Linen Look
Cotton and polycotton fabrics with a natural linen texture, ideal for home furnishings.

Viscose
Soft, fluid viscose for floaty dresses, blouses and summer wear.

Cotton Poplin
Crisp, lightweight cotton for shirts, dresses and children’s clothing.

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

Linen Fabric FAQs

Is linen good for summer clothes?

Yes, linen is one of the best fabrics for summer clothes. It is highly breathable and draws moisture away from the skin, helping you stay cool and comfortable in warm weather.

Linen is made from the fibres of the flax plant and has been used for clothing for thousands of years, as this history of linen explains. Its natural texture and relaxed drape suit loose summer dresses, shirts, tunics, wide-leg trousers and children’s clothes. Our Pure Linen Stripe and plain linens such as White Linen are popular choices for summer dressmaking.

Planning a summer wardrobe? Find matching threads and notions in our threads range, or contact The Cheap Shop for advice on choosing the right linen.

What is the difference between pure linen and linen blends?

Pure linen is made entirely from flax fibres and has a crisp, textured feel that softens with washing. Linen blends mix linen with fibres such as viscose or cotton to make the fabric softer, drapier or less prone to creasing.

Linen viscose and linen rayon blends have a beautiful fluid drape and a softer handle, and are less likely to wrinkle than 100% linen, making them ideal for floaty tops, dresses and skirts. Linen cotton blends such as Lea Linen Cotton Blend offer a balance of linen’s natural look with the easy care of cotton. Pure linen is the best choice when you want the classic, slightly rustic character that linen is known for.

Not sure which suits your pattern? Ask The Cheap Shop team, or visit our shop in Tiptree, Essex, to feel the fabrics in person.

Does linen shrink when washed?

Linen can shrink slightly on its first wash, so we recommend pre-washing linen fabric before cutting and sewing to avoid your finished garment changing size.

For our pure linens, wash at 30 degrees, avoid tumble drying and bleach, and use a hot iron to remove creases. Linen naturally creases, which is part of its charm, and it becomes softer with every wash. Always check the care instructions on each product page, and use the GINETEX guide if you need help reading textile care symbols.

Allow a little extra fabric for shrinkage when ordering. All linen at The Cheap Shop is sold by the half metre or metre, so you can buy exactly what your project needs.

What is enzyme-washed linen?

Enzyme-washed linen has been treated with natural enzymes during finishing, which softens the fibres and gives the fabric a smoother, more relaxed handle than untreated linen.

The enzyme process is a more eco-friendly alternative to harsher chemical softening treatments. The result is a linen that feels comfortable from the first wear while keeping its natural slubbed texture and breathability. Our enzyme-washed linens, including White Linen and Black Linen, weigh approximately 230g per square metre, a versatile dressmaking weight.

Browse our full linen range at The Cheap Shop, with free UK delivery on orders over £30.

Can I use dressmaking linen for curtains?

Our pure linens are dressmaking weight and are not designed for curtains, heavy furnishings or upholstery. For curtains and blinds, a heavier linen look or curtain-weight fabric is a better choice.

Dressmaking linen is lightweight and drapes beautifully for garments, but it may not hang or wear as well as a fabric made for soft furnishings. For a natural linen appearance in your home, our linen look fabrics include panama-weight prints and plains suited to cushions, blinds and curtains.

Explore our curtain fabrics for more home furnishing options from The Cheap Shop.