A Tale of Two Fabrics
Through out my sewing journey I have always loved fabrics that have interesting patterns and designs but also those that feel good on my body. I aim to sew for joy and comfort in equal measure.
So when the lovely team at Sew Me Sunshine sent me some of their gorgeous exclusive cotton poplin, I saw it as a new opportunity for exploration. I also had within my stash some soft, double gauze I had bought when visiting Sew Me Sunshine in person.
The Statement Poplin: Sewing with Pure Joy
The moment I unfolded this exclusive cotton poplin, I was not disappointed. It’s a riot of cheerful sunflowers and retro surfboards against cool ocean waves. With a fabric like this I want to make sure I let the pattern shine through I decided the fabric needed to be something I could live in, something that would make a statement. I settled on a pair of relaxed-fit trousers, using the Sew Liberated Chanterelle Pants. I decided that the lovely curved patch pockets, whilst great, would distract for this make and so hacked in an in seam pocket using a pattern piece I created for another pair of trousers, trapping the top into the waistband. If you have a trouser pocket you like it is always worth thinking how you can add it into the pattern you are sewing. The poplin itself, being so stable and crisp, was a dream to work with. But the real joy came from adding a little personal touch—a strip of white ric-rac down the side seam, a small detail that made them uniquely mine. Ric Rac has seen a resurgence in the last few years and I wanted to try the idea of running it down the side of the leg. For anyone looking at this fabric and wondering where their own journey could start, remember that a pattern is just a starting point, a springboard for your own ideas.
Autumn Sewing Patterns for Crisp Cotton Poplin
1. The Classic Shirt Dress
A shirt dress is the ultimate transitional piece. It can be worn with tights and boots as the
weather cools, and layered under a chunky cardigan. The poplin will give a sharp, defined collar, placket, and cuffs.
Closet Core Patterns - Kalle Shirtdress: A modern classic with a stylish faced hem and different placket options.
Grainline Studio - Archer Button Up (Hacked): The Archer is a beloved shirt pattern that can be easily lengthened into a dress for a custom look.
Sew Over It - Penny Dress: A vintage-inspired, simple design with a notched collar that would beautifully showcase a bold print.
2. The Structured Blouse
Think beyond simple tops and towards blouses with interesting details. The poplin will hold the shape of statement sleeves, pleats, and yokes wonderfully.
Friday Pattern Company - Patina Blouse: The V-neckline and collar detail would be lovely and sharp in poplin, and the long-sleeved view is perfect for autumn.
Sew Over It - Anderson Blouse: This pattern features beautiful bishop sleeves and deep cuffs. The poplin would create sleeves with dramatic, defined volume.
Chalk and Notch - Orchid Midi Dress and Blouse: The blouse view has a lovely V-neck with a neck facing that would lie very flat and clean, plus a long-sleeved option.
3. The Statement Skirt
A skirt in this fabric would be a showstopper. The poplin's body will create great volume and a defined silhouette.
Megan Nielsen - Veronika Skirt: As a circle skirt, the fabric's print would be on full
display, and the poplin would give it a fantastic, structured flare rather than a soft drape.
By Hand London - Leo Dungarees (Skirt View): The bib and straps of the dungaree skirt would be perfectly supported by the stable poplin, making for a fun, layered piece over a turtleneck.
Tilly and the Buttons - Ness Skirt: While designed for denim, this fly-front skirt would be an amazing, modern piece in a fun poplin print. All the topstitching details would really pop.
4. The Lightweight Shacket (Shirt-Jacket)
This is the perfect layering piece for those days that are cool but not yet cold. An unlined jacket made from this poplin would be light enough to wear indoors but provide a welcome extra layer outside.
Friday Pattern Company - Ilford Jacket: A highly popular and customisable pattern that's perfect for a lightweight shacket. The boxy shape would work well with the fabric.
Grainline Studio - Thayer Jacket: A classic workwear-style jacket that would look brilliant in a bold print. The large pockets and simple construction let the fabric do the talking.
The Comforting Double Gauze
To balance the boldness of the trousers, I needed a top that felt that it was comfortable but matched the joyfulness. I chose paprika double gauze which I had in my stash and is also still available. It's a fabric I've come to adore because sewing with it is a good practice in going with the fabric, being gentle and accepting that not all fabrics will behave the same. If you’re new to double gauze, it can feel a bit different. It’s soft, slightly shifty, and has a wonderful crinkly texture that you have to learn to work with, not against. Double gauze is perfect for cross seasonal sewing as it can keep you cool and warm. The colours also work so well as brilliant basics to compliment your other gorgeous fabrics.
My discoveries when working with double gauze:
- Let the fabric be itself: You must pre-wash it! It will shrink and crinkle into its true state. Trying to press it perfectly flat will cause it to loose the very texture that makes it special.
- Embrace a slower pace: Use pattern weights and cut carefully. Finish your seams with French seams or an overlocker, as the loose weave can fray.
This simple top is a testament to sewing for comfort and joy. As we move into autumn, this fabric is perfect for layering. I’m already dreaming of a long-sleeved version. My whole outfit, which then included a hacked dress top as a top, works so well with other plain tops I already own.
So next time you're starting a project, I challenge you to wonder: What if I added a detail that isn't in the instructions? What if I chose a fabric that pushes me out of my comfort zone? You might just find that the journey is the most beautiful part of all.
To learn more about cotton poplin please head to the cotton fabric guide here, and to learn more about cotton double gauze please read our guide here.
Find all of our exclusive fabrics here.
Find all of our cotton fabrics here.
Find all of our cotton double gauzes here.
To follow more of Sam's makes then check out her instagram @sequingirlie