Fabrics

The fabric determines what the model eventually looks like. This way, you can create many different styles with just one model. But why do different fabrics have such a different look and feel? And how can you make an environmentally and socially responsible choice? On this page you can find a short overview of the different types of fibre, quality labels, fabric types and a list of fabric shops.

Types of fibre

The raw materials that are used for the fabric production.

Cotton

Natural fibre made from the cotton plant.

Linen

Natural fibre made from the flax plant.

Viscose

Semi-natural fibre made from wood cellulose.

Silk

Natural fibre made from the natural protein produced by the silkworm.

Modal

Semi-natural fibre made from wood cellulose of the beech.

Bamboo

Semi-natural fibre made from bamboo cellulose or natural fibre made from bamboo. Has antibacterial characteristics.

Lyocell

Semi-natural fibre made from wood cellulose of the eucalyptus tree. Has antibacterial characteristics.

Polyester

Generic term for fabrics that are entirely made from synthetic fibres.

Quality labels

Recognised labels for socially and ecologically responsible production.

GOTS

The production happens in a environmentally and socially responsible manner, from beginning to end. No GMO's, chemical fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides are used, the cotton fields are traceable, and the water management happens in a reasonable and controlled manner. Furthermore this label checks if the labour conditions are according to the standards set by the UN.

For the production of biological cotton no GMO's, chemical fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides are used, the cotton fields are traceable, and the water management happens in a reasonable and controlled manner.

Oekotex

Oekotex® standard 100: The fabric is tested for substances that are harmful for human health, so for the worker as well as for the customer. This way, many substances that are harmful for the environment are also indirectly banned.

The entire chain of production is closed. This means that all water, chemical additives, decolourants etc. are captured and reused or safely disposed of, so they don't end up in nature. Furthermore, the wood cellulose comes from beech or eucalyptus from sustainable forestry, and chemical substances are replaced by natural materials.

The great fabric hunt

Give your garment an extra personal touch by searching for the fabric yourself. If you've never been to a fabric shop I highly recommend doing so. It's always very inspiring for me! Take your mother, friend, brother or sister and treat yourself!

Before you buy a fabric you should know how much and what type of fabric you need. Of course, I will advise you and give you all necessary information. Feel free to send me a link if you found a fabric you like, so I can tell you if it's suited or not.

Below you can find a few shops and markets where you can find nice fabrics for any budget. There's an incredible amount of fabric shops though, so don't hesitate to have a look around on the internet.

Brussels

Berger, Kazernestraat 84, 1000 Brussel: Here you can find many different types of fabric, from basic cotton and viscose jersey in beautiful plain colours, to furnishing fabric, and all for very good prices.
Maison des Tissus, Elsensesteenweg 117, 1050 Elsene: Here you can find many fashion fabrics of different qualities (i.a. Italian), but also beautiful silks, all for very decent prices.
Maison Dorée, Elsensesteenweg 14, 1050 Elsene: A big shop with mainly fashion fabrics, but also bridal fabrics en excellent quality woolen fabrics.
Les Tissus du Chien Vert, Groene Hondstraat 2, 1080 Sint-Jans-Molenbeek: One of the most beautiful fabric shops I’ve seen, worth paying a visit just for the décor. All types of fabric, decent prices, and even a clearance corner.
Le Chien du Chien, Koolmijnenkaai 50a 1080 Sint-Jans-Molenbeek: The fantastic décor continues! At this shop you’ll mostly find furnishing fabrics, but also leather, silk and other exclusive fabrics.
Nostex Joyce, Waversesteenweg 790, 1040 Etterbeek
Zondagmarkt Zuid, Rond het Zuidstation in Brussel 9u-13u: Here you can find quite a lot of stalls selling fabrics for very low prices.

Leuven

Pauli stoffen, Mechelsestraat 14, 3000 Leuven: Small shop but big offer for decent prices.
Stoffenspektakel, Brabanthal, Brabantlaan 1, 3001 Leuven: This fabric fair travels around and comes to the Brabanthal every couple of months. You can easily spend a couple of hours browsing the big amount of fabric and sewing supplies stalls.

Limburg (NL)

Donderdagmarkt Sittard, Markt Sittard, 9u-13u: This is where it all started for me. The big range of fabric types and prices guaranteed I always found something that inspired me or could practice with.
Vrijdagmarkt Maastricht, Markt en Hoenderstraat Maastricht, 9u-15u: A weekly market with a few fabric stalls.
Nostex, Luikersteenweg 9, 3500 Hasselt

Lea Athene