Beautiful Rayon & Silk Fabrics for Garment Sewing
We shared a fantastic group of retro stretch cottons last week, and we’re still in the groovy floral mood! This week we’re back with a few more fun, retro-inspired prints to share—check out these printed rayon wovens and silks, with some bold solids to match!
Sewing a simple shirt is the perfect way to introduce rayons and silks into your wardrobe! The fabric you choose can give your garment a strikingly different look and feel. A pattern like the Ogden Cami can be made in viscose twill for an opaque tank top with a lovely drape, or in silk habotai to wear as a sheer layering piece under another garment. Patterns like the Celeste and the Nicks Blouse are beautiful in viscose twill, but you can also sew them in a fabric like silk organza for a super-sheer and sculptural look—we love layering silk organza tops over a favorite tank top or camisole!
pair with
Fabrics like rayon crepe, viscose challis, and silk crepe de chine are light and lovely, perfect for summer garments with a pretty drape. We love these fabrics for summer dresses like Michelle and the Farrah—so breezy and comfortable! A set like the Esti Co-ord is a great opportunity for mixing and matching—if a matching set isn’t your style, you can use the pattern to make a pair of pants in a fun print and a few solid-colored tank tops to go with!
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getting started
Rayon and silk have smooth, fluid qualities that can make them challenging to sew, so we’ve gathered our best tips for your sewing success! Always pre-wash your fabric so there are no surprises—we recommend pre-washing fabric the way you plan to launder your finished garment. Here’s a link to our complete fabric care guide with lots of great info!
Once you’re ready to sew, use all-purpose polyester thread and a fresh sewing machine needle. We suggest using the smallest size needle available, whether it’s Universal (suitable for all fabric types) or Microtex (extra sharp). Presto Sheer Fusible is a nice interfacing for rayon wovens, and we recommend sew-in silk organza to add soft, lightweight structure to delicate silk garments.
Me Made May is the perfect excuse to sew something that feels a little bolder, brighter, or more playful than usual. These retro-inspired prints remind us that clothing can be joyful—that what we wear can shift our mood, spark conversations, and bring a little extra color into everyday life. Sometimes all it takes is one special piece to make an outfit feel completely your own.
We especially love these fabrics for Me Made May because they celebrate individuality. No one else will have your exact version of that dress, those pants, or that favorite layering piece. And when you sew with designer deadstock, you’re giving beautiful, high-quality fabrics a second life while creating something truly unique to you. There is something really satisfying about wearing a garment that feels both expressive and lasting.
As the month unfolds, we hope you’ll have fun experimenting, trying something new, and wearing what makes you feel most like yourself. Whether you’re sewing a statement piece or adding just a touch of retro charm to your wardrobe, we can’t wait to see what you make. Be sure to tag us during Me Made May—we truly love celebrating alongside you and seeing these fabrics come to life.
Thank you and Happy Sewing!