Broadcloth fabric is a smooth, tightly woven plain-weave fabric commonly made from a blend of polyester and cotton. It is one of the most versatile and widely used fabrics in sewing, valued for its crisp finish, durability, and affordability. Broadcloth is a staple for quilting, apparel, school projects, and home decor.
What Is Broadcloth Fabric?
Broadcloth is a plain-weave fabric with a smooth, slightly lustrous surface. Originally made from 100% cotton or wool, modern broadcloth is most commonly a polyester-cotton blend that combines the softness of cotton with the wrinkle resistance and durability of polyester. It is lightweight (typically 100–150 GSM), has no stretch, and holds its shape well after washing.
Types of Broadcloth Fabric
65/35 Poly-Cotton Broadcloth
A blend of 65% polyester and 35% cotton. This is the most common broadcloth blend, offering a good balance of softness and durability. The higher cotton content makes it more breathable and comfortable against skin. Ideal for apparel, quilting, and crafts. Shop poly-cotton broadcloth.
80/20 Polyester-Cotton Broadcloth
A blend of 80% polyester and 20% cotton. More wrinkle-resistant and durable than 65/35, with a slightly crisper hand feel. The higher polyester content means less shrinkage and better color retention. Ideal for uniforms, linings, and projects where durability matters most. Shop poly-cotton broadcloth.
100% Cotton Broadcloth
The traditional version — softer and more breathable than blends but wrinkles more easily and may shrink up to 3–5% after washing. Best for quilting purists and garments where natural fiber is preferred.
Broadcloth Fabric Specifications
| Spec | 65/35 Poly-Cotton | 80/20 Polyester-Cotton | 100% Cotton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blend | 65% Polyester, 35% Cotton | 80% Polyester, 20% Cotton | 100% Cotton |
| Width | 58–60 inches | 58–60 inches | 44–45 inches |
| Weight | ~110–130 GSM | ~130 GSM | ~120 GSM |
| Weave | Plain weave | Plain weave | Plain weave |
| Stretch | None | None | None |
| Wrinkle Resistance | Good | Very good | Poor |
| Shrinkage | Minimal | Minimal | 3–5% |
| Machine Washable | Yes | Yes | Yes (pre-wash recommended) |
EOVEA's poly cotton broadcloth is 58–60 inches wide and comes in 19 solid colors, sold by the yard up to 40-yard rolls — a versatile, budget-friendly blend for apparel, quilting, and crafts.
What Is Broadcloth Used For?
Quilting & Patchwork
Broadcloth is a quilter's staple. The tight weave holds seams well, the smooth surface makes cutting and piecing accurate, and the wide color range (19 solid colors) allows endless design combinations. Pre-wash 100% cotton broadcloth to prevent shrinkage after quilting.
Apparel & Uniforms
Dress shirts, blouses, skirts, school uniforms, and work uniforms. The poly-cotton blend keeps fabric looking crisp throughout the day with minimal ironing. The 80/20 blend is particularly popular for commercial uniforms.
Home Decor
Tablecloths, napkins, curtains, pillowcases, and table runners. Broadcloth provides an elegant yet durable surface for everyday use.
Crafts & School Projects
Tote bags, aprons, banners, embroidery projects, and classroom decorations. Broadcloth is easy to cut, sew, and decorate — making it ideal for beginners and school settings.
Linings & Backings
The smooth, lightweight texture makes broadcloth an excellent lining for bags, jackets, and costumes. It adds a clean interior finish without adding bulk.
Broadcloth vs Other Fabrics
| Feature | Broadcloth | Poplin | Muslin | Quilting Cotton |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weave | Plain weave | Plain weave (finer) | Plain weave (loose) | Plain weave |
| Weight | Light (110–130 GSM) | Light (100–120 GSM) | Very light (70–100 GSM) | Medium (130–150 GSM) |
| Finish | Smooth, slight sheen | Crisp, papery | Soft, matte | Smooth, matte |
| Best For | Quilting, apparel, crafts | Dress shirts, structured garments | Testing, backings, cheese making | Quilts, patchwork |
| Price | Budget-friendly | Moderate | Budget-friendly | Moderate |
For a detailed comparison, see our Broadcloth vs Poplin guide.
How to Choose the Right Broadcloth
- For quilting: 65/35 or 100% cotton. Pre-wash cotton to prevent shrinkage.
- For uniforms & workwear: 80/20 polyester-cotton. More durable, less wrinkling.
- For lightweight garments: 65/35 poly-cotton. Softer hand feel, breathable.
- For crafts & school: Either blend works. Choose based on color availability and budget.
- For linings: 65/35 or 80/20. Lightweight, smooth, and doesn't add bulk.
Care Instructions
- Machine wash warm or cold with mild detergent
- Tumble dry low or hang dry
- Iron on medium heat if needed (poly-cotton wrinkles less)
- Pre-wash 100% cotton broadcloth before cutting to account for shrinkage
- Colors are generally colorfast but wash darks separately for the first wash
Shop Broadcloth Fabric
Browse our broadcloth collections:
- Poly Cotton Broadcloth — 19 solid colors, 58–60" wide, by the yard up to 40-yard rolls
Free U.S. shipping over $49.99 Express from $4.90.
How Much Broadcloth Do You Need?
Broadcloth is 58–60 inches wide, generous enough that a yard covers most projects. Rough estimates (add extra for pattern matching and seams):
- Dress shirt or blouse: about 2½ yards
- Simple skirt: 1½ to 2 yards
- Tablecloth (seats 4–6): 2 to 3 yards
- Tote bag or apron: about 1 yard
- Quilt backing (throw size): 3 to 4 yards
Sewing & Finishing Broadcloth
Broadcloth is one of the friendliest fabrics to sew, with a few simple habits:
- Needle & stitch: a universal 70/10 or 80/12 needle with a 2.5mm stitch length handles this lightweight weave cleanly.
- Finish the edges. Broadcloth frays lightly at raw edges, so zigzag, pink, or serge seam allowances on anything that will be washed often.
- Press as you go. The smooth surface takes a crisp press; poly-cotton needs only medium heat.
- Pre-wash 100% cotton to account for shrinkage; poly-cotton blends shrink very little and can usually be sewn straight off the bolt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does broadcloth wrinkle?
Poly-cotton broadcloth (both 65/35 and 80/20) is wrinkle-resistant and typically does not need ironing. 100% cotton broadcloth wrinkles more easily and may require light pressing.
Is broadcloth good for quilting?
Yes. Broadcloth is one of the most popular quilting fabrics. The tight weave holds seams well, it cuts accurately, and comes in a wide range of solid colors. Use 65/35 poly-cotton or 100% cotton for quilting.
Can I dye broadcloth fabric?
100% cotton broadcloth dyes well with standard fabric dyes (Rit, Dylon). Poly-cotton blends will dye to a lighter shade since polyester fibers resist dye. For the most vibrant results, use 100% cotton.
What needle size should I use for broadcloth?
Use a universal needle in size 70/10 or 80/12. Broadcloth is a lightweight woven fabric, so a standard sharp needle works well. Use a stitch length of 2.5mm for most seams.
How wide is EOVEA broadcloth?
Our poly cotton broadcloth is 58 to 60 inches wide and comes in 19 solid colors, sold by the yard up to 40-yard rolls. The wide cut is handy for quilt backings, tablecloths, and large pattern pieces.
Does broadcloth fray?
Broadcloth frays lightly at raw edges since it is a woven fabric. Finish seam allowances with a zigzag, pinking shears, or a serger on items that will be washed often. It does not fray nearly as much as looser weaves like muslin.
Shop Poly Cotton Broadcloth by the yard
Continuous cuts, no seams. Free U.S. shipping over $49.99.
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