Lining

Why is lining necessary?

A lining can be sandwiched between two layers of fabric or attached to the inside. Coat fabrics, for example, are often made of wool, which some people find too scratchy on the skin. By attaching a smooth lining to the inside, the coat feels more comfortable and is easier to put on, without compromising the insulating effect of the coat fabric. This also helps the material last longer.

But this is by no means the only function of a lining. Very thin clothing fabrics are often lined to prevent them from being see-through. It doesn't necessarily have to be the entire garment. For example, in women's clothing, sleeves are sometimes chosen to be see-through while the rest of the dress or shirt is lined. Because lining adds a little more weight to the clothing, it can also help the clothing fall just as the designer intended.

Perhaps the most common reason for lining clothing is to make it warmer. An extra layer of fabric makes it more difficult for wind and cold to penetrate through the clothing. This is often the case with jackets. Winter coats can consist of different layers that ensure the wearer has the least possible discomfort in cold conditions. This function of lining can also go hand in hand with aesthetic considerations. If you're working with a fabric that is quite loosely woven, you can use lining to conceal open spaces and simultaneously insulate the fabric better.

Which lining is most suitable?

At Quality Textiles, you will find linings in more than 10 colors and three different weaves, all made of high-quality polyester. Which one is best for you depends entirely on how you plan to use the lining. To conceal open spaces in a loosely woven fabric, we recommend using a lining that has the same color as the material. This way, the clothing looks nice and even, and it's hardly noticeable that it's lined. An alternative is to choose a different color from the fabric.

If you want to line the inside of a coat or other clothing item, you can choose to use a contrasting color. This can create a stylish look. In this case, people often use the same colors for the inside of the pockets as the inside of the jacket, but that's not a requirement. All lining fabrics in our range ensure that you can put on a coat or jacket with ease. A twill lining goes well with the chic look of a coat with a twill weave, but you can also choose a more vibrant color for the inside.

Lining fabrics can also be used for purposes other than clothing. For example, you can line curtains to increase their insulating properties or make them darker. We even have a special fabric for the latter. Black-Out is a lining material for curtains. Curtains lined with Black-Out let almost no light through. This makes the fabric ideal for curtains that hang in the bedroom. Because lined curtains darken the room well, they can provide a little extra coolness on hot summer days.

How do you make clothing with a lining?

Because all our lining fabrics are made of polyester, you don't necessarily have to wash them before making clothing from them. It is possible: polyester washes excellently in a machine, as long as the water is not too hot water. Synthetic fabrics can shrink or distort at high temperatures, so make sure to wash the fabric at a maximum of 40 degrees Celsius. The same goes for the clothing once it is finished. Due to its sensitivity to high temperatures, polyester should not be put in the dryer. Cold ironing is possible, although a lining usually doesn't need to be perfectly smooth.

The lining of a piece of clothing is often the same size as the pattern pieces used for the garment. Depending on what you are making, it may be necessary to fold the hems of the garment inward, in which case you don't need the lining to cover that part of the material. Normally, lining fabric is thinner than the material it is being attached to. Therefore, a thin needle, such as a microtex needle, is the best choice for lining fabric. A universal needle of a small size could also work well. For an inner lining, attach the inner layer once the lining is in place.

Buying Lining Fabric Online

Do you want to make clothing that is improved by lining, that falls better, feels more comfortable, and is easier to put on? In the webshop of Quality Textiles, you can find lining fabrics in a variety of colors for any sewing project. Of course, we also have a wide selection of fabrics for children and adults that you can use for the outer layer of your clothing. To make sewing as easy as possible, we also have a wide selection of sewing accessories and haberdashery items. We will deliver your order to you as soon as possible.