Summer is that season when we naturally long for lightness — in our clothes, in our routines, even in the fabrics we choose. It’s the time when the sun calls for breathable textures, natural fibers, and garments that move freely. As a passionate maker, I have a few go-to materials that I return to again and again when sewing for warm days. Today I want to share my three favorite fabrics for summer: linen, viscose, and double gauze. Each one has its own character and quirks, but all three are deeply connected to the essence of slow, sun-soaked living.
Linen: the elegance of imperfection
If I had to choose only one fabric to sew all summer long, it would be linen. Linen is timeless. It’s natural, light, and breathable. It’s a fabric that doesn’t pretend — it lives, it wrinkles, and it tells a story.
What I love most about linen is how it lets the skin breathe. Its loosely woven fibers wick away moisture and regulate body temperature beautifully. On a hot day, nothing feels more effortless or comfortable. And then there’s the look — the soft texture, the natural drape, the relaxed silhouette. Yes, it wrinkles, and that’s precisely what makes it so charming. Linen embraces the lived-in look with elegance.
When it comes to sewing, linen is quite beginner-friendly. It holds its shape well, doesn’t stretch much, and cuts like a dream. The only thing to watch out for is fraying — the raw edges tend to open up, so it’s important to finish them properly, either with French seams, overlocking, or bias binding. I recommend using pre-washed linen or “washed linen” for a softer touch from the start.
Viscose: liquid movement
Viscose is a completely different world. If linen is the Mediterranean countryside, viscose is a summer night in the city. It’s silky, fluid, and light as air. Viscose is made from wood pulp and transformed into fabric through a semi-synthetic process, giving it both a natural softness and a refined finish.
I adore sewing viscose for its drape. It hugs the body in all the right ways, flows beautifully, and moves with elegance. It’s the perfect fabric for dresses that swirl, wide-leg trousers, or soft tops that catch the breeze. And the best part? The patterns. Viscose is available in thousands of prints — from delicate florals to bold graphic designs.
However, sewing viscose does require a little patience. It can be slippery when cutting, and it tends to fray. I suggest using sharp, fine pins or fabric clips, a new needle (preferably size 70 or 80), and taking your time. Use a rotary cutter if possible, and always stabilize your fabric before stitching. The result is absolutely worth the effort.
Double gauze: soft and dreamy
The third fabric in my summer trio is double gauze. Made from two thin layers of cotton lightly tacked together, it feels like air and wraps the skin like a whisper. This fabric has a slightly crinkled texture that gives it a relaxed, poetic look.
What I love about double gauze is how soft it is — without being clingy. It’s breathable, comfortable, and doesn’t need lining. It’s perfect for oversized blouses, baby-doll dresses, or loungewear. It’s the kind of fabric you want to wear barefoot, with salt in your hair and no plan for the day.
In terms of sewing, double gauze behaves fairly well — but you do need to be gentle. It can stretch a little when cut or pressed too hard. I recommend avoiding over-pinning and using clips or fabric weights instead. It’s best to lean into its softness and not force it into overly structured garments. Simple lines, loose fits, and clean finishes will highlight its beauty.
Over time, double gauze may relax and grow slightly. It’s a living fabric, which makes it all the more lovable.
How to choose?
Each of these three fabrics brings a different energy to summer sewing. Linen gives structure, viscose offers fluidity, and double gauze invites comfort. It really depends on the mood of your project. A structured wrap skirt? Go with linen. A flowy blouse? Viscose is your friend. A soft top to wear at home or on a creative retreat? Double gauze, every time.
You can even mix them — a double gauze top paired with linen shorts, or a viscose lining inside a linen dress. The key is to play, experiment, and let your hands (and heart) guide you.
Projects to try
If you want to start simple, here are some easy summer projects for each fabric:
- In linen: a short elasticated skirt, a boxy top, a relaxed jumpsuit.
- In viscose: a wrap dress, a cami top, a flowy maxi skirt.
- In double gauze: an oversized blouse, a pair of comfy shorts, or even a robe for warm mornings.
Soon, I’ll be sharing free downloadable patterns and step-by-step video tutorials for each of these projects — all designed with comfort, ease, and joy in mind.
In conclusion
Summer sewing is not about perfection. It’s about enjoying the process. Feeling the fabric slide under your fingers. Listening to the hum of the machine while the sun pours through the window. Linen, viscose, and double gauze are, for me, the fabrics of summer freedom. They breathe. They move. They forgive.
And if one day you feel like taking your sewing machine somewhere a little sunnier… I’ll be in Dubai this autumn, hosting creative retreats under the desert sky. Maybe you’ll come and stitch with me?
