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What is double gauze fabric? When to use? A guide to sewing with double gauze
OK, so what actually is Double Gauze? We know it is a hugely popular dressmaking fabric and it's ideal for lightweight spring, summer garments with good breathability. This is a comprehensive guide on key characteristics of double gauze and helpful tips on using it in sewing.
What is double gauze?
Double gauze is a lightweight, airy fabric made from two thin layers of cotton (hence the word double) that are stitched together at regular intervals. It is known for its soft, crinkled texture and breathability. It is a versatile fabric that can help provide your inspiration for your next sewing project, but it's especially well-suited for certain things, which we will elaborate on towards the bottom of this blog.
How does Double Gauze differ from Muslin?
We often get asked the key differences between double gauze and muslin. Some use the two interchangeably and in truth, they are two very similar materials. Both are typically light, flowing and breathable and both are commonly used for spring / summer outfits and are also popular with baby clothes. However, double gauze consists of two thin layers of cotton sewn together whilst muslin is a single layer of fabric, again, usually cotton.
Sewing with Double Gauze
As previously mentioned, double gauze is hugely popular with dressmakers. Read on to find helpful information on how it washes, shrinkage, whether you can iron it and key characteristics of the fabric like stretch and weight.
Key Characteristics of Double Gauze
Normally made from cotton, it tends to be light weight. For example our classic double gauze is around 130 grams per square metre (gsm). Compare that to a mid-weight denim for example, which are normally around 250 gsm. It also traditionally has no stretch. Stretch fabrics can sometimes be a little trickier to work with as they are less stable and can move / stretch whilst you are working with them, causing difficulties. This makes double gauze a great material of choice for those newer to dressmaking.
How to launder Double Gauze?
If you've spent your time working on a garment that you are proud of, you will want to know how best to wash and care for it to be sure it lasts the test of time. It is always a good idea to check the particular product's wash and care information, which most retailers will include in the product description. However, as a general rule of thumb double gauze can be washed on a cool cycle with a short spin. It's best to hang it up whilst wet for it to naturally reshape and help get rid of some of the crinkles caused by washing. Double gauze can normally have a cool iron.
What to use it for?
- For summer clothing: It is a great choice for summer clothing because it is lightweight, breathable, and comfortable. We have a fantastic range of patterns from amazing independent designers that can be used with double gauze to make a beautiful range of dresses, skirts, tops, shorts and trousers.
- For baby and children's clothing: Soft and gentle, it is a fabric that is perfect for baby and children's clothing. It can be used to make onesies, pyjamas, blankets, swaddles, and more. Need some inspiration, check out our range of baby children's patterns here
- For loungewear: It is also a great choice for loungewear, such as pyjamas, robes, and slippers. It is soft, comfortable, and breathable, making it ideal for relaxing at home.
- For home décor: If you are wanting to spruce up your home, it can also be used for home décor projects, such as curtains, pillowcases, and tablecloths. It adds a soft and textured touch to any room.
Some more helpful tips
- Use a sharp needle and a lightweight thread
- Stock up on your sewing accessories here and your pins here
- Use a slightly longer stitch length than you would for other fabrics.
- Finish all seams with a French seam or a zig-zag stitch to prevent fraying. Not sure what zig-zag stitch is, here's a great guide from our friends at Tilly and the Buttons
- Double gauze can be ironed on a low setting, but it is not necessary. The fabric will soften with wear and washing.
Feeling inspired? Why not get your next project started today. You can shop our full range of double gauze here