon
Woven Cotton
Essentials Kit

Woven Cotton

150 GSM • 147cm Wide • 100% Cotton

A classic medium-weight cotton. Crisp, easy to sew, and holds structure well. Breathable and natural.

Care
Warm/Cold wash. Line dry. Hot iron.
Best for
Button-up Shirts, Dresses, Quilting, Bag Lining
Photo coming soon
Cotton Sateen

Cotton Sateen

110 GSM • 147cm Wide • 100% Cotton

Woven with a satin weave structure giving it a subtle sheen and a softer, smoother feel than plain cotton.

Care
Cold wash. Line dry. Warm iron.
Best for
Dresses, Sheets/Bedding, Upscale Blouses
Photo coming soon
Cotton Twill

Cotton Twill

160 GSM • 147cm Wide • 100% Cotton

Features a diagonal weave pattern. It is durable and drapes well, often used for bottom-weights.

Care
Cold wash. Line dry. Warm iron.
Best for
Pants, Light Jackets, Overalls, Skirts
Photo coming soon
Cotton Gauze (Muslin)

Cotton Gauze (Muslin)

120 GSM • 137cm Wide • 100% Cotton

Double-layer gauze with a crinkled texture. Extremely airy, soft, and absorbent.

Care
Cold gentle wash. Line dry. Do not iron out crinkles.
Best for
Baby Swaddles, Summer Tunics, Burp Cloths
Photo coming soon
Linen Blend

Linen Blend

125 GSM • 137cm Wide • 55% Linen / 45% Cotton

A beautiful blend of natural fibres. You get the texture of linen with the softness (and fewer wrinkles) of cotton.

Care
Cold gentle wash. Line dry. Warm iron.
Best for
Summer Dresses, Trousers, Overalls
Photo coming soon
Rayon

Rayon

120 GSM • 137cm Wide • 100% Rayon

Very lightweight and airy with a beautiful drape. Perfect for keeping cool. Needs care when sewing.

Care
Cold gentle wash. Do not tumble dry. Warm iron.
Best for
Summer Blouses, Maxi Dresses, Sarongs

Performance & Waterproof

7 bases

Technical bases built for sport, water and weather. High recovery, sun protection and coatings that keep moisture out.

Photo coming soon
Stretch Woven

Stretch Woven

170 GSM • 147cm Wide • 97% Cotton / 3% Spandex

Looks like a standard woven but has a slight stretch for comfort. Makes fitted garments much more comfortable.

Care
Cold wash. Line dry. Warm iron.
Best for
Shorts, Skirts, Fitted Pants, Overalls
Photo coming soon
Swimwear UPF50+

Swimwear UPF50+

240 GSM • 147cm Wide • 85% Poly / 15% Spandex

Chlorine resistant, sun-safe, and durable. Smooth finish with high stretch and recovery.

Care
Rinse after pool. Cold wash. Dry in shade. No softeners.
Best for
Bathers, Rashies, Dance Costumes, Gymnastics
Photo coming soon
Athletic Knit

Athletic Knit

280 GSM • 147cm Wide • 85% Poly / 15% Spandex

Moisture-wicking athletic fabric. Compressive and keeps you cool. Great squat-proof coverage.

Care
Cold wash. No fabric softener. Line dry.
Best for
Gym Leggings, Bike Shorts, Sports Bras
Photo coming soon
Board Short

Board Short

150 GSM • 147cm Wide • 100% Polyester

Quick-drying, non-stretch fabric. Durable and lightweight for water activities.

Care
Cold wash. Line dry. No iron needed.
Best for
Board Shorts, Light Windbreaker Jackets
Photo coming soon
Softshell

Softshell

300 GSM • 147cm Wide • 100% Polyester

A technical fabric with a waterproof outer layer and a warm micro-fleece inner layer.

Care
Wipe clean or cold machine wash. Do not iron.
Best for
Winter Jackets, Vests, Outdoor Gear
Photo coming soon
Holographic Dance

Holographic Dance

320 GSM • 147cm Wide • 85% Poly / 15% Spandex

Stretchy spandex base with a metallic, light-reflecting foil overlay. High impact shine!

Care
Hand wash cold only. Do not scrub foil. Dry flat. No iron.
Best for
Dance Costumes, Gymnastics, Party Wear
Photo coming soon
Nylon Repel

Nylon Repel

300 GSM • 145cm Wide • 100% Polyester

Heavy-duty water repellent fabric. Durable and protective against the elements.

Care
Wipe clean or cold machine wash. Do not iron.
Best for
Rain Jackets, Bag Liners, Outdoor Cushions

Bags & Accessories

7 bases

Heavy duty and specialty bases for makers who sew more than clothes. All sew on a domestic machine.

Photo coming soon
Cotton Canvas

Cotton Canvas

250 GSM • 147cm Wide • 100% Cotton

Heavy duty woven. Very structured and tough. Ideal for items that take wear and tear.

Care
Machine wash cold. Warm iron.
Best for
Tote Bags, Aprons, Cushion Covers, Hats
Photo coming soon
Waterproof Canvas

Waterproof Canvas

240 GSM • 147cm Wide • 100% Polyester

A sturdy canvas with a waterproof coating. Wipes clean and keeps moisture out. No stretch.

Care
Wipe clean only. Do not machine wash. Do not iron.
Best for
Outdoor Cushions, Heavy Duty Bags, Beach Bags
Photo coming soon
PUL (Polyurethane Laminate) — Currently Unavailable

PUL (Polyurethane Laminate) — Currently Unavailable

200 GSM • 145cm Wide • 100% Polyester

Waterproof barrier fabric. Soft and pliable, not stiff like plastic. Can withstand washing.

Care
Warm machine wash. Line dry in shade. Do not iron.
Best for
Modern Cloth Nappies (MCN), Wet Bags, Bibs
Photo coming soon
Vinyl (Faux Leather)

Vinyl (Faux Leather)

550 GSM • 137cm Wide • 100% PVC

Classic faux leather finish with a soft felt backing. Easy to wipe clean and sew on a domestic machine.

Care
Wipe clean with damp cloth. Do not wash. Do not iron.
Best for
Bag Making, Wallets, Hair Bows, Key fobs
Photo coming soon
Holographic Vinyl

Holographic Vinyl

550 GSM • 137cm Wide • 100% PVC

Just like our standard vinyl but with a stunning, colour-shifting holographic finish.

Care
Wipe clean with damp cloth. Do not wash. Do not iron.
Best for
Statement Bags, Clutches, Keychains
Photo coming soon
Glow In The Dark Vinyl

Glow In The Dark Vinyl

550 GSM • 137cm Wide • 100% PVC

A fun vinyl that absorbs light and glows in the dark. Perfect for kids accessories!

Care
Wipe clean. Charge in light to glow.
Best for
Novelty Bags, Halloween Accessories, Bows
Photo coming soon
Tulle

Tulle

22 GSM • 147cm Wide • 100% Polyester

A fine mesh netting. Used for adding volume or decoration. Not stiff (soft tulle).

Care
Cold hand wash. Line dry. Very cool iron with pressing cloth.
Best for
Skirt overlays, Tutus, Dress accents

Choosing a base by project

Start with what you are making. These are the bases makers reach for most often for each project.

Everyday tees and leggings
Cotton Lycra 220 is the safe default. Double Brushed Poly for a lighter, silkier legging; Athletic Knit if you want compression.
Flowy dresses and skirts
Bamboo Lycra or Rayon Spandex Jersey for drape with stretch. Tencel, Rayon or Linen Blend if your pattern is drafted for wovens.
Hoodies and trackpants
French Terry for three-season warmth, Brushed French Terry for winter, Extra Wide Heavy French Terry when you want it oversized and thick.
Structured skirts and blazers
Bullet holds a shape without flopping. Scuba for skater dresses and circle skirts; Cotton Twill for a non-stretch bottom weight.
Swim, dance and gym
Swimwear UPF50+ for anything that gets wet, Athletic Knit for gym, Holographic Dance for costumes that need shine.
Babies and kids
Cotton Gauze for swaddles, Cotton Waffle for blankets and loungewear, Minky for blanket backing, PUL for nappies and wet bags.
Bags and accessories
Cotton Canvas for totes and aprons, Waterproof Canvas for outdoor use, Vinyl for wallets, bows and key fobs.
Cuffs, bands and necklines
Rib Knit for a proper cuff. Cotton Lycra 220 works for bands too — cut it slightly shorter than the opening so it pulls in.
Outerwear and rain
Softshell gives you waterproof outer and fleece inner in one layer. Nylon Repel for rain jackets, Board Short for windbreakers.

Sewing and care

Needles and stitches

Knits
Ballpoint or stretch needle, size 75/11 or 80/12. Use a narrow zigzag, a lightning stitch or an overlocker so seams stretch with the fabric.
Wovens
Universal or sharp needle, 70/10 to 80/12. Straight stitch is fine. Finish raw edges to stop fraying.
Vinyl and canvas
Leather or 90/14 needle, longer stitch length, walking foot if you have one. Clips instead of pins — pin holes are permanent.
Swim and athletic
Stretch needle plus polyester thread. Wide zigzag over elastic; avoid cotton thread, which perishes in chlorine.
Slippery rayons
New sharp needle, tissue paper under the seam, and cut in a single layer. Let the fabric hang overnight before hemming.
Minky and Squish
Long stitch, walking foot, and cut on a single layer. Expect fluff — sew near the bin or vacuum.

Washing, in short

Before you cut
Prewash cotton-heavy bases, especially Cotton Waffle and Woven Cotton, since natural fibres can shrink on first wash.
Washing
Cold, gentle cycle, inside out. Warm water shortens the life of elastane and can dull print vibrancy.
Drying
Line dry in the shade. Direct sun fades prints; hot dryers cook the spandex. Lay heavy knits flat so they do not stretch out.
Softeners
Skip them on all bases. They coat fibres, kill wicking on athletic fabrics and stiffen minky pile.
Ironing
Match the heat to the fibre and press on the reverse. Nothing hot on vinyl, foil, minky or softshell.
Coated bases
Waterproof Canvas and Vinyl wipe clean only. Washing breaks down the coating.
One rule above all

Cold wash, line dry in the shade, skip the fabric softener. That keeps prints vivid and elastane alive on every base in this guide.

Ready to print your favourite?

Every design in the shop can be printed on any base in this guide, cut to the length you need. Work out your metres with the fabric calculator, then choose your print.

Thank you for sampling
SAMPLEPACK
$5 off your next order. Use at checkout on any base, any length.
Specifications are approximate and may vary slightly between print rounds. Questions about a base? Get in touch — we would rather help you choose than have you guess.
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