Known for its elaborate designs and patterns, Liverpool is one of those fabrics that stand out at first sight. However, that doesn’t mean everyone has a full grasp of what this fabric offers or what it is. So today we’ll be taking a look at Liverpool Fabric, both for the sake of those who haven’t heard of it, and those who still don’t understand the subtleties of the material.
What is Liverpool Fabric?
Liverpool Fabric is a double knit fabric that is best known for its elaborate designs and heavy nature. However, it’s important to note that this added weight compared to other knit fabrics is a large part of the appeal. Where most knit fabrics are traditionally stretchy and “slippery” Liverpool is a more structured fabric that drapes and is easy to work with. So for countless people, Liverpool Fabric has become the de facto knit fabric to sew with.
What is a Knit Fabric?
Above we mentioned that Liverpool is a double knit fabric, but what does this exactly mean? Fabrics can generally be divided into two groups: Knit and Woven. Woven fabrics are made by interlacing multiple threads or yarns in a single stretch of the fabric. This generally results in a sturdy and solid material that is relatively heavy and resistant to wear and use. If you look closely at a pair of jeans you’ll notice a crisscross pattern on them, which is proof of the weaving process.
Knit Fabrics on the other hand are made with a single thread of material, just like knitting. So that single thread loops around itself time and time again until a complete stretch of the fabric is formed. As a result of this single thread construction knit fabrics are usually light, very breathable, and stretchy. This texture is ideal for clothing and it has helped to support the enduring popularity of knit fabrics. As a double knit fabric Liverpool is still made out of a single thread, but through the use of two needles. This means that the resulting fabric is slightly heavier and more resistant, and it loses some of its stretching properties as well. But it also becomes much easier to handle when sewing.
What is Liverpool Fabric Made of?
Liverpool is generally a poly-spandex blend. Traditionally the blend uses 3% Spandex and 97% Polyester, though some brands in the market might offer slight variations on these percentages. Polyester grants Liverpool its characteristic ability to hold its shape, while Spandex adds some flexibility to the mix. The unique combinations pairs well with its double-sided build. Liverpool traditionally features a textured face on the outside for its beautiful patterns and a smooth face on the inside for comfort. Allowing Liverpool to offer the best of both worlds.
Why is Liverpool Fabric so Popular?
- Liverpool Fabric has proved to be a popular pick throughout the years due to its unique position compared to its alternatives. While single knit fabrics have a great texture and are very comfortable, they can be complicated to work with. They stretch at inopportune times, can slip when sewing the pieces together, and so on. Liverpool is still a knit fabric, but its double knit build makes it more solid. Liverpool remains comfortable to wear while taking away some of the stretch and slippiness that is so prevalent in knit fabrics. So a dress made of Liverpool will ultimately be slightly heavier than a single knit alternative, but it’s much easier to work with.
- Compared to woven fabrics Liverpool also has the advantage of having a much better drape. Woven fabrics are meant to be sturdy and solid, so they don’t have a great drape. Liverpool however can flow much better and is sturdy enough to keep a shape. Meaning that a skirt or loose shirt made of Liverpool will be sturdy, but it’ll also be much more visually appealing than any counterpart made out of woven fabrics.
- Last but not least Liverpool has an incredible variety. You can find Liverpool in all the solid colors you can think of, but it also has no shortage of special patterns and designs. As such there are always new Liverpool variants to discover, and you can make an entire wardrobe out of it without having to repeat yourself.
What is Liverpool Fabric used for?
- Liverpool is used almost exclusively for clothing, and it’s particularly popular when it comes to female fashion. Skirts particularly benefit from Liverpool due to the way it drapes, and whether you opt for circle, pencil, or flared skirts the material will be comfortable to wear on top of looking great.
- Dresses logically benefit for the same reasons and cocktail dresses, in particular, are a popular choice when it comes to making the most out of Liverpool. Similarly, Peplum Tops are another popular pick due to their flare. Liverpool can easily keep the flaring shape, which is the most important aspect of any Peplum Top.
- When it comes to more gender-neutral clothing Pants and Blazers are the main uses. The texture of Liverpool is great for flared pants or to give some more definition to a blazer, and the great selection of colors also helps with adding some more life to your outfit.
What Liverpool Fabrics do we Recommend?
By now you probably have some ideas of what to use Liverpool for, so let’s go over some of our recommendations when it comes to this unique fabric.
David Angie Solid Color Liverpool
If you are interested in Liverpool you need a good source of solid colors, and David Angie has you covered on that front. This is a traditional poly-spandex blend Liverpool fabric perfect for any clothing you decide to make. The colors are subtle and beautiful, while the texture is perfect for sewing. A great pick for your first Liverpool project.
Fabric Merchants Floral Liverpool
If you are looking to make a skirt or a dress you’ll need a beautiful pattern on your fabric, and flowers are simply timeless. Fabric Merchants offers this beautiful and affordable floral design that is going to look perfect when draping. On top of that, they are one of the few online providers that cut fabric to order. So if you order 2 yards you’ll get 2 continuous yards, not 2 separate pieces.
David Accessories Chevron Liverpool
David Accessories Liverpool is a great middle point between the two above options. At its core, you are still mainly dealing with solid colors, but the Chevron pattern adds a lot of life to the fabric. The design adds a fresh style to any of your projects, and there’s no denying the high-quality of the fabric.
Liverpool Fabric vs. Bullet Fabric: What’s the Difference?
- Liverpool fabric is a type of twill fabric that is made from 100% cotton. It is very durable and has a high thread count, which makes it ideal for upholstery and other heavy-duty applications. However, Liverpool fabric can be quite stiff and uncomfortable to wear.
- Bullet fabric, on the other hand, is also a type of twill fabric but it is made from a blend of cotton and polyester. This gives it a softer feel and makes it more comfortable to wear. Bullet fabric is also less likely to wrinkle than Liverpool fabric. However, it is not as durable as Liverpool fabric and may not withstand heavy-duty use as well.
What can I make with bullet Liverpool fabric?
- One popular way to use bullet Liverpool fabric is to make quilts. Quilts made with this fabric are typically very durable and can last for many years. They are also relatively easy to care for, which makes them a great choice for anyone who wants to make a quilt that will be used often.
- Another popular use for bullet Liverpool fabric is to make pillows. Pillows made with this fabric are usually very soft and comfortable, and they can last for many years as well. They are also easy to care for, which makes them a great choice for anyone who wants to make a pillow that will be used often.
- Bullet Liverpool fabric can also be used to make skirts and blouses. Skirts and blouses made with this fabric are typically very comfortable and can last for many years as well. They are also easy to care for, which makes them a great choice for anyone who wants to make a skirt or blouse that will be worn often.
Time to Get Started
Now that we know what Liverpool fabric is it’s time to give it a try in your next sewing project. Also, remember to take a look at your fabrics and clothing and you might be surprised of their composition. While you’re here check out our guide on bobbin lace. It’s another fun project to create and add to your sewing and clothing.