One of the reasons to sew for yourself is to create items you really love that are exactly how you want them. A personal niggle of mine with ready to wear clothes, is that often the linings are super cheap, and feel nasty next to my skin. We tend to focus on the outside fabric when we make clothes, and scrimp on the linings if we’ve splurged on a delicious fashion fabric. DON”T!
Having a quality, anti static breathable lining next to the skin is divine, and worth paying that little bit more for. I can’t recommend Bremsilk, or Cupro enough. It’s a little more expensive, but will make your garments so much more special. I get mine here, but you can probably pick it up at your local shop, just ask for “Cupro” which is the lining’s technical name.
For trousers, or lighter summer garments I’ll often use a viscose taffeta called “Ermazine” equally worth the few extra pennies, and available here It’s the lining that tailors prefer.
Still not Convinced? I recently saw the inside of a dress I made for a play over 15 years ago, and despite being regularly hired out and worn many times, the lining has lasted and kept the costume looking lovely both inside and out.
Got a favourite lining? I’d love to hear about it
Happy Stitching :)