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Calico Fabric
by the yard

Calico fabric by the yard is a lightweight 100–150gsm cotton textile known for its natural feel and simple printed or unbleached appearance. Made from 100% cotton or cotton blends, calico offers breathability, softness, and easy handling, making it a favorite for craft makers and everyday sewing. Its matte texture and stable weave suit both decorative and functional projects. Calico is available in solids, florals, polka dots, geometrics, and traditional small-scale prints.

  • Fabric Content/Material: 100% Cotton, Cotton Blends
  • Fabric Applications: Quilts, Dresses, Blouses, Tote Bags, Crafts, Linings, Home Décor, Aprons
  • Colors/Patterns: Unbleached Natural, White, Pastels, Florals, Polka Dots, Geometric Prints, Small Motifs

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Why Calico Fabric Belongs in Every Workroom

Pure Cotton Comfort at an Honest Weight

Calico fabric is a plain-woven 100% cotton textile that sits comfortably in the 100–150gsm range, giving it just enough body for structured projects without feeling stiff or heavy. Its natural, slightly off-white base makes it one of the most versatile foundations in any sewing room. If you already work with cotton fabric in other forms, calico will feel immediately familiar — only more affordable and more forgiving. The open weave also makes it naturally breathable fabric, ideal for warm-weather garments and everyday household items.

Florals, Plains, and Prints for Every Project

Our calico range spans classic unbleached plains, delicate florals, and timeless printed designs that suit everything from quilting squares to full garment cuts. For makers who love pattern variety, our selection sits alongside options like Chintz Fabric and Embroidered Fabric for those moments when a project calls for something with a little more surface interest. Whether you prefer a muted botanical repeat or a bold geometric, there is a calico print in our collection that fits your creative vision. Buying by the yard means you can mix and match prints without committing to large minimums.

From Toiles and Muslins to Finished Garments

Calico has long been the go-to fabric for dressmakers creating toiles — practice versions of garments that let you test fit and proportion before cutting into expensive cloth. Beyond prototyping, it is equally at home as a finished material for craft fabric projects, tote bags, aprons, and lightweight curtains. Sewists who need a structured but soft base for bag fabric applications will find calico holds its shape well when interfaced, making it a practical everyday choice for functional accessories.

Unbleached cream calico draped over a wooden mannequin on a rustic workbench in a sunlit designer studio.

Wholesale Calico Fabric That Delivers Real Value

When you need a reliable, natural-fibre fabric that performs consistently across dozens of different applications, calico is hard to beat. Our wholesale calico fabric is sourced for quality and consistency, ensuring that every yard you receive matches the weight, weave, and colour you expect. As a straightforward 100% cotton textile, it pairs naturally with other plant-based fabrics — makers who love the relaxed feel of linen fabric often reach for calico when they need something a touch lighter and easier to print on. Buying by the yard through our wholesale platform means competitive pricing whether you're a small independent designer or a high-volume production studio.

A vintage tailor's mannequin draped in cream calico fabric sits in a sunlit studio with rustic sewing tools.

Endless Uses, One Trusted Fabric by the Yard

Calico's versatility is genuinely remarkable — it transitions effortlessly from the cutting table to the finished product across an enormous range of applications. Costume makers rely on it for period garments and theatrical wardrobes where breathability and ease of movement matter, and it works beautifully as costume fabric thanks to its neutral base that takes dye and paint evenly. Home sewists love it for curtain fabric in casual spaces, where its natural cotton texture adds warmth without the formality of heavier weaves.

Whether you are stocking up for a busy production season or sourcing fabric for a single special project, our calico range gives you the flexibility to order exactly what you need. The combination of florals, plains, and classic prints means you can build a cohesive collection or mix styles freely depending on your creative direction. If you find yourself wanting to explore beyond calico, our broader cotton fabric collection offers a wealth of related options — from chambray to Chambray Fabric — all available by the yard at wholesale prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is calico fabric actually made from?
Calico is a plain-woven fabric made from 100% unbleached or partially processed cotton. It retains a slightly coarser texture than fully finished cotton because it undergoes minimal treatment during production, which also keeps the price accessible. The natural cotton fibres make it soft against the skin, breathable, and easy to dye or print on.
What weight is your calico fabric, and is it suitable for dressmaking?
Our calico fabric falls in the 100–150gsm weight range, which makes it a lightweight to medium-weight textile. This weight is well-suited to dressmaking, especially for loose-fitting garments, blouses, summer dresses, and children's clothing. For more structured styles, a simple iron-on interfacing can add the body you need without compromising the fabric's natural drape.
Can I use calico fabric for quilting projects?
Absolutely — calico is one of the most popular choices for quilting, both as a background fabric and as a printed accent. Its consistent weave makes it easy to cut accurately and piece together, and it holds seams reliably without fraying excessively. Printed calico designs, particularly florals and small-scale patterns, are a staple in traditional patchwork quilts.
Does calico fabric shrink when washed?
Like most natural cotton fabrics, calico can shrink slightly on its first wash, particularly in hot water. We recommend pre-washing your calico in warm water and tumble drying on a low setting before cutting and sewing to account for any shrinkage. After that initial wash, the fabric tends to be very stable and maintains its dimensions well through repeated laundering.
How much calico fabric do I need for a standard project?
The amount you need depends entirely on your project. A basic tote bag typically requires around 0.75–1 metre, while a simple dress or blouse pattern might call for 2–3 metres depending on your size and the pattern pieces. We sell calico by the yard so you can order exactly what your pattern specifies, with a little extra recommended for pre-washing and any cutting adjustments.