Denim - New denim fabrics and dress patterns for denim

Sewing with Denim: Inspiration, Patterns & Fabric Picks for Every Maker

Denim is a timeless fabric that’s loved by beginners and experienced sewists alike—and for good reason. It’s durable, versatile, and works beautifully across a huge range of garment styles, from relaxed overshirts to statement dungarees. Whether you're planning your first denim project or your fiftieth, we've got the fabrics, patterns, and inspiration to help you make something special.

Here’s our guide to sewing with denim—plus some of our favourite fabrics and patterns to get you started.

The Patterns pictured here are; 

Ash Jeans | The Ilford Jacket

Choosing the Right Denim Fabric

Not all denim is created equal! At Croft Mill, we stock a curated collection of denims in different weights, colours, and even patterns, including designer deadstock you won’t find anywhere else.

Lighter Weight Denim (4–6 oz):
Perfect for shirts, blouses, shirt dresses and summer dresses. These drape nicely while still giving that classic denim look.

Midweight Denim (7–10 oz):
A versatile choice for trousers, dresses, pinafores and light jackets. Easy to sew and great for everyday wear.

Heavier Weight Denim (11 oz+):
Ideal for structured garments like jeans, overalls and workwear-style jackets. These give a more tailored feel and are extra durable.

👉 Browse our denim range here

Lightweight Denim & Denim Chambray

Our lightweight denim fabrics are all under 8oz and are perfect for designing shirts, loose trousers, leggings, and (if they have stretch) dresses. If you're looking for a fluid or draping dress or garment, look no further than our 4oz option.

View the Range

Perfect For - The Friday Pattern Co. The Wilder Gown

The Wilder Gown is a loose, flowy, tiered dress that can be sewn up in a bunch of different ways! It has raglan sleeves and ties up at the neck. It is easy to sew and is perfect for drapey woven fabrics

Take a look

Other fabric recom­men­dations for this fabulous dress are; 

Washed Denim | Silk | Cotton Lawn | Viscose Challis 

Embden - Lightweight Embroidered denim

Indigo blue lightweight 6oz cotton denim shirting fabric with an intricate darker blue interwoven check. This fabric features a fabulous embroidered flower design in a lighter blue yarn

£14 per metre

Midweight Denim

Our Midweight Denim Fabric is perfect for everything from jeans and jackets to skirts and trousers. This 8oz-10oz denim is durable and easy to work with, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced sewers alike.

Shop the Range

Heavy Denim Collection

These super sturdy fabrics are perfect for jeans, bags, and purses, as well as other more structured garments. With a weight of 10oz or more, this denim is sure to stand up to whatever you throw at it!

Take a look

Cotton Chambray Trousering

Weighing approximately 220gsm with a 10% stretch along the weft, our Jude fabrics have elastane added making them comfortable to wear.

Take a Look

Perfect for - Named Clothing
Aina Trousers & Culottes

The Aina pattern includes two variations: Classic trousers with a slightly tapered ankle-length leg, and trendy culottes. Both of these lightly fitted trousers have a high rise, fly zipper closure, front pockets and patch pockets in the back.

Take a look

Other fabric recom­men­dations for these stunning trousers are;­ 

Drill, Twill & Chino | Mid Weight Denim | Linen

🧵 Sewing Patterns We Love for Denim

Pair your fabric with the perfect pattern! Here are some brilliant options that suit different sewing levels—from confident beginners to seasoned sewists:

• Overshirts & Utility Jackets
  Great for layering and ideal in mid to heavy weight denim. Try patterns like the Collarless Overshirt Pattern by Monsterfabriken or the Unisex Painter Jacket Pattern by Wardrobe by Me.

• Dungarees & Pinafores
  Classic, comfy, and great fun to sew! Look out for styles like The Harlene or this Tessuti Pinafore Dress in a lightweight denim.

• Denim Dresses
  A shirt dress in denim is a wardrobe staple—easy to wear and sew. Patterns like The Loviisa Denim dress or Cawley Dress Pattern work beautifully in a soft denim.

• Trousers & Jeans
  Go tailored or relaxed with styles like a barrel leg Trouser pattern, Rika Pants, or Style Arc Victor Woven Jean Pattern. 

✨ Ready to Sew?

Whether you’re into deep indigo, soft stonewashed shades, bright deadstock colours or patterned styles, there’s a denim fabric waiting for you in our collection. With the right fabric and a great pattern, you’ll be amazed at what you can make.

🛒 Browse all denim fabrics here
📚 See our full range of sewing patterns here

Fancy coming down to see us? You can book an appointment on 01282 859281, we’re not a shop, so things work a little differently – but we’d love to welcome you!

• Visits are by appointment so that we can give you the best experience
• Appointment times are up to 45 minutes

Available:

• Monday to Thursday: 10:30–13:00 & 14:00–16:30
• Fridays: 10:30–13:00 & 14:00–16:00

 If you’d like to buy on the day, it’s cash only

Not booked? No problem! If you turn up without an appointment, just press the buzzer or give us a call on 01282 859281. If we’re free, we’ll do our best to fit you in!