What is Twill Fabric? Fibers, Uses & Projects

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Learn all about what is twill fabric. Twill fabric is considered hard wearing and is commonly made from cotton, linen or synthetic fibers. It can be identified by its diagonal, parallel woven lines that look like small ridges. The durability and high thread count of twill fabric mean it is a popular choice for clothing that needs to last.

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What is Twill Fabric?

Twill fabric is any fabric made with a special weaving technique that results in diagonal ridges in the fabric. It is not specific to any particular fiber and can be made from cotton, linen, silk or man-made fibers.

Denim is the most popular and well know of all the twill fabrics. Due to its soft but durable nature, it is popular in homewares such as tea towels, table cloths and cushions which need to be washed often. It makes great curtains due to its ability to drape well while being opaque and easy to sew and wash.

Due to the uneven nature of the front of the twill fabric, it does not show dirt in the same way as a plain weave. This is the reason it is often used for workwear and heavy-duty clothing that cannot be washed as often. Jackets can be made from twill fabric since the high thread count means it is warmer and slightly water-resistant. Air can't get through higher weave fabrics as easily.

Does Twill Fabric Stretch?

Cotton twill fabric usually does not stretch but the addition of Lycra or Elastane/Spandex can add stretch and comfort to clothing such as pants.

Twill vs Denim?

Denim is a type of heavyweight twill as it is constructed from cotton fabric with twill's distinctive diagonal lines. It is probably the most common type of twill used in clothing alongside the fabric used in Chino pants.

Twill vs Plain Weaves

Due to the diagonal weave of the fabric, twill drapes better than plain weaves meaning it creates clothing that hangs better on the body and is more flattering. Twill needs less ironing than plain weaves which is a definite advantage as who loves ironing? Not me!

The front and back of a plain fabric weave look the same whereas twill looks different on the back. The front of the twill fabric has the diagonal weave more prominent than the back and generally looks nicer.

twill vs plain fabric — Twill vs Plain Fabric

Weights of Twill Fabric

Lightweight twill fabric can be made from silk, polyester or fine cotton. Examples of this weight of twill can be found in jacket linings and ties. The ribs of the twill make the thin fabric more durable than it would be otherwise in a plain weave.
Heavy Twill can be used for jackets, Chino pants, jeans, workwear and outdoor cushions. It is strong, durable and can look crisp and tailored.

Is Twill Expensive?

Twill fabric prices can vary enormously according to the type of fiber it is manufactured from. For example, silk twill will always cost more than a cotton or polyester twill. Cotton twill is usually a reasonable price for the home sewer and makes great home decor sewing projects.

Is Twill Fabric Soft?

Yes it is. This is due to the weave and the high thread count. The softness makes twill a better choice for many sewing projects as is its ability to resist creasing.

Is Twill Easy to Wash?

Whether twill will wash easily depends on which fiber it is made from. If it is a cotton twill then the answer is a big yes! Cotton twill is easy to wash in a washing machine with a gentle detergent and can be machine or line dried. You may want to keep darker colors out of the sun to prevent fading.

Sewing Projects for Twill Fabric

Home decor is the idea sewing project for twill fabrics. Here are some tutorials from my blog. Don't forget to check out the free projects link in the menu.

how to make curtains — How to Make a Cushion Cover

What is Twill Fabric - In Conclusion

Thanks for reading all about "what is twill fabric?" Just remember to look out for the diagonal lines on the fabric and you will be sure that it is a soft, durable and easy to sew twill.