100% Cotton
Pure cotton prints and plains for quilting, dressmaking and crafts.

PolyCotton
Easy-care, crease-resistant prints and plains at great value.

Floral
Ditsy prints to bold blooms across cotton, linen and more.

All cotton poplin fabrics are covered by free UK delivery on orders over £30, with 48 hour tracked shipping as standard.

Cotton Poplin FAQs

What is cotton poplin?

Cotton poplin is a tightly woven plain-weave fabric made from 100% cotton, with a smooth surface, crisp finish and light weight that makes it easy to sew and comfortable to wear.

Poplin is woven with fine yarns packed closely together, which gives it strength and a subtle sheen without adding bulk. Traditionally the name referred to a ribbed silk and wool cloth, as this history of poplin explains, but today it most commonly describes a fine cotton plain weave. Our Plain Cotton Poplin weighs around 115 to 120gsm, is 115cm wide and comes in over 70 colours.

Not sure which poplin suits your project? Contact The Cheap Shop and our team will be happy to help.

What can I make with cotton poplin?

Cotton poplin is ideal for light everyday garments such as shirts, dresses, skirts, blouses and children’s clothes, and is also used for dressing up costumes and lining the bodice of dresses.

Its smooth, stable weave also makes it a favourite for crafts, including bunting, backdrops, tablecloths, quilt backs and appliqué. Floral poplins such as White Painted Peonies and Summer Party Flowers make beautiful summer dresses, while novelty prints like Cat Pals are perfect for children’s clothing.

Finish your project with zips, thread and interfacing from our dressmaking and tailoring range at The Cheap Shop.

What is the difference between cotton poplin and polycotton poplin?

Cotton poplin is made from 100% cotton and is more breathable, while polycotton poplin blends polyester with cotton to make it more crease resistant, easier to care for and usually cheaper.

Both share the same smooth, tightly woven poplin structure, so they look similar on the roll. Pure cotton poplin presses more crisply and feels cooler against the skin, making it the better choice for garments and quilting. Polycotton poplin is a practical, budget-friendly option for crafts, costumes and items that need frequent washing. Check the fibre content on each product page if you’re unsure which you’re buying.

Looking for easy-care fabrics? Browse our polycotton range, or visit The Cheap Shop in Tiptree, Essex, to compare the two in person.

Does cotton poplin shrink?

Cotton poplin can shrink slightly on its first wash, so we recommend pre-washing before cutting and sewing. Most of our cotton poplins can be washed at 30 to 40 degrees and tumble dried on a medium setting.

Pre-washing also removes any finishing from the fabric and gives you a true sense of how the finished garment will behave. Test a small piece first if you’re unsure, and always check the care instructions on each product page. Our plain cotton poplin is certified to the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and can also be dyed if you want a custom colour.

Allow a little extra fabric for shrinkage when ordering. All cotton poplin at The Cheap Shop is available by the half metre or metre.