Summer Picnic - Pastel Plaid Seersucker Cotton Dress Fabric

Pastel plaids are the prettiest summer checks, and this one has an extra surprise: the surface is puckered into little ripples, so the colours look soft and dimensional, and the fabric has a lovely texture under your hand. Pink and butter yellow sit beside pale blue and white, with navy squares and fine green and orange lines picking out the detail. It’s cheerful and a bit retro, and it goes with plain colours and denim.

Why seersucker is a summer favourite

The puckered texture holds the cloth slightly away from the skin, which makes it feel airy to wear, and it means the fabric hides creases well, so it looks relaxed even after a day out or a spell in a suitcase. It’s cotton, so it’s breathable and soft, and the 2% Lycra adds a touch of stretch, so garments move with you and shorts and fitted skirts are comfortable to sit in.

A medium weight with a little stretch

It’s a medium weight, with enough body for shirts, skirts and shorts and enough softness for gathered dresses. The stretch is light, so choose patterns written for woven fabrics with a bit of give, and expect a relaxed fit. The generous width leaves plenty of room to cut skirts, trouser legs and long dress lengths.

What to make

• Dresses: summer dresses, shirt dresses, pinafores and sundresses
• Shirts and tops: relaxed shirts, camp-collar shirts and blouses
• Skirts and shorts: gathered skirts, A-line skirts and summer shorts
• Trousers: relaxed, lightweight trousers and culottes
• Children’s clothes: dresses, shorts, pinafores and shirts

• Width: 140cm/55" (approx)
• Weight: Medium Weight
• Composition: 98% Cotton, 2% Lycra
• Fabric Type: Seersucker-style plaid
• Colour: Multicoloured (pink, yellow, pale blue, navy and white)