Snakebite - Viscose Fabric

Animal prints don’t have to be brown and black. Snakebite takes the pattern of snakeskin and gives it a palette of blues, navy, turquoise and taupe, with splashes of yellow, all on a soft beige ground. It’s bold enough to be the star of an outfit, but the muted base keeps it easy to wear, so it works almost like a neutral with some personality.

Why it’s such a good summer fabric

Viscose is one of the best fabrics for warm weather, and Snakebite shows why. It’s lightweight and breathable, so it feels smooth and light against the skin and stays comfortable when the temperature rises. The drape is soft and fluid, so a dress or a pair of trousers skims the body and moves with you, rather than clinging. Loose, flowing shapes let the air circulate, which is exactly what you want on a hot day.

The colours help too. Blues, turquoise and taupe on a pale beige base look fresh and light in the sun, and they sit happily with whites, linens and denim, so the fabric slots straight into a summer wardrobe. The all-over print is continuous and runs in every direction, so there’s no large motif to place, which keeps the layout simple.

How it feels and moves

The viscose has a luxurious, silky feel and a lovely drape that flows as you walk. It’s soft against the skin and comfortable to wear from morning to evening. The generous width leaves plenty of room to cut, which suits gathered skirts, long dresses, wide sleeves and wide-leg trouser patterns, with less fabric wasted in awkward layouts.

What to make this summer

• Holiday dresses and sundresses: wrap dresses, slip dresses, shirt dresses and maxi dresses for beach walks, sightseeing and long evenings outside
• Flowing skirts: gathered, tiered and bias-cut styles that swish in a light breeze
• Wide-leg trousers and culottes: light and swishy, and smart enough for the office or a night out
• Relaxed tops and blouses: camisoles, tie-neck tops and shirts to wear with shorts or linen trousers
• Jumpsuits: easy, flowing styles for hot days

Styling it

Pick one of the colours and pull it into the rest of the outfit. Navy, turquoise and cream all work well, or keep it neutral with white, tan or denim. It suits casual everyday wear, and it’s smart enough for weddings, garden parties and evening outings.

Good for winter events, too

Viscose isn’t only for summer. For winter parties and Christmas, wear Snakebite with tights and a tailored jacket or a cosy cardigan.

Sewing tips

• Wash gently before cutting, as viscose can shrink
• Choose a fine, sharp needle and a medium stitch length
• Neaten seams to stop fraying, with French seams, an overlocker, a zigzag stitch or bias binding
• Press on a low heat from the reverse, with a pressing cloth if you have one
• Viscose can crease in a suitcase, so hang finished garments or give them a quick steam when you arrive on holiday

• Width: 145cm/57" (approx)
• Composition: 100% Viscose
• Fabric Type: Viscose
• Colour: Multicoloured

✔Machine washable at 30°C or lower, on a gentle cycle
✔Wash with similar colours
✔Do not use bleach
✔Do not tumble dry
✔Dry flat or line dry in the shade
✔Iron on a low heat, on the reverse
✔Always test a small sample first to check your preferred washing method

Viscose is made from plant-based cellulose, and this fabric is made to be worn and washed for years. Choosing a well-made fabric with a print you’ll love, and caring for it gently, helps your handmade wardrobe last.