Rayon

Can I buy Rayon fabrics at Spotlight?

Yes, you can. Here at Spotlight, we offer a wide variety of rayon fabrics by the metre, suitable for dressmaking, accessories and craft projects. Rayon can be dyed in many colours and the huge range includes plain fabrics as well as elegant, understated designs and colourful, eye-catching patterns.

What is rayon fabric and how is it made?

Rayon fabric is manufactured from naturally occurring polymers. Although it is man-made, it is not a synthetic fibre, which means that it has properties that are similar to other naturally occurring fibres such as cotton or silk. Rayon fabrics are generally soft and drape well, and the high absorbency means that it takes dye well, which means the fabric can be dyed in many fabulous colours. The same absorbency also means that it is a popular fabric for summer clothing. Specific types of rayon include viscose, modal and lyocell. It is also often added to other fibres.

What are the main benefits of rayon fabric?

• Rayon is comfortable to wear and has a soft, almost slippery feel when touched, similar to silk or satin.
• Rayon fibres allow air to pass between them, so it makes the fabric breathable.
• Rayon absorbs moisture more efficiently than cotton, which allows sweat to be absorbed and evaporated quickly on hot days.
• Rayon is produced from renewable plants such as beech trees, pine trees, and bamboo which means it can be considered eco-friendly.

What are the disadvantages of rayon?

Although rayon has many benefits, it is considered a delicate material and some rayon clothing has to be dry-cleaned. Other rayon fabrics can be washed by hand or on a cold cycle in the machine. Tumble drying is not recommended unless your tumble dryer has a very cool setting. Rayon can stretch or shrink if the right laundering settings or procedures are not used.

What else can rayon be used for?

Rayon is also a popular fabric for making curtains, because it is lightweight and drapes well. To avoid shrinkage, it is recommended to wash the fabric before sewing. As the fabric is quite delicate, it is advisable to use a thin needle and a slightly smaller stitch on your machine. Don't pull the fabric too much as rayon can stretch, and this will leave you with crooked seams.

Does Spotlight sell other fabrics too?

Yes, as well as rayon, you will find a huge collection of man-made and natural fabrics here at Spotlight, for use in everything from dressmaking to crafts, interior design to costume making and much more. All fabrics except a small number of pre-cut items (ideal for small projects and quilting) all our fabrics are sold by the metre. Please check individual product details for the width of each material, and the different colours on offer.