What is a poplin anyway?
Poplin is a word we don't often hear or use in North America. We've chosen to use it because, honestly, we don't really have a great substitute for it and I'd rather use the right word than a second best.
Simply put, a poplin is a tightly woven fabric.
Poplins are made with threads that are tightly spun and then woven close together giving the fabric more threads per inch.
The tightly spun fibers as well as the close weave means:
1) A lighter fabric. We tend to think: thicker = stronger but the tightly spun fibers in poplin are fine but stronger and the closer packed weave means more fibers are being used which equals a stronger fabric even though it feels light.
2) The fabric has a more even, flat appearance that is ideal for the dyeing process. Think of colouring on a piece of paper as opposed to colouring on a basket. The colour saturation is far better and the images come out crisp and precise. The weave on poplin fabrics is far more subtle that on quilting cottons.
3) Drape. Poplins are made to be used in clothing and they will drape and carry themselves beautifully. This doesn't mean they cannot be used in other projects like quilts or crafting projects. But where quilting cottons can really only be used for quits; poplins will do very well in either situation.
4) Like all fabrics, there are varying degrees of quality.
5) Poplins have no stretch unless otherwise indicated.
Poplins can be used in most clothing that requires no stretch. The weight and thickness still need to be considered but it's a fabric you can use for shirts, dresses, pants and jackets.