This store requires javascript to be enabled for some features to work correctly.
FLAT RATE AUS WIDE SHIPPING $14.9530 Day Promise: Love it or return itJoin 22,000+ Aussie Makers creating custom wardrobesFLAT RATE AUS WIDE SHIPPING $14.9530 Day Promise: Love it or return itJoin 22,000+ Aussie Makers creating custom wardrobesFLAT RATE AUS WIDE SHIPPING $14.9530 Day Promise: Love it or return itJoin 22,000+ Aussie Makers creating custom wardrobesFLAT RATE AUS WIDE SHIPPING $14.9530 Day Promise: Love it or return itJoin 22,000+ Aussie Makers creating custom wardrobesFLAT RATE AUS WIDE SHIPPING $14.9530 Day Promise: Love it or return itJoin 22,000+ Aussie Makers creating custom wardrobesFLAT RATE AUS WIDE SHIPPING $14.9530 Day Promise: Love it or return itJoin 22,000+ Aussie Makers creating custom wardrobesFLAT RATE AUS WIDE SHIPPING $14.9530 Day Promise: Love it or return itJoin 22,000+ Aussie Makers creating custom wardrobesFLAT RATE AUS WIDE SHIPPING $14.9530 Day Promise: Love it or return itJoin 22,000+ Aussie Makers creating custom wardrobesFLAT RATE AUS WIDE SHIPPING $14.9530 Day Promise: Love it or return itJoin 22,000+ Aussie Makers creating custom wardrobesFLAT RATE AUS WIDE SHIPPING $14.9530 Day Promise: Love it or return itJoin 22,000+ Aussie Makers creating custom wardrobes
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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+
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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.
$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.
What Customers Are Saying
4.93 ★ (311)
Verified
Join our Craft Community
Where we wholeheartedly embrace the art of sewing with open
arms and warm hearts.
By continuing to browse this site, you accept the use of cookies necessary for its proper functioning and to improve your user experience, in accordance with our privacy policy.