Fabric for different seasons - HOT or NOT??

I'm sure you know the fabric I pick for summer in Australia isn't going to do much for you in Scottish winter! So how do we pick the right fabric to keep us cool or hot?
There's nothing worse than making what you think will be a cool, breezy, floaty summer blouse and then when you wear it, you feel like you're melting in a plastic bag right?
There are a few factors for fabric to help us know if it's going to make a garment that's cool or hot to wear!
And if you didn't know already, learning about fabrics is a whole other thing we need to learn alongside our sewing skills!
Knowing what fibre makes up the fabric helps us decide as natural fibres handle heat and moisture differently to synthetics.
Our bodies are little furnaces always giving out heat and fibres like wool are exceptionally good for retaining heat and keeping us warm.
No matter what, we are always producing moisture and having our clothes wick that away from us is important and natural fibres are perfect for that! They absorb the moisture, cool it down and evaporate it away from us.
Synthetics, such as polyester, are essentially just plastic so they lock the moisture into our skin and we just dissolve into clammy puddles!
Another thing to look at is the weave of the fabric, is it loose or tight? You'll have seen those sheets with like 1000 thread count right?
That means that there are 1000 threads in every square inch of fabric - the higher that count, the tighter the weave so the harder it is for heat and moisture to escape, the looser the fabric the easier it is instead.
Clamminess is my enemy so I sew to avoid that! What's your favourite season to sew for? Do you have any tips or fabrics to maintain your perfect temperature?
*Learn about fabrics and how to choose them with me at VINTAGE SEWING SCHOOL : www.vintagesewingschool.com
and even take a free class!
// LINKS:
* Get my SEWING GUIDES
The best topics, tips, and tricks I talk about, in order, organized and all searchable! evelynwood.retrieve.com/store/#/
*My favourite SEWING SUPPLIES: www.amazon.com/shop/evelynwoodtv
*Sign up for my newsletter and get free access to my crash course to learn to sew! www.evelynwood.com.au/signup
// WHAT TO WATCH NEXT:
Sewing with polyester vs cotton.... is there a difference? A side-by-side sewing test!
• Sewing with polyester ...
4 FABRICS ALL SEWING BEGINNERS SHOULD AVOID! (*don't make learning to sew harder than it has to be!)
• 4 FABRICS ALL SEWING B...
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FABRIC FOR THE RIGHT SEWING PATTERN! ✂Know what you're ACTUALLY looking for!
• HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGH...
TO PRE-WASH OR NOT TO PRE-WASH YOUR FABRIC BEFORE SEWING??? Why do I have to pre-wash fabric anyway?
• TO PRE-WASH OR NOT TO ...
HOW to pre-washing your fabric before sewing in 4 steps, so you don't ruin all your hard work!
• HOW to pre-washing you...
// FOLLOW me on my other social media channels:
INSTAGRAM: / evelyn__wood
WEBSITE: www.evelynwood.com.au
FACEBOOK: / evelynwoodvintage
*Some of these links are affiliate links and I may earn a small commission from them. I thank you so much for using them, as when you do it helps support me and this channel so I can keep making these free videos for you.
…
#sewingforbeginners #learntosew #vintagesewingschool #beginnersewing #garmentsewing #sewingmistakes #sewingtoiles #sewingmockup #sewingpractise #memadeclothes #fabricweights #fabrictemperatures #sewingforweather #lightweightfabrics #fabricsforcoldtemperature #evelynwood

[@jirup]

I hope you are doing ok Evelyn.

[@vidhoard]

How are your videos always so incredibly informative and exactly what I need in my sewing journey? Your channel is so underrated, anyone who comes across it is lucky to find it! I am praying for your journey by the way! ❤

[@evelyncasagrande6374]

Hope you are doing well, I'm a breast Ca survivor. Three & half yrs, so far so good. Am back to sewing to keep busy, I love your videos, so informative, am making simple tops, nightgown, simple but challenging also, have not sewn much in last few years. It is spring here, have chosen light cotton for top & gauze for nightgown, type used for baby swaddling, I know it will be cool. I am encouraged to keep at it.

[@jillymills1]

Hope you are doing ok thank you for uploading more content. Thinking of you ❤

[@Tania-xu7xe]

For winter I wear Wool lined with silk. It's a great combination for keeping warm but also very comfy. And summer viscose, light cotton or linen lined with a thin cotton muslin. I also have some very light weight wool which is also excellent for keeping cool in summer, although you wouldn't think so. 🥰🤗

[@vanickinela]

Wool is magical!!!

[@lynleighturner4114]

Hope your are doing well Evelyn. You’ve got this. Can’t wait for you to be back.

[@aprilday668]

Thank you, Evelyn. Hope you're doing well. X

[@alisonhughes2164]

Lovely to see your smiley face again Evelyn. hope all your treatment is going well.

[@marciahighsmith4820]

I’m hoping you are doing fine, I hope your chemo is going well with few side effects. We all are rooting for you and quick recovery.

[@rosac8168]

So good to see you Evelyn hope your well ❤

[@bkukubo]

Love your videos as always. Thank you so much for prerecording them so that we can have content from your channel to watch. I do hope your treatment is going well and praying for your recovery. We can't wait to see you when your treatment is complete and you are in remission!🙏

[@lestranged]

For cold weather, the warmest I have found (without being too bulky or heavy) is silk long underwear with a cashmere sweater over it. And then some kind of outerwear that is wind and rainproof. Both silk and cashmere are the warmest fibers *for their weight*. Silk long underwear is so thin and light, you barely know it's there, but it had great insulating properties. For summer, you just can't beat linen.

[@patriciabochko367]

Praying that you are doing well so far in your healing journey! Love all of your videos and how much information you instill. Love you and sending you much love hugs and prayers 💜💜💜

[@looloo4029]

Thinking of you every day and hoping all is going well with your treatment xx

[@tygerlily1700]

Thank you💝 Be Blessed 🌻🌻🌻

[@The_momur]

My favorite summer fabric is Hawaiian cotton tapa. It’s all cotton, the weave is very loose, yet it provides excellent coverage.

[@xblade1x1x]

love your heart. dear Ms Wood you well be a survivor. you have Earned your wings a long time ago. God bless you dear Lady

[@vickismallwood2082]

First sending Blessing your way. Second I needed this video in my life as it's starting to get in the upper 80s now and I am trying to decide on what material is best to stay cooler with. Third and most importantly I love your videos so much. Thank you Evelyn for all you do. Please take care and know I am sending prayers your way everyday.

[@sandiesewcrafty]

Thank you for all your teachings. Praying for you my friend.

[@sarahlarson8335]

As someone who lives where winters can get extremely cold and sometimes deliberately goes outside for activities in that weather, if you're going to be active in winter weather, cotton holds moisture. Anything that keeps moisture near your body is definitely your enemy in the cold. I love cotton for everyday clothing, but if you're looking for something to help you keep warm while being active in a cold climate, I always reach for wool. For summer, there is light wool, especially merino, but I also like rayon for more active wear. This only applies to clothes you're really planning to possibly sweat in, so otherwise, I enjoy cotton and other natural fibers for everyday clothing.

[@vivenna]

Totally agree! Anyone drying a thick cotton hoodie or any cotton rib knit probably noticed how long it takes to fully dry. That’s another good indicator to check how the fabric will perform - wool dries super quickly

[@floatinglotuswomenswellness]

Hoping your treatments are going well and that you are finding small joys in the midst of chaos.

[@alicedolan5636]

Thank you for sharing this. I hope you are doing well and I’m keeping you in my prayers. 🙏

[@torakfett3351]

I have to worry about all 4 Seasons but the weather also changes frequently. I also struggle with chronic illness with leaves me feeling hot & cold, sometime simultaneously. I'm a complete beginner sewist, haven't sewn any clothing yet. This Summer I am determined to make myself some comfortable clothing.

[@meganmills6545]

Layering is a great technique for you - I have a similar problem but for different reasons and try to wear clothes that breathe well (so I don't end up feeling alternately sticky and hot or clammy and cold throughout the day). I always have big wool shawl with me year-round. It's easy to sling on when I feel chilly and take off when I get hot. Mine is huge so if necessary I can use it as a blanket. Mine's a big square I wear it folded as a triangle. I can alter how I fold it - even covering my head if needed. I've also knit myself a non-itchy tuck-in scarf that can be worn around the neck or head for the times I get "miserable" cold. That I usually take about with me in Winter. A large square silk scarf would do the same job.

[@SistahRev]

Sad to hear that others are “hot-cold-hot” afflicted similar to myself! Layering is my go-to strategy as well… I’m partial to cotton, cotton blends, rayon and other soft fibers since my sensitive skin finds even merino wool slightly scratchy, and many synthetics unbearable. So I spend the day perpetually removing then re-adding layers, and am thereby able to be comfy most of the time. I’m learning to sew in hopes that I can do all this FAR more stylishly in my favored fabrics, than current trends & prices in retail permit me to do. Best wishes to all of you!🤗🌺

[@lindagraceb1]

I have the same problem. I am 100% certain I have chronic fatigue syndrome and sweat profusely then get the cold shivers. Polycotton is probably the most synthetic I can wear and only in winter. I go for cotton drill for pants sometimes a blend but only for winter in Qld. I totally understand how you feel. I often have to change my underwear I sweat so much. Bonds cottontails are the best and before you say granny undies they are vintage undies to me because they are pretty close to what was worn in the 1940's which is my favourite fashion period.❤

[@rowinamediastini7839]

Yes, so do I... I have breast cancer and since then, I can't bear the heat from the sun... With 23'C air temperature in Hamburg Germany, I felt like 'am burning... I stay most all the time under the shadow (in the end of spring & in the whole summer time)... Sadly that I can't swim or sunbuthe anymore... Instead I choose now the cool fabrics to sew and to wear... And layering fashion is the best for me too, no matter its in the winter or summer 👍 !

[@donnabeard9344]

Hope everything is going ok with your health issues. I really enjoy your videos

[@miaochs7716]

Hopefully you doing well. Thinking of you. I feel you will do well I know it. Best wishes

[@carolhill9934]

Very good information. So glad to see you. Hope you are doing ok Evelyn.😊

[@daxxydog5777]

Great info! I hope you’re doing well with your treatments. I had BC 20 years ago and I always tell people, chemo isn’t great, but it’s do-able.

[@marilynbook4211]

I find that store bought clothes all have spandex in them and it holds the heat like crazy. Great for the winter but not the summer. I just made 2 pair of shorts 100% cotton and I will be wearing them soon. Hope you are keeping well and will be back with us soon.

[@mslaura488]

Been following for a long time but more so now. I sincerely hope you are progressing well in treatment. I hope it has not been to rough on you. Sending healing blessings to you. 💖

[@bigbucketlist]

Informative and extremely useful as always! Amazing how much I'm learning about stuff I had absolutely no idea I needed (and really wanted!) to know! THANKS!

[@constancejackson7986]

So happy to see you and you look great. I hope you are doing well. Still praying for you love!

[@GhostofMrsMuir1443]

Thanking about you Evelyn and I know you’re going to get through this horrible disease. Blessing from America.

[@marydogface]

I hope your health journey is going well. I've had BC 14 years ago. I understand how scary it can be. Best wishes.

[@trishgrant2715]

Sports fabrics are an exception. Largely synthetic but engineered to wick well and remain cool but also supportive and very comfortable to wear.

[@ellenfoley1993]

Great info. Hope you are feeling well,

[@karenhorton2345]

i am praying for you

[@yuuri9064]

You're a wonderful teacher, Evelyn. Best wishes to you! I'd never thought about thread count for sewing. So many people use old bedsheets to sew but they never looked quite right at the thrift store - the yarns kind of stood out. Now I know it's because the thread count was too low! Clamminess is definitely an enemy for me too. I hate the plastic bag feel a lot of synthetics have, both in texture and in use. It's so hard to find natural fibres in clothes. (Socks have to be mostly cotton for me)

[@annaaccardo9988]

Hi Evelyn, God bless you and give you strength!

[@floodgates182]

For summer my favourite fabric is cotton musselin or double gauze. Feels like wearing nothing at all, while still providing protection against the sun. For years I've really wanted to try wool silk jersey, but that's so expensive! I'm not there, yet.

[@SparkyOne549]

I hoping that your treatment is mild on you. I hope that you have a great support system behind you. You got this!

[@miaochs7716]

Show us those head wraps with pride and style

[@tinahenderson9990]

Great video! I live in Oregon, so no humidity but it can be very rainy. I wear a lot of tee-shirts and tend to layer. As for sewing clothing, I tried a couple tops that did not work out well. I'm getting ready to try again. Hope you are doing well 🙏❤

[@yolandarowe3094]

Thanks for helping with matching fabric to climate. Wishing you speedy healing and recovery, @Evelyn__Wood.

[@pollydolly9723]

Sending you warm wishes Evelyn!

[@cwfan2]

Thread count is per square inch. We are going into summer here in Missouri. Our summers are unbearably hot.

[@whiskerbiscuit6209]

Yes today and tomorrow are going to be wretched

[@jirup]

Only in the US, in Aus thread count is per 10cm2 (3.16cm x 3.16cm).

[@bigbucketlist]

It depends on the producer, seller and market. Inches are the imperial variant, not very useful for everyday customers outside of the united states, where the metric cm² or dm² would be more reasonable. I hope this summer is as kind as possible to you, I live in Scandinavia and even the summers here are too much for me!

[@jeannettegory8185]

I wish I had discovered linen earlier. Now that I live in the United Arab Emirates, I want all my clothes to be made of linen. It has enough heft to keep me warm in the cooler winter months and wicks a lot to keep me cool in the summer heat. I've also read it's more environmentally friendlier than cotton so it's a winner for me all around.

[@pampeterson5547]

Wishing you well Evelyn … it’s lovely to see you smiling … take care of you Fabulous video content too Cold is my problem … I feel the cold severely … be well … with love and prayers 💜💜💜

[@emmaaustin123]

thank you for making this video. I smile when I think of the learning curve that I have made through fabric choices.

[@nicholasfield6127]

I live in the United States Midwest. It can get to 100f during the summer and down to -20f in the winter. It usually stays between 10f and 85f

[@susanclotfelter7247]

Here in the Western mountains of the US we are all about layers and temperatures can vary 40 degrees between night and day or from rain to shine. We also have an expression, "cotton kills," especially heavy cotton because it gets wet and stays wet, stealing body heat. We wear a lot of Australian merino to keep warm! And lots of linen in summer.

[@Sheri...]

Great topic Evelyn! Hope you are doing okay.

[@ReallyJillRogoff]

So clear and helpful. Thank-you, Evelyn. I go for natural fibres as much as I can, all year round.

[@fortysomethingbadgirls2173]

I appreciate this one. I have so many different types of fabric. Watching all your thrift shopping videos to recap on the fabrics you chose. Prayers up and always keeping you in my prayers.

[@victoriahannah1633]

I live on the S.E coast. Right now our weather is pretty good. Chilly in the morning but then warms up to around the 60’s to 70’s. Summer though hot & muggy. One of our news advisors says “ air so thick you can wear it.” Thanks for the tips. You remain in my prayers.

[@Joy-eq6qg]

Now to convince these kids about cooler fabrics for summer! Hoping your treatments are going well!

[@randomcat4052]

Heat and humidity are my worst enemy. Southern USA and I'm a Nord by ancestry. I wish we lived up north....I can do cold. This heat kills me. Lots of flowy cotton and Linen for me

[@gloryanna365]

Thoughts and prayers dear one. Thanks for the great info!

[@mnels5214]

Love this video, thank you! I had no idea how comfortable wool could be in the summer until I tried a lightweight wool...so wonderful. I hope you are hanging in there, Evelyn.

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

I’m in Canada so there’s lots of variety in temperature. Hope your doing well.

[@ooppii1]

I have literally just googled this a few days ago

[@geminisabah]

Haven't seen you in a bit, I hope you are doing alright and that the treatments aren't too heavy on you. Sending out many Well Wishes and Healing Energy ❤

[@valerystclair4022]

I also do not like to be clammy whether it’s in hot weather or cool weather. Clamminess with cool weather makes you more cold and in warm weather it makes you well, just yuck.

[@Sparkle-ButterFly]

I am in the process of trashing all of my polyester fabrics that I wear/use on a daily basis. I'm upgrading to silk, natural cotton, wool and linen for my clothes and bedding. My clothes and bedding will not have any colors because I am also eliminating AZO dyes. The beautiful colorful prints is the only thing I will miss about the polyester toxic fabric.

[@lucillemizuno671]

I enjoy your videos very much. Never too old to learn something new.

[@June-yu4vt]

Great to see you back Evelyn.

[@Escape10mom]

Living in South Florida I like more natural fibers, cotton, double gauze, lol Ben viscose, Rayon challis. Double brushed poly I only wear in the winter as it is too hot normally.

[@ahlimahs]

I'm from Winnipeg where it can get to -40C in the winter & +40C in the summer. It's not very wet here but the wind can get crazy, so I'm often looking for a lot of different qualities in fabric. For warmth, I can't recommend corduroy enough. It's surprisingly good for winter outerwear. The ridges hold enough air to be insulating, a good quality corduroy will be quite windproof, and if you deal with powdery snow, it sheds off easily. It's not great in wet snow, though, it acts like Velcro 😁

[@JB-vd8bi]

Interesting! Thanks for sharing. I live in the subtropics, I know zero about winter wear lol

[@janehollander1934]

Totally agree👍🏻, that it can amaze🫢 me (those of us that: sew our own clothes), how peole/friends, that don't sew, almost know nothing about vibers & fabrics. When it comes to the kind of materials their storebought clothes are made out of. And why certain fabrics are "bad" or unpleasant to wear, at certain times of the year. ✌🏻

[@terrieschafer8092]

Thinking of you and praying 🙏 that the treatment is going well ! Also that you are doing ok with the treatment 😊

[@maureencullen1008]

This was informative but in a way that is easy to understand.Brilliamt as always. Sending my love x

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

I love wool, but even the best quality makes me itch. My goal is to perfect my skill at lining. Thanks for all your tips!

[@meganmills6545]

If you haven't already, have you thought of making yourself a set of something like full slip and a full slip with sleeves (just whatever makes sense for your wardrobe) out of silk or Bemberg rayon, to wear under your clothes that are not lined? I don't wear trousers but if I did I'd even make something similar to pyjama bottoms to do the same job as a slip under them. :-)

[@Kolemjen]

Try alpaca.

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

@@meganmills6545Most of what I wear since retiring is outdoor wear. I have a silk base layer, but it inevitably shifts. Also, at the end of a warm day I like throwing on a long sleeve over shirt, without needing a new under shirt. Basically lazy. 😂

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

@@KolemjenYou made me curious, so I did some research. Sounds like a dreamy fabric. I'll hint to the kids that yardage would make a great Christmas gift.

[@ginahamel4053]

Ive been praying for you. Glad to see you looking well,

[@alisonking5730]

This topic is so relevant here in Canada where there are temperature extremes. Definitely would want to match the fabric to the season making a garment. Thinking of you here in Manitoba. I hope everything is going well.

[@love_myfam]

Light cottons and linen for warm weather are my go to fabrics. And soft wools and thicker natural fibers for cold definitely.

[@tericmaxwell2487]

Thank you ! My climate here in Buffalo NY varies a lot.

[@pjacksreads536]

Thanks fabric selection is definitely learned over time and experience. Thanks for sharing

[@hp77]

🤗 Hey girl looking good, sending positive vibes your way.

[@julieharwood8570]

Very informative Evelyn. Sadly in the past I've purchased polyester fabrics which are so uncomfortable when I have my hot sweats. I will definitely make better choices in future. Sending positive vibes your way 👍

[@deesteynberg4945]

Hi Evelyn, I am sure I am not the only person wondering how you are doing. Please could you, when you feel up to it off course, post a short video to let us know how you are doing and I know it is about your personal issues, but for those of us who watch your videos and learn from you and enjoy your posts, feel like you are part of our lives? Please know that I am praying for you. Sending much love always ♡♡♡

[@erinrj]

as much as I live in Canada with a whole mixture of seasons and temperatures all year round 🥵🥶 my main thing is always keeping natural fibers around no matter the season as I'm someone with ADHD and heightened sensitivities.

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

When working dirty jobs any time of the year, I wear Nurse's Scrubs. Most Nurse's Scrubs fit loosely, are comfortable, are modest, are designed to wick moisture away, and they dry in five minutes (or less) while still on my body. However, not all Nurses Scrubs are made of the same fabrics. I wish I could buy the fabric that my favorite scrubs are made from by the yard (to make my own garments and quilts). However, I have to settle for 100% quilting cottons (unless I find something second hand that I can make over). Last week I found a 100% Linen dress at Goodwill.

[@ccrisc100]

Thanks. This helps

[@juilahenry1807]

You are so appreciated. Blessings.

[@shanaryan4594]

I would be interested to know how a a bamboo viscose would fall on the moisture wicking spectrum. I crochet with it, but haven’t made any garments yet. There are some nice bamboo + cotton blend yarns out there, but I haven’t ever really heard of anything comparable in the sewing fabric world.

[@patriciabarton1743]

Great info.

[@sheilaanderson9611]

Very interesting. Many thanks xxx

[@rubinatariq9692]

Wish you best of health

[@annamaxflair]

lovely video , make the week great

[@AnonZero0]

*Thank you.* *Smiles* *and* *Hugs*

[@helenedesmarais8697]

Just in time. I just bought for close to 500$ can for the coming summer and ALL are in cotton-silk at 97% or more and 3% spandex for pants comfort. For the breathebility, i take a corner and blow through. very telling. wool particularly for coats ( at -30F ) . Do the blowing test. You might be surprised. Take care. Hope everything is not to bad under the circumstances.

[@carom7960]

That's a really good idea, blowing through the fabric. Hadn't thought about it. Giggling though at the idea of all the people now blowing through fabric at the shops...😅

[@helenedesmarais8697]

@@carom7960 You do it very discretly SShhh.🤫

[@Bean_Box_Knitting]

There is always something extra to learn from you. 😊

[@luni153]

Hi, thank you for this, really good topic. I live in Scotland but travel home to hotter climate in Europe often so in need of both types of clothes. I really struggle with choice as I am allergic to sun so try to stay as covered as possible but am also very hot often due to wearing full leg compression stocking. Choice of fabric is essential for me.

[@kymmhinterberger3856]

Thank you

[@sewterie]

Thank you for sharing this. I struggle with fabric choices often.

[@karenhorton2345]

love love love rayon in summer- woven and knit

[@mollydodger]

Thank you for this! This is something I still struggle with, so this was extremely helpful.

[@gigi3242]

Thank you for the video

[@terryhenderson424]

In the US, its thread count per inch for sheets.

[@lisaforte1575]

God bless you, dear lady. 🙏🏼 🩷

[@caroledanford342]

I'm praying for you Evelyn❤