Cotton fabric characteristics

Cotton is a timeless and endlessly versatile fabric choice, found in all manner of items around the world. It's quite likely at least one item on your person or in the room you're reading this in right now is made from cotton.

Even with the massive increase in synthetic alternatives in the past thirty years, cotton still stands as one of, if not the, most popular choice of fabric for clothing, from t shirts to dresses and everything in between. You'd be hard-pressed to find a modern-day department store without a shop selling some form of cotton products.

At the Yorkshire Fabric Shop, we pride ourselves on supplying high-quality cotton fabrics in a wide range of colours and styles to suit whatever you need for your next project. Browse our stock online to find the price of each unique style or design per metre.

Where does cotton come from?

The first evidence of cotton use in fabric form dates back to 7000 BC in Mexico and Peru, where it was spun into yarn and woven into fabric.

These days cotton is grown in many countries that have a suitably warm climate, with some of the biggest producers including the USA, India, Turkey and Brazil.

The cotton plant is made up of a seed pod that contains many seeds, which are covered by a fluffy substance (the cotton) that is used to make yarn and thread. The fibres are around half an inch long and comprise around 90% of the total weight of the plant.

Today, cotton is the most widely used fibre in the world, and it comes in many different forms. It is also known as khadi cloth, which simply means cloth that has been made at home, and one of the reasons it is so popular is because of how easy it is to sew with.

Despite its long history, modern techniques mean that cotton fabric can be created in such specific iterations of colour, so if you're looking for something particular, try and get hold of the name of the colour before your first order.

What are the different types of cotton fabrics?

We know that when it comes to bringing your own project to life, the devil is in the details! That's why we supply such a wide range of cotton fabric, from plain to patchwork to funky stripes, to fulfil all your textile needs by the metre.

But style aside, what are the different types of cotton that we have in stock and what uses is each one most suitable for?

Contract grade cotton

Contract grade cotton fabrics are often used in public spaces such as hospitals, hotels and restaurants. For a fabric to be "contract grade", it must meet a certain set of standards when it comes to fire resistance and durability, making it the safest option for your business.

Whilst we stock many different styles of cotton in contract grade, if you're looking for a specific colour or pattern we have the capability to treat all our stock to conform to crib 5 for commercial decor.

Just get in touch with us to let us know which design you're after for your project, and we'll do the rest.

Furnishing and upholstery cotton

In comparison to contract grade, upholstery grade fabric is more durable and has a higher thread count, which is generally a signpost for higher quality.

Where contract grade is treated to be heat resistant, the treatment on upholstery grade makes it less likely to pill and fray, meaning that in the long run it will show wear and tear much slower.

Furnishing or upholstery cotton also has a high thread count and is made with longer fibres, so can be distinguished by its softer and more luxurious feel.

Upholstery grade cotton fabrics are typically used in furniture such as sofas, chairs and ottomans to give them a softer feel and more comfort. You also have the benefit of getting to choose the colour or design for your furniture, even if you just want the perfect shade of blue to match your wallpaper.

Sustainable cotton

There are three main factors that make sustainable cotton sustainable:

The use of fewer toxic chemicals. Sustainable farmers use less pesticide per acre and fewer pesticides overall.

Better soil health. Sustainable cotton farmers take care of their soil so it’s more fertile and productive than conventional farming practices, which leads to less erosion and runoff into rivers and streams.

Better water quality. Sustainable farmers do not use genetically modified seeds or pesticides that contaminate water sources, so they have lower levels of pesticide pollution in their local ecosystems.

We stock a range of sustainable options, from pink house patterns to duck egg green tea pots, so check out our range online today.

Curtain cotton

Cotton is a natural fibre that is both breathable and durable, making it an ideal option for curtains. Its soft and luxurious texture creates a comfortable environment in your home, while its natural ability to block out light means its perfect for decorating your windows.

Our cotton curtain fabric is available in a wide range of colours and patterns, so you have the versatility to create the most suitably stylish curtains for any room in your home.

If you're not sure of the amount of fabric you need, get in touch with your window dimensions and we'll be more than happy to work it out by metre.

Coloured cotton fabric - the most versatile fabric

We're all too familiar with the idea that the fabric has to be perfect every time, which is why we try our hardest to find the best designs in the highest quality, to give your project that sophisticated finish. Whether you're looking for fabrics for towels or for dressmaking, we've got you covered.

Check our colour page for all of the classic cotton options that we are currently selling by the metre. Whether you're after a more neutral option like navy, ivory, beige or brown, or something brighter and louder, like a yellow, orange, pink or even gold, you can end your search right here.

If you have any questions or specific requests, feel free to get in touch, our team is always on-hand to offer advice. You can also subscribe to our mailing list for the latest news and updates on new options becoming available.