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Lady McElroy – 100 % Viscose Crepe – Indie Rock – Summer Candy

European Designer Deadstock – Viscose Triple Crepe Suiting – Sunshine

Designer Deadstock – Rayon/Spandex Stretch Houndstooth – Turquoise

If you're new to sewing with rayon, your timing couldn't be better—summer is the perfect season for wearing this gorgeous fabric! Made from natural cellulose fibers (which are derived from wood pulp), rayon fabric is cool to the touch with a lovely, fluid drape. Lightweight rayon wovens like challis and crepe are ideal for warm-weather dresses, tops, skirts, and other garments that are designed to have drape and motion. 

Rayon is a staple of our fashion fabric collection, and rightly so! It's available in so many colors, prints, and patterns, and it's super easy to wear and care for. We love that rayon is so versatile—it's truly a multi-season fabric! Rayon is breathable, and it will keep you cool and comfortable in warmer weather. It will also make a perfect layering piece as the seasons change! Ready to see some of our favorite rayons for summertime (and the patterns we'll pair them with)? Keep reading!

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Viscose Dobby – Clay

Printed Rayon Twill – Pastel Floral – Pink/Peach

Designer Deadstock – Rayon Challis – Palm Fronds – Green/Black

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Lady McElroy – Viscose Cool-Touch Crepe – Ginkgo Swing

Designer Deadstock – Rayon Challis – Stripe – White/Black

Amour Vert – Viscose Challis – Spots – Black/White

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Lady McElroy – Viscose Challis – Gentle Aria – Navy

Designer Deadstock – Rayon Challis – Vintage Chevron – Black/White/Blue

Designer Deadstock – Viscose Challis – Satin Stripe – Navy

Now that you've found a new favorite fabric, you're going to want to make something with it—and we've got some great ideas for you! When you're working with a rayon challis or crepe, look for patterns that require a lightweight woven fabric with a bit of drape. We love tops like the Regalia Blouse and the Ogden Cami; skirts like Genevieve; and dresses like Holyoke and the Saltwater Slip—beautiful and versatile pairings for a lightweight rayon fabric!

Friday Pattern Company Saturday Skirt Set

Sew House Seven Regalia Blouse

True Bias Ogden Cami

Jalie Genevieve Pull-On Skirt

Cashmerette Holyoke Maxi Dress and Skirt

Tilly & The Buttons Mabel Dress & Blouse

Sew Over It Eve Dress

True Bias Shelby Dress & Romper

Friday Pattern Company Saltwater Slip

Rayon's smooth, fluid texture can make it a challenge to sew, so we've gathered our best tips for sewing success! Pre-wash and dry your rayon (here's a link to our complete fabric care guide with lots of great info!). For best results, use an all-purpose polyester thread and a fresh sewing machine needle. We recommend using the smallest size needle available, whether it's Universal (suitable for all fabric types) or Microtex (extra sharp). Presto Sheer Fusible is a great interfacing for lightweight rayon wovens.

Thank you to our customers for voting us Best Fabric Store in the East Bay Express' Best of the East Bay 2023 readers' poll! We are so grateful for your support and are honored to be recognized. It is our joy to bring fabrics of the world to our community of sewists in Berkeley, the East Bay, and beyond!