Fabrics With Jenny : Bamboo Fabric Explained

Hello Stitchers!

This week saw an exciting new arrival in the shop, a gorgeous range of Bamboo Jerseys in eight beautiful colour ways.

Buy you might be asking, what is it used for? Why is it so special? Let's dive in!

**Spoiler alert - it's not just for Koala bears**

What is Bamboo Jersey?

Made from the pulp of bamboo grass, bamboo fabric is silky smooth and has a beautiful drape. It feels very similar to viscose jersey.

Bamboo jersey has antibacterial properties, wicks away moisture and have odour resistant properties, which makes it excellent for sports wear and undergarments.

As it is such a soft natural fibre, it is ideal for people with skin sensitivities.

What is Bamboo Jersey used for?

Bamboo jersey is truly versatile, and can be used for a range of garments.

• Dresses - Due to its soft handle and fluid drape, bamboo dresses hang beautifully whilst retaining comfort and warmth.
• Tops & layers - Between the softness, odour resistance and moisture wicking, bamboo jersey is the perfect candidate for layering pieces such as t-shirts and every day tops.
• Underwear & Nightwear - Silky soft and snuggly, a pair of bamboo pyjamas or knickers would feel beautiful next to the skin.

Which Needle Should I Use For Bamboo Jersey?

• As it is a knit fabric, bamboo is best sewn with a ballpoint or stretch needle. It is lightweight, so a 70/10 needle size is recommended.

Sewing Tips for Bamboo Jersey

• Use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter when cutting out to ensure accurate cutting.
• Bamboo jersey should be sewn with a small zig zag stitch or a lighting bolt stitch depending on your machine.
• Edges can be left raw as knit fabrics do not fray, however they can be finished with a zig stitch or overlocking if preferred.
• Depending on your machine, a walking foot may be useful to help stabilise the fabric whilst sewing.
• As bamboo jersey is quite fluid, it is a little more slippery than a cotton jersey,  be sure to use plenty of pins or fabric clips to keep all the layers aligned.

Project and Pattern Ideas For Bamboo Jersey

Here's a few of my favourite project ideas:

The Cashmerette Appleton dress is ideal to keep you cosy whilst put together this autumn/winter.

The Tilly and the Buttons Agnes Top is a perfect layering piece (in fact I've got one on my sewing table as I type!)

Bamboo jersey is perfect for underwear, why not treat the man in your life to Comox Trunks?

You know I love my pyjamas! Winter is coming, and it's time to get cosy. Simplicity 9455 is the perfect family pyjama pattern for adults and children.

I hope this blog helped to de-mystify bamboo fabric for you and hopefully you'll be planning a project using it soon!