Double brushed poly (DBP) fabric is a soft, medium-weight knit brushed on both sides for exceptional softness. Whether you're making flowing dresses, comfortable leggings, or cozy cardigans, this fabric's amazing drape and 4-way stretch make it a favorite among sewists.
Double brushed poly combines polyester and spandex to create a fabric with excellent stretch and recovery. Its smooth, buttery texture and flattering drape make it ideal for garments that need to move with your body while maintaining a polished, flowing appearance.
What is Double Brushed Poly Fabric?
Double brushed poly (DBP) is a knit fabric that has been brushed on both sides, creating an incredibly soft, smooth texture often described as "butter fabric." This medium-weight knit features 4-way stretch and beautiful drape, making it perfect for dresses, tops, leggings, and cardigans that need both comfort and style.
The fabric typically consists of 96% polyester and 4% spandex, offering excellent stretch and recovery. Unlike natural fiber fabrics, double brushed poly doesn't shrink in the wash and maintains its shape beautifully, making it a low-maintenance choice for everyday garments.
Why Choose Double Brushed Poly?
- Ultra-Soft Hand Feel - Brushed on both sides for maximum softness and comfort
- Beautiful Drape - Flows naturally without being blocky, flattering on many body types
- Excellent Recovery - Stretches comfortably and returns to shape
- No Shrinkage - Maintains its size and shape after washing
- Doesn't Fray - Raw edges stay neat, making hemming optional
- Easy Care - Machine washable and quick-drying
- Perfect Drape - Creates flowing, twirly skirts and elegant silhouettes
What Can You Make with Double Brushed Poly?
Double brushed poly is incredibly versatile for garment sewing:
- Flowing dresses and maxi skirts
- Comfortable leggings and joggers
- Cardigans and kimonos
- Tops, tunics, and blouses
- Lightweight hoodies
- Casual skirts and palazzo pants
- Loungewear and pajamas
Looking for sewing patterns? Check out these double brushed poly-friendly patterns from Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop:
Important Considerations for Double Brushed Poly
Breathability
As a synthetic fabric, double brushed poly doesn't breathe as well as natural fibers like cotton lycra or bamboo. If you live in a very hot climate, consider this for your project planning. That said, many sewists wear DBP year-round with comfort.
Not Recommended for Baby Sleepwear
Due to its synthetic content, double brushed poly is more flammable than natural fibers and isn't recommended for baby sleepwear or clothing for very young infants. For baby clothes, consider organic cotton knits instead.
Fabric Strength
While DBP has excellent recovery (it doesn't easily stretch out), it doesn't have high tensile strength. It works well for neckbands but may not be the best choice for waistbands or wrist cuffs that experience constant tension. Consider using ribbing for these applications instead.
Frequently Asked Questions About Double Brushed Poly
Is double brushed poly good for leggings?
Yes! Double brushed poly is a popular choice for leggings thanks to its 4-way stretch, recovery, and flattering drape. The soft, smooth texture is comfortable against skin and the fabric maintains its shape throughout the day.
Does double brushed poly shrink?
No, double brushed poly does not shrink when washed. However, you should still pre-wash your fabric to remove any manufacturing residue and ensure consistent care results in your finished garment.
How do I prevent pilling on double brushed poly?
Wash finished garments inside out and avoid washing with rough items like towels or jeans. Tumble dry on low heat and avoid high heat settings. Using a fabric shaver can remove any pills that do form.
What needle should I use for double brushed poly?
Use a ballpoint or stretch needle (size 80/12 or 90/14). If you experience skipped stitches or larger holes where the needle pierces the fabric, replace your needle with a fresh one.
Do I need to hem double brushed poly?
No - one benefit of DBP is that it doesn't fray, so hemming is optional. However, many sewists prefer the polished look of a finished hem. Use a coverstitch, double needle, or zigzag stitch for best results.
Can I use a regular sewing machine for double brushed poly?
Yes! While a serger makes sewing DBP easier, you can achieve great results with a regular machine. Use a stretch stitch or narrow zigzag, a ballpoint needle, and sew slowly to prevent the fabric from shifting.
Why is double brushed poly slippery to cut?
The smooth, brushed surface makes DBP more slippery than cotton-based knits. Use pattern weights (not pins) to hold your fabric in place, ensure your fabric is completely smooth before cutting, and use sharp rotary cutters or scissors for clean edges.
Can I use double brushed poly for activewear?
While DBP has great stretch, it's not ideal for intense activewear since it doesn't wick moisture as effectively as dedicated athletic fabrics. It works well for light yoga, loungewear, or casual athleisure but not for running or high-intensity workouts.
How do I reinforce double brushed poly dresses?
For dresses with full skirts, consider reinforcing shoulder seams with clear elastic to prevent the weight of the skirt from pulling on the bodice. You can also add clear elastic at the waistline for additional support.
What's the difference between double brushed poly and single brushed poly?
Double brushed poly is brushed on both sides for maximum softness, while single brushed poly is only brushed on one side. DBP has a softer hand feel and slightly more drape than single brushed poly.
Tips for Sewing with Double Brushed Poly
- Pre-wash your fabric - Even though DBP doesn't shrink, pre-washing removes residue
- Use the right needle - Ballpoint or stretch needles prevent damage
- Sew slowly - The slippery fabric can shift if sewn too quickly
- Use pattern weights - Heavy weights work better than pins for cutting
- Choose appropriate patterns - Best for garments with drape rather than structure
- Test your tension - Practice on scraps before starting your project
- Iron on low heat - DBP is synthetic and can melt with high heat
- Consider fusible tape for hems - Helps keep slippery hems in place while sewing
Related Knit Fabrics
Explore complementary fabrics for your sewing projects:
- Cotton Lycra - Natural fiber alternative with great stretch
- ITY Fabric - Similar drape with different texture
- Modal - Soft, drapey natural/synthetic blend
- Rib Knit - Perfect for cuffs and waistbands
- Ponte - More structured knit option
Shop Double Brushed Poly by Type
Browse our complete collection:
Join Our Sewing Community
Connect with thousands of sewists who love double brushed poly:
What Our Customers Say About Double Brushed Poly
"Yes, the basic black DBP makes perfect leggings!" - Grace
"Fabric is a DBP and is as soft as butter!!" - Conita
"Let's talk about this double brushed poly that is available for preorder for just a second! It is beyond lovely and so very soft! This fabric stitches like a dream and the print is just beautiful." - Amira
"I loved working with the double brushed poly fabric, it is so soft and easy to work with." - Emily
Why Buy Double Brushed Poly from KnitFabric.com?
- Fast Shipping: Flat rate shipping on all orders
- Quality Guarantee: Premium DBP tested for softness, stretch, and recovery
- Wide Selection: Solids, florals, novelty prints, and seasonal designs
- Competitive Pricing: Affordable by-the-yard pricing perfect for large projects
- Expert Support: Our team of experienced sewists is here to help
- Customer Reviews: Real feedback from real sewists
Shop our full collection of double brushed poly fabric by the yard and create your next soft, flowing project today!
Have questions about double brushed poly? Contact us—we're here to help!
