No Such Thing as Ugly Fabric

Using the back of fabric SewInspiredByBonnie.com

For the most part, even the ugliest fabric can be used if you know where to look. If you think fabrics have only a "right" and "wrong" side look again.

Sometimes, great surprises are found on the back of an ugly or otherwise undesirable fabric. A fabric on the clearance table may not appeal to you … unless you turn it over. (Note from Bonnie: That's why I say, "Fabrics have more than one 'right' side. Check both sides to see which works best for you!")

 Using the back of fabric SewInspiredByBonnie.com

On the back, this fabric looks almost like a batik and the tone-on-tone shades are much more appealing than its rather loud print. It was perfect for the teddy bear bookmark my granddaughter wanted to stitch.

 Using the back of fabric SewInspiredByBonnie.com

I have used the back of fabric as coordinating prints, too. The first time, I was using a print for applique on several blocks. It looked great on some fabrics but was way too, for lack of a better word, bright, for others. I turned the fabric over and there was a beautiful, subtle design that looked perfect and kept the same color family!

Using the back of fabric SewInspiredByBonnie.com

While making a reading pillow (you can get the pattern here), the fabric I chose for the pocket was just not the right color for the tone-on-tone pillow fabric. I turned it over, and the soft cream matched perfectly.

This also can work well if you want to embroider on a fabric but find that the pattern is too distracting, the back may be softer, like this tone-on-tone. 

Using the back of fabric SewInspiredByBonnie.com

It depends on how the fabric is produced. Some printed fabrics coordinate with more of a contrast.

 Using the back of fabric SewInspiredByBonnie.com

Dyed fabrics turn out more like batiks or marbles.

 Using the back of fabric SewInspiredByBonnie.com

Even brighter prints that are dyed produce softer patterns on the back side. May you look at fabric a bit differently now! Have you ever tried this?

Debbie Henry
Sew Inspired by Bonnie

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Comments

  • Debbie Henry - July 05, 2022

    So true, Pat C. It makes us challenge ourselves for sure!

  • Debbie Henry - July 05, 2022

    Thanks, Pat R. I’ll check that out!

  • Pat Rapp - June 27, 2022

    the back side of chantung (sp) is very useful for a satin(y) look

  • Pat Cunningham - June 27, 2022

    I don’t think there is an ugly fabric and each one can be used, but sometimes like an accent rather than using the whole piece. Liked the idea of using the wrong side to have the subdued print. If all fabric was the same, we wouldn’t have anything to work with to keep our creativity flowing!

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