Shop bamboo fabric by the yard - luxuriously soft, eco-friendly knit fabric with beautiful drape and natural breathability. Made from renewable bamboo plants, this 4-way stretch fabric feels incredible against skin and works beautifully for dresses, tops, pajamas, and baby clothing.
Bamboo Fabric Uses: Dresses, tops, cardigans, tees, pajamas, baby apparel, etc.
Care: Wash cold, tumble dry low.
Stretch: 4-way Stretch.
Fabric Content: Bamboo spandex blend
Bamboo fabric is the luxuriously soft, eco-friendly choice for sewists who want their garments to feel as good as they look. Made from renewable bamboo plants, this fabric combines incredible softness with beautiful fluid drape, natural breathability, and moisture-wicking properties that keep you comfortable all day long.
Whether you're sewing a twirl-worthy dress, comfortable pajamas, or the softest baby clothes imaginable, bamboo fabric delivers both sustainability and spectacular hand feel. It's often described as "soft as butter" - and once you feel it, you'll understand why bamboo has become a favorite among sewists everywhere!
Bamboo fabric is a knit textile made from fibers derived from the bamboo plant. This eco-friendly fabric has quickly become an instant hit in the sewing and apparel world - not just because of its incredible softness and beautiful drape, but also because of its sustainability. Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource that requires no pesticides, fertilizers, or excessive water to grow, making it an environmentally conscious choice for eco-minded sewists.
Bamboo fabric typically has 4-way stretch and comes in various blends and knit constructions. The most common types are bamboo rayon spandex (also called bamboo viscose spandex) and bamboo cotton lycra blends. Each blend offers slightly different characteristics, from the silky drape of bamboo rayon to the more structured feel of bamboo cotton blends.
Understanding the different bamboo fiber types helps you choose the right fabric for your project:
This is the most common type of bamboo fabric. Bamboo stalks are steeped in a chemical solution to break down their structure and make the fibers pliable. These are then shredded, aged, ripened, filtered, washed, and spun into thread which is woven or knitted into fabric. 100% bamboo fabrics are typically made from this fiber type. Bamboo viscose creates an incredibly soft, silky fabric with beautiful drape - very similar to rayon spandex in weight, feel, and texture.
Lyocell is produced similarly to viscose, but the chemical composition of the cellulose doesn't change during processing. This method is more environmentally friendly as it uses a closed-loop production system where a non-toxic solution (without harmful chemicals) is used and then reused, limiting the release of pollutants. Lyocell bamboo has slightly lower thermal stability and doesn't wash quite as well as viscose in comparison, but it's the more eco-conscious choice for those prioritizing environmental impact.
This is the most time-consuming and labor-intensive production process, as the bamboo is physically broken down into pulp rather than chemically processed. Fine bamboo fibers are also more coarse and less comfortable than viscose or lyocell, which is why you rarely see this type used in apparel fabrics. Most bamboo fabrics available for sewing are viscose or lyocell types.
Bamboo fabrics come in various blends, each offering different characteristics:
Typically 95% bamboo rayon/viscose and 5% spandex. This blend is incredibly soft, silky, and drapey - very similar to rayon spandex in weight and feel. Perfect for flowing dresses, tops with dolman sleeves, and garments where you want maximum drape. This fabric is quite slippery and shifty, so use pattern weights liberally when cutting!
A blend of bamboo, cotton, and lycra/spandex (proportions vary). This blend combines the softness of bamboo with the structure of cotton, creating a fabric that has excellent drape but also enough body to hold its shape well. The cotton content gives the fabric a more natural, slightly creamy color and adds stability. This is an excellent choice if you want bamboo's softness but need a bit more structure than pure bamboo rayon provides.
Some bamboo fabrics include polyester for added durability and wrinkle resistance. These blends maintain bamboo's softness while adding practical benefits for everyday wear.
Bamboo fiber can be knitted into various fabric types:
Bamboo fabric's versatility makes it perfect for a wide range of projects:
Looking for bamboo fabric sewing patterns? Check out these popular options from Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop:
Yes! Bamboo fabric is considered more environmentally friendly than many other fabric options. Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource that grows incredibly fast without requiring pesticides, fertilizers, or excessive water. Bamboo plants regenerate from their root systems after harvesting, so they don't need to be replanted. Additionally, bamboo naturally returns nutrients to the soil and prevents erosion. While the processing of bamboo into viscose does use chemicals, lyocell bamboo uses a closed-loop system that recycles those chemicals, making it even more eco-friendly.
Bamboo rayon spandex (95% bamboo viscose, 5% spandex) is incredibly drapey, silky, and fluid - very similar to rayon spandex. It's perfect for flowing garments but can be quite slippery to work with. Bamboo cotton lycra blends combine bamboo with cotton and spandex, creating a fabric that maintains bamboo's softness but has more body and structure. The cotton content gives it a slightly more natural appearance and makes it less slippery, which can be easier for beginners. Choose bamboo rayon for maximum drape and flow; choose bamboo cotton lycra for projects that need a bit more structure.
Bamboo fabric can experience some shrinkage, especially when first washed. Always pre-wash your bamboo fabric before cutting and sewing to account for any shrinkage and to remove manufacturing finishes. Wash in cold water and tumble dry on low heat or lay flat to dry. Once pre-washed, bamboo fabric is relatively stable and won't continue to shrink significantly with proper care.
Use a ballpoint or stretch needle designed for knits. Size 80/12 or 90/14 works well for most bamboo jerseys. Because bamboo can be delicate and has a silky quality, a fresh needle is especially important - dull needles can snag or create runs in the fabric. Change your needle before starting your project for best results.
Bamboo fabric, especially the drapier bamboo rayon types, is very slippery and shifty. Pattern weights hold the fabric in place without the risk of it sliding around as you work. Additionally, pins can leave permanent holes or create snags in bamboo's delicate fibers. If you must use pins, pin only in seam allowances that will be trimmed away or hidden inside the garment. Many sewists find clips work well for holding pieces together during sewing.
Good news - bamboo fabric doesn't fray as much as other knit fabrics! The bamboo fibers are naturally smooth and tend to hold together well, so you'll see less fraying than with cotton lycra or other jersey knits. However, you should still finish your seams with a serger or zigzag stitch to prevent any potential fraying over time and to give your garments a professional finish.
Absolutely! Bamboo fabric is an excellent choice for baby clothing. It's incredibly soft and gentle against delicate skin, naturally hypoallergenic, and breathable to help regulate baby's temperature. The moisture-wicking properties keep babies comfortable, and the natural properties of bamboo make it resistant to bacteria. Many parents specifically seek out bamboo fabric for their babies because of its softness and gentleness - plus, babies look adorable in twirly bamboo dresses and soft bamboo rompers!
Bamboo fabric is softer and more drapey than cotton lycra, with a silkier hand feel. Cotton lycra has more structure and bounce, while bamboo flows and drapes more fluidly. Bamboo is more breathable and moisture-wicking than cotton lycra, making it feel cooler in warm weather. Cotton lycra is generally easier for beginners because it's less slippery, while bamboo requires a bit more care in cutting and sewing due to its fluid nature. Both have excellent 4-way stretch and recovery. If you want maximum drape and luxurious softness, choose bamboo; if you need more structure and easier handling, choose cotton lycra.
Yes! Bamboo fabric is naturally temperature-regulating, making it comfortable year-round. In summer, bamboo's breathability and moisture-wicking properties keep you cool and dry. In winter, bamboo's natural insulating properties provide warmth without bulk. The fabric adapts to your body temperature and the ambient temperature, making it one of the most versatile fabric choices for any season. Bamboo French terry and sweatshirt fleece are particularly cozy for cooler weather.
Topstitching is highly recommended when sewing with bamboo fabric, especially the drapier bamboo rayon blends. Because bamboo is so fluid and soft, seams can look wavy or imprecise without topstitching. Topstitching helps secure seams in place and gives them a cleaner, more professional appearance. This is especially important for neckbands - the blog example shows how much better a neckband looks after topstitching! Use a twin needle or coverstitch for the most professional finish.
Bamboo is softer and more drapey with superior breathability and moisture-wicking. Cotton lycra has more structure and is easier to sew for beginners.
Very similar in drape and hand feel! Bamboo offers the eco-friendly advantage of being made from renewable resources. Both are drapey and beautiful for flowing garments.
Modal is made from beech trees while bamboo comes from bamboo plants. Both are incredibly soft, but bamboo has better moisture-wicking properties. Modal may have slightly more sheen.
ITY (Interlock Twist Yarn) is a polyester knit that's less breathable but more wrinkle-resistant than bamboo. Bamboo feels more natural and is better for temperature regulation.
Looking for custom prints on bamboo fabric? We offer Custom Bamboo Cotton Lycra where you can design your own unique prints! Perfect for small businesses, special events, or when you want exactly the design you're envisioning. Custom bamboo rounds are released periodically - check the custom section for current availability.
Connect with thousands of sewists who love working with bamboo fabric:
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Questions about which bamboo fabric blend to choose or how to sew with bamboo? Contact us—we're here to help you find the perfect bamboo fabric for your project!
