Finding the right material for your next sewing project is crucial. For many creators, viscose fabric is an excellent choice due to its softness, drape, and versatility. If you're looking to buy fabric online, especially viscose fabric by the yard, you have many convenient options available right from Chicago.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about viscose. We will cover its benefits, common uses, and what to look for when shopping online. We'll also provide tips on how to properly care for your viscose garments to ensure they last.
What is Viscose Fabric?
Viscose is a type of rayon fabric made from wood pulp. It is considered a semi-synthetic fiber because its raw material is natural, but the manufacturing process involves chemicals. The result is a material that feels silky and breathable, similar to cotton or silk. Its smooth texture and beautiful drape make it a popular choice for clothing and home decor.
The Benefits of Viscose Fabric
Viscose offers several advantages that make it a favorite among designers and home sewers.
- Soft and Comfortable: Viscose has a smooth, silk-like feel against the skin, making it extremely comfortable to wear. It is a lightweight material that feels soft to the touch.
- Breathable: The fabric allows air to circulate, which helps keep you cool and comfortable. This makes it a great option for warm-weather clothing like blouses, dresses, and skirts.
- Excellent Drape: Viscose hangs beautifully, creating a fluid and flattering silhouette. This quality makes it ideal for garments that require movement and flow, such as dresses and loose-fitting pants.
- Absorbent: Like cotton, viscose is highly absorbent. It wicks moisture away from the body, which adds to its comfort, particularly in humid conditions.
- Vibrant Colors: Viscose holds dye well, resulting in rich, vibrant colors that do not fade easily. This allows for a wide range of bright and beautiful designs.
Common Applications for Viscose Fabric
Thanks to its appealing qualities, viscose is used in a wide variety of applications. When you search for viscose fabric by the yard, you'll find options suitable for many different projects.
Clothing
Viscose is a staple in the fashion industry. Its softness and drape make it perfect for creating comfortable yet stylish apparel.
- Dresses and Skirts: The fluid drape of viscose is ideal for creating flowing dresses and skirts that move with the wearer.
- Blouses and Shirts: Its lightweight and breathable nature makes it a go-to for comfortable and chic tops.
- Linings: The smooth texture of viscose makes it an excellent lining material for jackets and coats, allowing them to slide on and off easily.
Home Decor
Beyond clothing, viscose fabric is also used in home furnishings to add a touch of softness.
- Curtains and Drapes: The material's excellent drape creates elegant window treatments that hang beautifully.
- Upholstery and Cushions: In blends with other fibers, viscose can add softness and a subtle sheen to furniture and decorative pillows.
Shopping for Viscose Fabric Online in Chicago
Chicago residents have great access when they want to buy fabric online. Many online stores offer a wide selection of viscose fabric by the yard and can ship directly to your home. Shopping online provides the convenience of browsing extensive collections from anywhere, at any time.
When looking for an online fabric store, check for customer reviews, clear product images, and detailed descriptions. A reliable retailer will provide information about the fabric's weight, width, and composition. Some stores also offer swatches, which allow you to feel the fabric and see its color in person before committing to a larger purchase.
Factors to Consider When Buying Viscose Fabric
To ensure you select the right viscose for your project, keep a few key factors in mind.
Fabric Weight
Viscose comes in various weights, from lightweight voiles to heavier challis or twill weaves. Lighter fabrics are great for blouses and linings, while medium-weight options are better suited for dresses and pants. The product description should specify the fabric's weight, often in grams per square meter (GSM).
Fabric Blend
Viscose is often blended with other fibers like cotton, linen, or spandex. A viscose-spandex blend will have added stretch, making it suitable for fitted garments. A viscose-linen blend combines the softness of viscose with the crisp texture of linen. Consider the final properties you want your garment to have when choosing a blend.
Print and Color
One of the best parts of shopping for fabric is choosing the perfect print and color. Viscose fabrics are available in a vast array of solid colors and patterns. Make sure the online images are clear and color-accurate. Reading customer reviews can also provide insight into how the color appears in real life.
Care Tips for Your Viscose Garments
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of your viscose items. Viscose can be delicate, especially when wet, so it's important to handle it with care.
- Washing: It is often best to hand wash viscose in cold water or use the delicate cycle on your washing machine. A gentle detergent is recommended. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric, as this can stretch and damage the fibers.
- Drying: Air-drying is the safest method for viscose. Lay the garment flat on a clean towel or hang it on a padded hanger away from direct sunlight. Avoid using a machine dryer, as the high heat can cause the fabric to shrink or become misshapen.
- Ironing: If you need to iron viscose, do so on a low heat setting and preferably while the fabric is still slightly damp. Ironing on the reverse side can help protect the fabric's sheen.
Start Your Next Project with Viscose
Viscose fabric offers a fantastic combination of comfort, beauty, and versatility, making it a wonderful choice for a wide range of sewing projects. For those in Chicago, the ability to buy fabric online makes accessing a huge selection of viscose fabric by the yard easier than ever. By understanding its properties and how to care for it, you can create beautiful, lasting pieces that you'll love to wear and use.
