Twill Fabric
by Anita Mills
I have a pattern that calls for Twills - What is a Twill? ANSWER Twills are fabrics that have diagonally woven weaves. Tweed, serge, denim, chino, drill, and gabardine are good examples. Twill has two distinct patterns--one on the front side and one on the back side. That's what distinguishes twill from your typical quilting fabric. Quilting fabric has the same pattern on both sides. Twill fabrics are available in light, medium and heavy weights. They're also available in a variety of fibers like, 100% Polyester, 100% Cotton, 100% Silk, 100% Acetate, Polyester/Lycra blends, and Cotton/Lycra blends. Your choice ultimately depends on the type of project you're sewing. For a quilt, you might choose lightweight 100% cotton. If you're making a purse, you might use a mediumweight cotton/polyester blend. For best results, check your pattern for recommendations. Remember, too, that twill fabric shrinks about 10%, so you might want to prewash it before you start your project. Again, follow the advice on your pattern instructions. |
