‘Wicken’ softly-textured black & red plaid cotton fabric

We really didn’t know what to think when we picked this fabric up for the first time. Our first impression was an incredible softness but if you’d quizzed us as to the composition we’d have been stuck. In fact it’s a cotton fabric – albeit one with a complex weave and a gentle texture that sets it apart from your average plaid fabric. We think it would be perfect as a cross-season shacket – it has the feel and heft of a light-to-medium weight flannel which will keep you warm and will layer with style.

What kind of fabric is this?

Our black & red plaid cotton fabric is just what it says – a 100% cotton fabric woven into a checked pattern using combination of plain and herringbone weave patterns. The yarns are are very soft and the black yarn is slightly slubbed which along with the complex weave, gives this fabric a sense of depth as well as texture. This is a fabric with near-total opacity which we’d describe as at least a medium weight suiting fabric in terms of substance although it’s nowhere near as heavy in terms of sheer weight, as it might appear.

What does this fabric feel like?

So, so soft. As in, the definition of soft. Also you’ll want to know that the two sides of this cloth are almost indistinguishable in appearance, although you’ll want to make sure you cut your pattern pieces consistently using the same surface as your outer. It will be very smooth and comfortable if worn next to the skin as a jacket collar for instance – no scratchiness here!

How does this fabric move?

This is a well-structured fabric, moving with elegance and falling into softly-structured and angled folds. It’s pliable and stable to work with. You can see how it moves and drapes in 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.

Will I need to line this fabric?

You don’t have to line this fabric – both sides are well-finished and a simple shacket wouldn’t have to be lined (although your seams and edges would need to be bound or stitched). However a lining would help with warmth and movement against layers worn underneath.

What can I make with this fabric?

Shackets as mentioned, pinafores, casual jackets and even colder-weather trousers would all be options for this black and red plaid cotton fabric. Also there’d be nothing to stop you going with a warm winter skirt – either in an A-line or a short skirt atop opaque tights and boots. We’re fans of the ‘Fairmount’ Shacket by Hey June Handmade which has just the right level of relaxed styling for this laid-back fabric.

Sustainability

As plant-based fibres, cotton is a natural product that can be grown easily. Garments tend to be strong and durable and can be recycled. However current production levels of cotton will be increasingly difficult to sustain, especially when large amounts of water are used to process cotton fabrics.

Deadstock? ✅

Organic? ❎

OEKO-TEX standard? ❎

Fabric width

148cm

Fabric composition

100% cotton

Fabric preparation

Machine wash separately at 30º or 40º

Fabric care

Machine wash at 30º or 40º. See our Fabric care pages for more information.