Fabric Trends for Baby and Toddler Clothing: What to Choose and Where to Buy

Fabric Trends for Baby and Toddler Clothing: How to Choose the Best Materials for Comfort and Durability

When it comes to baby and toddler clothing, selecting the right fabric is more than just a style choice—it’s about ensuring softness, breathability, and durability. Parents want gentle, safe, and easy-care materials that keep their little ones cosy, while fabric enthusiasts and sewing professionals seek high-quality textiles that result in well-crafted garments. In this guide, we’ll explore the best fabric choices for babywear, share sewing tips, and highlight where to find top-quality fabrics.

The Best Fabrics for Baby and Toddler Clothing

1. Cotton – Classic, Breathable, and Gentle

Cotton is a staple fabric for baby clothing, offering softness, breathability, and ease of washing. Opt for organic cotton for a chemical-free option that’s ideal for sensitive skin. Great for the Adorable 'I Heart Pom Poms' Baby Dress Pattern | LilRockyWear

2. Bamboo Fabric – Naturally Hypoallergenic and Sustainable

Bamboo fabric is gaining popularity due to its ultra-soft texture, moisture-wicking properties, and eco-friendly nature. It’s particularly great for sleepwear, keeping babies cool and comfortable.

3. Fleece – Warm and Snug for Outerwear

Perfect for colder months, fleece provides warmth without bulk. It’s easy to sew and ideal for joggers and the ‘Stink Happens - Skirt - Free Add On | LilRockyWear’ ensuring little ones stay cosy without overheating.

4. Jersey Knit – Stretchy Comfort for Everyday Wear

Jersey knit fabric offers flexibility and softness, making it perfect for babygrows, leggings, and casual baby clothes that need room to move. Such as the FlexFit Leggings / Shorts : Baby - 8 yrs | LilRockyWear

Sewing Tips for Working With Babywear Fabrics

• Cotton: Pre-wash the fabric to prevent shrinkage. Use fine needles to avoid damaging the fibres.

• Bamboo Fabric: Work with a ballpoint needle for stretch fabrics to ensure smooth stitching.

• Fleece: Use a sharp rotary cutter to avoid frayed edges and experiment with no-sew finishes.

Where to Find Quality Fabrics

Fabric shops specialising in babywear materials carry a variety of high-quality cottons, bamboo blends, and fleece options. Whether you’re looking for organic cotton prints or super-soft bamboo textiles, check out stores like the ones listed below to find the perfect materials for your next project.

Am I missing a great store? Please let me know, and I'll add it to the list!

Fabric Stores in the UK

Cotton & Organic Cotton Fabrics...

• Fabric Land – Multiple locations, including Ringwood, Hampshire (Fabric Towers, Kingfisher Park, Salisbury Road, BH24 3NX), Bristol (52-56 Bond Street, BS1 3LZ), Southampton (119 Above Bar Street, SO14 7FH), and Kingston Upon Thames, London (33 Old London Rd, KT2 6ND). Visit Fabric Land

• Sewing Bee Fabrics – Based in Wirral, England (Unit 45 Woodside Business Park, CH41 1EP). Visit Sewing Bee Fabrics

• Avenue Fabrics – Located in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk (26 Market Row, NR30 1PB). Visit Avenue Fabrics

• Frumble Fabrics – Located in Birmingham, England (B5 6ND). Visit Frumble Fabrics

• The Little Fabric Shop – Based in Felixstowe, Suffolk (14 Beach Station Road, IP11 2PA). Visit The Little Fabric Shop

• Watsons Fabrics – Located in West Byfleet, Surrey (KT14 7LW). Visit Watsons Fabrics

Jersey & Stretch Fabrics...

• FiverFabric – Located in Torquay, Devon (19 Lucius Street, TQ2 5UW). Visit FiverFabric

• The Fabric Guys – Based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire (6 Queen Street, HD1 2SQ). Visit The Fabric Guys

• Watsons Fabrics – Specialises in jersey and knit fabrics for comfortable clothing. Visit Watsons Fabrics

Fleece & Warm Fabrics...

• Avenue Fabrics – Offers anti-pile polyester fleece in various colours. Visit Avenue Fabrics

• Tough Fabrics – Located in Torquay, Devon (19 Tor Church Road, TQ2 5). Visit Tough Fabrics

• Frumble Fabrics – Carries soft fleece fabrics for crafting and clothing. Visit Frumble Fabrics

Linen & Natural Fabrics...

• Watsons Fabrics – Offers linen blends and natural fabrics for dressmaking. Visit Watsons Fabrics

• Halfpenny Fabrics – Based in Accrington, England (26 Melbourne Street, BB5 5LS). Visit Halfpenny Fabrics

Polyester & Synthetic Fabrics...

• Pound a Metre – Located in Bradford, England (Wholesale Buildings, Woodhead Rd, BD7 1PD). Visit Pound a Metre

• Tough Fabrics – Offers technical polyester fabrics, including waterproof and fire-resistant materials. Visit Tough Fabrics

Luxury & Speciality Fabrics...

• Oh Sew Good Fabrics – Based in Leicester, England (1661 Melton Road, LE7 4YQ). Visit Oh Sew Good Fabrics

• Halfpenny Fabrics – Offers modern and retro dressmaking fabrics, including velvet and silk. Visit Halfpenny Fabrics

• Watsons Fabrics – Stocks premium fabrics, including wool, tweed, and eveningwear materials. Visit Watsons Fabrics