Tess Dress and Top Fabric Recommendations and Inspiration
Now for my favorite subject, some Tess Dress and Top Fabric Recommendations. Before choosing fabrics, I often look at ready-to-wear inspiration for help when choosing colors and substrates. Below is a quick preview, but you can find even more inspo on the Tess Pinterest board here. Now, we’ll talk about recommended fabrics.
First things first, you’ll need a copy of the Tess Dress and Top Pattern.
Besides the correct needle and coordinating thread, you don’t need much to get started on Tess, so it’s great for a bit of last-minute sewing.
NOTIONS
- A stretch or ballpoint needle suitable for your machine and chosen fabric
- Coordinating thread
OPTIONAL NOTIONS
- 1 YD (1 M) Tricot Fusible Interfacing for the dress view
- Tailor’s chalk or a washable fabric marker
STRETCH PERCENTAGE
In order to determine if a knit fabric is suitable for the Tess, it’s important to check stretch percentage. The Tess sewing pattern includes a section titled “Sewing With Knits” on page 17 of the tutorial. Print that page out at 100% and use your fabric to determine the amount of stretch. This pattern calls for a fabric with 65-85% stretch. If your chosen fabric has less than 75% stretch or less than 90% recovery, consider using ribbing or a stretchier knit for neckbands and armbands.
Here’s how to check stretch and recovery in knits:
- Fold fabric across the width (crossgrain) fo the fabric.
- Place two pins 4″ (10cm) apart at the top of the fold.
- Stretch fabric towards the right (holding the left pin in place) to its maximum stretch point.
- Let the right pin go so you can test the recovery. It should come back between 0 and 10% if your fabric has 100% to 90% recovery.
FABRIC SOURCES
- The Tess dress, tank, and top all work best in 6-9 oz medium weight knit.
- Recommended fabrics are jersey, french terry, sweater knits, rib knits, and wool knits.
SOLIDS
Lately, I’ve been all about sewing clothes that fit into my daily wardrobe and will be worn again and again. To accomplish this, solids are my top choice. Solid rayon, bamboo, and cotton jersey knits are relatively easy to source from a variety of fabric shops, so that’s always a bonus. If you’re looking for something with a bit more texture or just want to elevate the look a bit, try a nice medium weight rib knit.
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STRIPED KNITS
Available in a variety of colors, widths, and combinations, a good striped knit is the perfect way to add a bit of personality to your next tee or dress. Keep it simple with pinstripe knit (this one in the featured image was a favorite), or go bold by selecting bright colors or larger stripes.
Featured Image | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
Our Tess Pinterest Board is filled with lots of options if you’re looking for more recommendations. Take a look at it here.
As a reminder, a few of our favorite Indie Fabric shops have offered coupon codes for you to use.
Stone Mountain Fabrics – chalkandnotch20 for 20% off through 2025
Blackbird Fabrics – CHALKNOTCH10 for 10% off through 2025
ISee Fabrics – Chalk and notch for 20% off through 2025
Surge Fabrics – chalkandnotch10 for 10% off through 2025
LA Finch Fabrics – chalkandnotch20 for 20% off through March 2026
Thanks for reading! I can’t wait to see which fabrics you use for the Tess sewing pattern. – Happy Sewing!
