Viscose is a popular fabric known for its silk-like feel and beautiful drape, making it a favorite for clothing and home decor. If you're a designer, a sewing enthusiast, or someone who loves to create, finding the right material is the first step in bringing your ideas to life. For those in Atlanta, Georgia, there are plenty of options to buy viscose fabric by the yard, both in local stores and online. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about purchasing and using this versatile textile.
What is Viscose Fabric?
Viscose is a type of rayon fabric made from regenerated cellulose fiber. It starts with wood pulp—often from trees like pine, beech, and eucalyptus—which is treated with chemicals to create a viscous substance. This substance is then spun into fibers that can be woven or knit into fabric. Because it originates from a natural source but requires a chemical manufacturing process, viscose is considered a semi-synthetic material.
Its properties make it highly sought after. Viscose is soft, breathable, and drapes well, giving it a luxurious appearance similar to silk but at a more affordable price point. It also absorbs dye exceptionally well, which means it comes in a wide array of vibrant colors and prints.
Why Choose Viscose?
Designers and home sewers often turn to viscose for several key reasons. Its combination of comfort and aesthetic appeal makes it suitable for a wide range of projects.
Softness and Comfort: Viscose feels smooth and soft against the skin, making it an excellent choice for clothing like dresses, blouses, and skirts.
Excellent Drape: The fluid way viscose hangs makes it perfect for creating garments with graceful movement and flow.
Breathability: Similar to cotton, viscose is breathable and doesn't trap heat, which makes it comfortable to wear in warmer climates like Georgia's.
Versatility: You can find viscose in various weights and weaves. It can be used for everything from lightweight summer dresses to more substantial linings for jackets.
Buying Viscose Fabric in Atlanta
For those who prefer to see and feel fabric before buying, Atlanta has several stores that stock a good selection of textiles. Shopping locally allows you to assess the quality, color, and drape of the fabric in person, which can be a significant advantage.
When looking for viscose fabric by the yard in Atlanta, consider visiting:
Fabriclore: With a strong online presence, Fabriclore also provides access to a vast collection for shoppers in the Atlanta area. They offer a diverse range of viscose prints and solids, making them a top choice.
Local Fabric Shops: Atlanta is home to various independent fabric stores and larger retailers. Visiting these shops can uncover unique finds and allow you to get expert advice from staff.
Designer Supply Stores: Stores that cater to fashion students and local designers often carry high-quality apparel fabrics, including different types of viscose.
The benefit of shopping in-person is immediate gratification—you can take your fabric home the same day. It also supports local businesses and gives you a chance to connect with the local sewing community.
Buying Viscose Fabric Online
If you're looking for a wider selection or the convenience of shopping from home, you can buy fabric online. Online retailers often have a much larger inventory than brick-and-mortar stores, giving you access to countless colors, patterns, and weights of viscose.
Top online options for Atlanta-based buyers include:
Fabriclore: As a leading online fabric store, Fabriclore stands out with its extensive collection of viscose fabrics. You can browse through hundreds of options, from floral prints to geometric patterns, and have them delivered directly to your door in Atlanta.
Large Online Retailers: Websites like Mood Fabrics and Fabric.com have massive inventories and frequently update their stock with new arrivals.
Specialty Stores: Some online shops specialize in specific types of fabric. Searching for stores that focus on apparel or sustainable textiles might lead you to high-quality viscose options.
Shopping online lets you compare prices easily and find exactly what you're looking for without leaving your house. Most reputable sites provide detailed descriptions and high-quality photos to help you make an informed decision.
Factors to Consider When Buying
Whether you shop in-store or online, keep these factors in mind to ensure you get the best quality viscose for your project:
Quality: Check the weave of the fabric. A tighter weave usually indicates better quality and durability. If shopping online, read reviews from other customers.
Price: Viscose is generally affordable, but prices can vary based on quality and print. Compare prices per yard to find the best deal.
Certifications: If sustainability is important to you, look for certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or OEKO-TEX, which indicate the fabric was produced responsibly.
Supplier Reliability: Choose reputable suppliers, especially when you buy fabric online. Check return policies and shipping times before making a purchase.
Tips for Working with Viscose
Viscose can sometimes be slippery and delicate, so it requires a bit of care when sewing and handling.
Pre-wash Your Fabric: Viscose is known to shrink, so always pre-wash it in the same way you plan to launder the finished garment.
Use the Right Tools: Use a sharp, fine needle (like a microtex needle) and sharp scissors or a rotary cutter to prevent snags and get clean cuts.
Sewing Techniques: Use plenty of pins to hold the fabric in place. A walking foot on your sewing machine can also help prevent the layers from shifting.
Care Instructions: To maintain the look and feel of your viscose garment, wash it on a gentle cycle with cold water and hang it to dry or tumble dry on low heat.
Your Next Project Awaits
Viscose is an excellent fabric that offers a great balance of beauty, comfort, and affordability. Whether you decide to buy viscose fabric by the yard from a local Atlanta shop or browse the extensive collections available when you buy fabric online, you have plenty of options. By considering fabric quality and choosing a reliable supplier, you can find the perfect material for your next creative endeavor.
Ready to start sewing? Check out the wide selection of viscose fabrics available and find the perfect match for your project today.
