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

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

Novelty
Fun and unusual prints for children’s makes, costumes and creative projects.

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

Polycotton Fabric FAQs

What is polycotton fabric?

Polycotton is a blended fabric made from polyester and cotton fibres, combining the softness and breathability of cotton with the strength, crease resistance and easy care of polyester.

The ratio of polyester to cotton affects how the fabric feels and performs. Our Plain Polycotton is a 65% polyester and 35% cotton blend, a better quality than the cheaper 80% polyester and 20% cotton blends found elsewhere, and weighs approximately 110gsm. You can read more about how polycotton blends are made and used.

With more than 270 designs to choose from, The Cheap Shop has polycotton for almost any project. Contact our team if you need help choosing.

What is the difference between polycotton and 100% cotton?

Polycotton is more crease resistant, quicker drying and usually more affordable than 100% cotton, while pure cotton is more breathable and is often preferred for quilting and garments worn close to the skin.

The polyester in polycotton helps it hold its shape and resist wrinkles, which is why it is widely used for school shirts, uniforms and items that are washed frequently. Pure cotton presses more crisply and is the traditional choice for patchwork, as it behaves consistently when pieced with other cottons. For quilting, most makers choose our 100% cotton range, while polycotton is ideal for crafts, costumes and budget-friendly dressmaking.

Still deciding? Visit The Cheap Shop in Tiptree, Essex, to compare fabrics in person, or browse both ranges online by the half metre or metre.

What can I make with polycotton fabric?

Polycotton is ideal for bunting, costumes, capes, gathered skirts, scrubs, tablecloths, school projects and everyday dressmaking, as well as curtains and cushions in heavier panama weights.

Lightweight plain and printed polycottons are perfect for crafts and children’s clothing, while Polycotton Twill is strong enough for dungarees, trousers and skirts. Heavyweight Polycotton Drill is commonly used for workwear and uniforms, and Quilted Polycotton is great for gilets, dog coats and padded projects.

Planning a costume or party project? Browse our Halloween fabrics and Christmas fabrics for seasonal polycotton prints from The Cheap Shop.

How do I wash polycotton fabric?

Most polycotton fabrics can be machine washed at 30 or 40 degrees and ironed on a cotton setting. We recommend pre-washing before sewing to allow for any shrinkage.

Polycotton is easy care and quick to dry, and many designs can be tumble dried on a medium setting, though some are best hung to dry. Always check the care instructions on each product page before washing. Note that lightweight polycottons with white or pale backgrounds may be slightly see-through, so consider lining them if you’re using them for the bodice of a dress.

For linings and finishing touches, explore our dressmaking and tailoring haberdashery at The Cheap Shop.

What is polycotton sheeting used for?

Polycotton sheeting is an extra wide fabric used for tablecloths, backdrops, quilt backing and large-scale projects such as bunting, where you need a wide, cost-effective fabric with good crease resistance.

The extra width means you can cover large tables or back a quilt without joining several pieces of fabric. Our Polycotton Sheeting Extra Wide is certified to the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and is a popular choice for wedding tablecloths and event backdrops.

Making something for an event? Contact The Cheap Shop if you need larger quantities or advice on how much to order.