Broadcloth is a very sturdy and tightly woven fabric that is also soft to the touch and easy to work with. Traditionally made from 100% wool or cotton, it is available in a poly/cotton blend as well.
A very versatile fabric, broadcloth can be used to create men’s and women’s apparel such as shirts and blouses. It can be found in just about any color and pattern making it a very popular fabric for crafters and quilters and can be used for many home decorating projects as well.
It is available in the standard 44” width or a 58” width for upholstery projects. Buying broadcloth by the bolt is a good idea if you have a large project. These broadcloth bolts will insure that your fabric is all from the same dye lot which will avoid any color variances. This is especially important when upholstering furniture or making draperies.
There are variations to be aware of when purchasing broadcloth fabric. For example, muslin is an un-dyed broadcloth fabric that is used to make patterns or templates for upholstery and apparel. It can also be used to make pillow forms. Chintz is another form of broadcloth that has been printed and glazed to create a shiny look. It is most often associated with fussy home decorating. Think of your grandmother’s living room with the overstuffed, floral chairs and sofa. Little girl’s party dresses can also be made from chintz.