Finding a fabric that's soft enough for summer but substantial enough to wear into autumn may sound harder than it is. Lyocell could be your answer!
Lyocell is a regenerated cellulose fibre made from wood pulp. TENCEL™ is Lenzing's brand of Lyocell, rather than another name for the fibre itself.
This is a fibre that is rapidly growing in popularity because of its key features: it's soft, has an elegant drape, is strong, and the Lyocell production process uses a closed-loop system.
Lyocell is a fibre made from wood pulp and is known for its soft feel, beautiful drape and strength. TENCEL™ is the best-known brand name for Lyocell, produced by Lenzing. Lenzing's TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres are made from wood sourced from certified or controlled sources and are produced using a closed-loop process.
When you choose Lyocell for sewing, you're choosing a fabric that looks and feels beautiful and is durable enough to become a true wardrobe staple, wearable across three seasons of the year.
It's the perfect choice for flowy dresses, everyday blouses, shirts, and trousers, and is also commonly used for homewares such as bed sheets, pillowcases, and lightweight curtains.
Why You'll Love Sewing with Lyocell
Luxurious feel
Lyocell has a silky, cool-to-the-touch handle. It feels smooth, soft and comfortable against the skin.
Breathability
Lyocell fibres can absorb and release moisture, helping to create a comfortable, drier feel against the skin. This moisture management can help support thermal comfort in warmer weather.
Eco credentials
TENCEL™ Lyocell is made from wood pulp sourced from certified or controlled sources and uses a closed-loop production process. Lenzing states that more than 99.8% of the solvent used in its TENCEL™ Lyocell production is recovered and fed back into the process, resulting in very little solvent waste.
Lyocell is also a biodegradable fibre, although biodegradability can vary depending on the specific fibre and any finishes, dyes or other materials used in the finished fabric.
Rather than calling it one of the "most eco-conscious fibres available today", we'd say that TENCEL™ Lyocell is a more resource-efficient option with some notable environmental credentials, particularly its closed-loop production process.
Sewing with Lyocell
Needle selection
Use a Microtex needle, size 70/10 or 80/12. Lyocell fabrics can vary considerably in weight and construction, so choose your needle according to the particular fabric you're working with. A sharp needle can help create clean stitches without damaging the fabric.
Handling
Lyocell can be slippery. Use pattern weights and a rotary cutter for accuracy; baste layers together when navigating difficult seams and curves.
Seam finishes
French seams are perfect for lightweight Lyocell fabrics and give your finished garment a neat, professional finish.
Pressing
Lyocell generally responds well to steam, but it's always worth testing your pressing technique on a fabric scrap first. Some Lyocell fabrics can be sensitive to moisture or heat and may watermark. A pressing cloth can help protect the fabric and prevent unwanted marks.
Perfect Projects
1. Relaxed Shirt (Beginner)
A loose-fitting shirt in lyocell is the ultimate comfort piece.
PDF Pattern - Jenna Shirt + Shirtdress | Closet Core Patterns
2. Bias Slip Dress (Intermediate)
Showcase the fluid drape with a simple bias cut slip dress.
PDF Pattern - Sicily Slip Dress | Sewing Patterns by Masin
3. Lounge Set (Intermediate)
The softness and natural drape of lyocell makes it the perfect fabric choice for effortless loungewear that feels as good as it looks.
PDF Pattern - Lee-Lou-Anne set | Cha' Coud
4. Trouser/Shorts (Adventurous Beginner)
Lyocell trousers swish and move beautifully as you walk. Shorts in this fibre also make a perfect staple for warmer days!
PDF Pattern - Aulio Shorts and Trousers | Named Clothing
Discover the Lyocell Collection
When you choose Lyocell, you're choosing softness, beautiful drape and a fibre with some impressive production credentials.
Shop Lyocell and start a project with a fabric that feels as good as it looks.
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