What is Calico?

Calico is a natural fibre derived from cotton. It is a breathable, light and airy fabric that has many uses in sewing.

Calico can be used for making canvas for screenprinting, arts and crafts, trial runs or pattern making for garment making as well as bags and soft furnishings for the home.

Calico has an understated beauty due to its unrefined natural colouring and texture from the cotton seed remnants left in the cloth (the little black dots). This provides a perfect base fabric to dye, print or paint on.

Available in white, black or unbleached natural.

Calico fabric by the metre uk

Calico fabric by the metre uk

Calico fabric by the metre uk

Calico fabric by the metre uk

Create soft furnishings for the home

Calico has a natural feel and can make understated cushions, tablecloths, table runners and curtain or blind backing.

Mock up garments on the mannequin

Calico is a cost-effective fabric for novice sewers just starting out or seamstresses perfecting their patterns before they work with the real fabric and a must-have practice fabric.

Create unique prints and effects

This fabric absorbs dye pigments wonderfully. Use this fabric as a base to create exciting dye patterns and prints.

Backing fabric for embroidery

A light natural woven fabric is useful for embroidery and calico fits the bill, working beautifully for punch needle work.

Calico fabric by the metre uk
  • Plain straight weave
  • Textured surface
  • 145GSM
  • Strong and hardwearing
  • Naturally made from cotton
  • Quick-cooling
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Odourless
For best results:

  • Iron before sewing
  • Machine washable at 30 degrees
  • Tumble dry on a low heat only
  • OEKO-TEX standard 100