‘Blyth’ dark olive stretch cotton twill fabric

This dark olive stretch cotton twill fabric is a fabulous-quality fabric – it’s another of our ex-designer finds from an Italian manufacturer. What has us foxed though, is that the behaviour of this fabric is markedly different from our usual stretch cotton twill. It’s a solid medium-weight example of its kind, yet it’s noticeably more pliable, almost (but not quite) a draping fabric. It certainly has a less utilitarian, more dressed-up feel than we’ve come to expect of these wonderfully-versatile fabrics.

What kind of fabric is this?

This is a good medium-weight cotton twill fabric that manages to be both durable and refined. It has the distinctive diagonal twill weave that you’d expect. Although there’s some elastane in the composition, it’s only 2% – enough to give a little ease – nothing more.

What does this fabric feel like?

Our dark olive stretch cotton twill fabric is a finely-woven fabric with a very slightly textured, yet refined feel. It’s pliable and will be easy to work with. We think it will be perfectly comfortable next to the skin as trousers or a fitted dress.

How does this fabric move?

This is very definitely not a draping fabric in the usual sense – but one with more movement than the average stretch cotton twill. It still manages to hold a shape well and has an elegant structure, as you can see from this video.

NOTE: Our videos are intended to show the movement of a fabric. For accurate colour and pattern detail, please refer to our still images.

Do I need to line this fabric?

This is an opaque fabric; trousers or a utility skirt; even a casual coat or jacket won’t require lining, although visible seams will need to be finished well. However for more structured jackets or formal garments, a lining will add structure and will help with movement across the body as well as taking them on and off easily..

What can I make with this fabric?

Trousers, skirts, jackets and simple summer coats are all options. Pinafore dresses will also work well. Our dark olive stretch cotton twill fabric has just a little ease as noted – cut a pair of trousers down the length of the fabric as you usually would, and your cigarette pants, clamdiggers, capri crops – or whatever your legwear of choice happens to be – will give just a little bit although you’ll want to build in some ease too.

Controversially, we think a cross-season coat would be a fabulous way of using this fabric’s undoubted qualities. The ‘Sapporo’ Coat from Papercut Patterns would make use of the balance it strikes between structure and drape – resulting in a timeless wardrobe staple.

Fabric width

145cm

Fabric composition

98% cotton, 2% elastane

Fabric care

Machine wash at 40 degrees but we recommend dry-cleaning lined garments. Find out more on our About our fabric pages.