Types of Fabric: What Is Modal Fabric and How Do You Care for It?

If you're just starting to sew, you'll be discovering a huge world full of possibilities. And not just possibilities, but also techniques, words, and materials you may not be familiar with. For example: types of fabric. Some are very common and need no explanation, but perhaps others aren't quite as clear to you. That's the case with modal fabric: what do you know about it? Are you clear on its characteristics and care requirements?

Today we're going to tell you a little more about this soft, durable material that's almost like a second skin. And if you'd also like to see how we work with modal fabric, it's the fabric we used for the dress with a full skirt tutorial that you can find in Lulu Ferris.

Modal fabric is synthetic and is a special type of viscose or rayon. In fact, it is an improved version of traditional rayon in several ways:

• its production process is more environmentally friendly,
• it is more durable and lasts longer,
• it doesn't shrink or lose its shape when exposed to water.

It is made from cellulose and, when blended with other materials such as spandex, it develops a feel similar to cotton.

Although it isn't exactly knit fabric (cotton), we've included modal fabric in the website's knitwear section because they share some similar characteristics. The softness, stretch, drape… all of these make the finished garments and the way you work with them very similar.

It also has some very interesting advantages over cotton:

• Greater durability: it ages better both in terms of color and fabric strength.
• Greater resistance to hard water: in other words, it doesn't leave as much residue when washed.
• Always smooth and soft: cotton can become stiff after several washes, but modal fabric maintains its feel.

Despite being synthetic, modal is a very breathable, cool fabric. Its feel is so delicate that it's also widely used to make underwear. It also has a high capacity for absorbing moisture.

Another piece of great news about this fabric is that it's very easy to care for and maintain, unlike rayon. Basic washing and drying, that's all. Here are a few tips to keep it looking like new for a long time:

• Use a gentle wash cycle with warm water and a cold rinse.
• Avoid bleach.
• Iron it while it's still slightly damp, using a low-to-medium temperature.
• If you're going to use a dryer, select a dry-heat or spin program.

And you'll have fabric for a long time!

If you like the fabric we used for the dress with a full skirt, hurry over to the store because we only have these three pieces left, which, by the way, combine wonderfully with Modal Orchid. And if the one in the second photo has won you over, you can also buy Modal Big Flowers here.

Enjoy the ultimate softness! ;)