Corduroy is one of those timeless fabrics that never goes out of style. Instantly recognisable by its distinctive parallel ribs running along the length of the fabric, it is appreciated for its soft yet structured texture, natural warmth and elegant drape. It's no coincidence that corduroy returns every autumn in fashion collections and interior design trends: few fabrics combine comfort, durability and style quite so successfully.
At Tissus Price, our velvet fabric collection includes a wide range of corduroy fabrics by the metre, from refined fine wale corduroy to bold wide wale corduroy. Available in cotton, polyester and blended compositions, each fabric has been carefully selected to suit a variety of sewing projects, whether you're making everyday clothing or stylish home furnishings.
Corduroy is also surprisingly easy to sew, provided a few basic rules are followed, particularly regarding the direction of the nap and the correct choice of sewing needle. This makes it an excellent fabric for beginners, while still offering enough technical interest for more experienced sewists.
Tobacco ribbed velvet fabric. This ribbed velvet is ideal for making pretty thick clothes (pants, skirt, jacket) or the interior decoration (sofa, cushion, armchair, curtain).
Ribbed Orange Spicy Velvet Fabric. This ribbed velvet is ideal for making pretty thick clothes (pants, skirt, jacket) or the interior decoration (sofa, cushion, armchair, curtain).
Chocolate ribbed velvet fabric. This ribbed velvet is ideal for making pretty thick clothes (pants, skirt, jacket) or the interior decoration (sofa, cushion, armchair, curtain).
Corduroy fabric Green fir tree. This ribbed velvet is ideal for making pretty thick clothes (pants, skirt, jacket) or the interior decoration (sofa, cushion, armchair, curtain).
Corduroy fabric blue jeans. This ribbed velvet is ideal for making pretty thick clothes (pants, skirt, jacket) or the interior decoration (sofa, cushion, armchair, curtain).
King blue velvet fabric. This ribbed velvet is ideal for making pretty thick clothes (pants, skirt, jacket) or the interior decoration (sofa, cushion, armchair, curtain).
White furry velvet fabric. The velvet millerais soft and light. Finely ribbed, this velvet with a thousand lines is very pleasant to wear. It is ideal for making clothing (pant, skirt), accessories or seat covers.
Velvet fabric milleraies terracotta. The velvet millerais soft and light. Finely ribbed, this velvet with a thousand lines is very pleasant to wear. It is ideal for making clothing (pant, skirt), accessories or seat covers.
Dark brown furry velvet fabric. The velvet millerais soft and light. Finely ribbed, this velvet with a thousand lines is very pleasant to wear. It is ideal for making clothing (pant, skirt), accessories or seat covers.
Corduroy is a cut-pile fabric, recognisable by its parallel ribs, often called "wales" or "cords", which repeat regularly across the width of the cloth. These ribs come from a particular weaving process in which extra weft threads, known as pile threads, are woven into the base structure and then cut to create a velvety texture. Unlike a plain velvet, the surface of corduroy isn't uniform: it has a regular, soft-to-the-touch texture that gives the fabric its distinctive character.
Origins
Corduroy has its roots in Europe, where it emerged as early as the 18th century as a hard-wearing, more affordable alternative to silk velvet, which was reserved for wealthier classes. Made from cotton, it quickly became a popular fabric, particularly in workwear, before really taking off in fashion during the 20th century, especially in children's clothing and autumn outfits.
How it's made
Corduroy is woven using a technique known as double-warp weaving. A first warp forms the base of the fabric, while a second, looser warp creates loops that are later cut to release the pile. This pile is then brushed in a specific direction, which is why corduroy has a "nap" or "pile direction" that needs to be respected when cutting and sewing. The regularity and fineness of this weave directly determine the width of the wales and the overall quality of the fabric.
Characteristics
Corduroy is recognisable by several features: a clearly identifiable ribbed texture, a good weight that varies according to the fabric's density, natural warmth linked to the thickness of the pile, and a certain softness that makes it easy to sew and gives garments a good drape. Its surface changes slightly in appearance depending on the angle of the light, giving it a visual depth that's much appreciated in both interiors and clothing.
Differences from other velvets
Unlike plain velvet, whose surface is smooth and flat, corduroy has visible, regular ribs. It also differs from stretch velvet, which contains elastane to give it stretch, whereas classic corduroy generally keeps a firmer structure closer to a traditional weave. Corduroy is therefore better suited to structured garments, while stretch velvet works better for fitted pieces such as leggings or figure-hugging dresses.
Why choose a corduroy fabric?
Comfort
Corduroy feels pleasant against the skin — neither too stiff nor too loose. Its ribbed structure gives it a slight natural give, enough to move with the body without the garment losing its shape.
Softness
The brushed pile of corduroy gives it a characteristic softness, comparable to plain velvet, while still holding its shape better thanks to the ribs.
Durability
The density of the weave makes corduroy particularly resistant to wear and repeated friction, which explains its long history in workwear and its current popularity for everyday clothing.
Insulation
Thanks to the thickness of its pile, corduroy retains body heat well. It's a warm fabric, ideal for autumn and winter, whether used for clothing or for decorative items such as a throw or cushion.
Aesthetics
The ribs give a visual and tactile texture that instantly sets a corduroy garment or object apart from a plain fabric. This textured finish works just as well with a retro style as with a contemporary wardrobe.
Longevity
Well looked after, corduroy keeps its texture and colour for many years. It's a sewing investment that lasts through the seasons without losing its shape, provided a few washing precautions are followed.
Possible drawbacks
Corduroy can develop slight crease marks if the fabric is left folded for a long time without being handled, and it needs a bit of extra care when cutting to respect the pile direction. Some wide-wale finishes can also snag on sharp objects or Velcro, worth bearing in mind for children's clothes.
Corduroy for clothing: what can you sew?
Corduroy for clothing lends itself to a wide range of sewing projects, from structured garments to softer, more fluid pieces.
Jacket
A corduroy jacket is a real autumn wardrobe staple. A medium to heavy weight gives a good structure, while still being flexible enough not to stiffen the cut.
Overshirt
An overshirt particularly benefits from a fine-wale corduroy, lighter and softer, which makes it easy to layer without adding too much bulk.
Trousers
For a comfortable, hard-wearing pair of trousers, a wide-wale cotton corduroy offers an excellent balance of drape, structure and durability, especially popular for workwear-style trousers.
Dress
A corduroy dress brings an instant autumnal feel. Lighter weights suit flared styles, while a heavier fabric gives better structure to a shift or A-line dress.
Skirt
Whether straight, pleated or A-line, a skirt shows off corduroy's ribs beautifully thanks to a drape that's often more vertical, visually emphasising the wales.
Dungarees
Corduroy dungarees, popular in both children's and adult fashion, benefit from the fabric's resistance to friction and repeated washing.
Jumpsuit
For a jumpsuit, a soft, medium-weight corduroy is best, offering both comfort and good freedom of movement.
Children's clothing
Corduroy is a safe bet for children's clothing: hard-wearing, warm and easy to care for, it copes well with the frequent washing this age group requires.
Accessories
Pouches, bags, cases and bum bags also work well in corduroy, often made from fabric offcuts, for a textured, cosy finish.
There are two main types: cotton corduroy, softer, more breathable and easier to sew, and polyester corduroy, more resistant to creasing, more hard-wearing and often more affordable. Some fabrics blend both fibres to combine their advantages.
The thickness felt by hand depends on both the fabric weight and the height of the pile. The taller the pile, the thicker and warmer the fabric feels, though at the cost of slightly less flexibility.
Wale width
The width of the wales directly affects the style of the fabric and its recommended use.
Fine wale
Fine-wale corduroy has narrow, closely spaced ribs. Softer to the touch, it's particularly well suited to fluid garments such as dresses, shirts and overshirts.
Like any pile fabric, corduroy has a specific direction: running your hand along the fabric, the pile feels smooth in one direction and rougher in the other. All pattern pieces must be cut in the same direction to avoid visible colour differences once the garment is assembled.
Cutting
It's best to cut corduroy laid out flat, in a single layer, to make it easier to spot the pile direction and ensure perfect alignment between symmetrical pieces.
Needles
A machine needle suited to thick fabrics — often a denim needle or a good-sized universal needle — will pass cleanly through the ribs without damaging them or snapping the thread.
Thread
A good-quality, strong polyester thread is recommended to match the durability of the fabric and avoid breakages during repeated seams.
Machine settings
A slightly longer stitch length makes it easier to sew through the thickness of the corduroy, while a balanced thread tension prevents the fabric from puckering.
Ironing
Corduroy should be ironed on the wrong side, ideally on a slightly padded surface or a towel, so as not to flatten the pile and to preserve the texture of the ribs.
Common mistakes
The most common mistakes are mixing up the pile direction between two pieces, pressing too hard and flattening the ribs, and using thread or a needle that's too fine for the thickness of the fabric.
A dressmaker's tip
Before you start, it's a good idea to do a test seam on an offcut to adjust your machine's tension and stitch length, as each weight behaves slightly differently.
How to care for corduroy
Washing
A machine wash at 30°C on a gentle cycle preserves both the colour and the texture of the pile. It's best to turn the garment inside out to reduce friction on the right side of the fabric.
Drying
Air drying is recommended to avoid flattening the pile. If using a tumble dryer, a low-heat cycle will reduce the risk of the fabric losing its shape.
Ironing
As with cutting and sewing, always iron on the wrong side, using steam if needed, and never place the iron directly on the right side of the fabric.
Storage
It's best to store corduroy garments on a hanger rather than folded, to avoid lasting crease marks on the ribs.
Keeping colours looking good
Washing inside out, at a low temperature and without prolonged exposure to sunlight, helps colours stay vibrant for longer, particularly with darker shades.
For children's or homeware projects, corduroy can also be paired with a minky fabric or faux fur on one side of a reversible throw, creating a much-loved contrast of textures. A double gauze, lighter and airier, works well as a lining for corduroy pieces that need lining without adding bulk. Finally, for anyone drawn to a workwear look, pairing corduroy with denim remains a timeless classic, especially on jackets or bags that combine both fabrics.
If you're after a more fitted, stretchy option, do also take a look at our stretch corduroy fabric, which pairs beautifully with a wardrobe built around classic corduroy.
Our colour range covers both classic shades and the latest trends, refreshed regularly to keep pace with seasonal collections. Every product is described in detail (fibre content, weight, width) to help you choose with confidence, even when buying online.
We place great importance on the quality of our fabrics and the reliability of our service: careful packing, dependable delivery times, and a team on hand to advise you before and after your purchase. Part of our textile printing work is also carried out directly in our workshop near Toulon, in the Var region of France — a mark of French craftsmanship that we bring to the quality of our fabrics by the metre too.
What's the difference between corduroy and pinwale (needlecord)?
Needlecord, sometimes called pinwale corduroy, is actually a variant of fine-wale corduroy, with very narrow, closely packed ribs. It's simply a more precise term for corduroy with the narrowest wales.
Does corduroy shrink when washed?
Cotton corduroy can shrink slightly during the first few washes, as with most natural-fibre fabrics. It's best to pre-wash the fabric before cutting your pattern to avoid any surprises after the first wash of the finished garment.
Can you sew corduroy by hand?
Yes, but it's better suited to finishing touches or small repairs than assembling a whole garment. For a strong, even seam along the full length of your pieces, a sewing machine remains by far the better option, especially with heavier weights.
What weight should I choose for a lightweight summer garment?
Corduroy is, first and foremost, an autumn and winter fabric thanks to its natural warmth. For a lighter garment, it's still best to go for a low weight combined with fine-wale corduroy, which breathes better than a heavy weight.
How can you tell the pile direction on a piece of corduroy?
Simply run the palm of your hand along the ribs, in the direction of the fabric's length. In one direction, the pile lies flat and feels soft and looks brighter; in the other, it stands up slightly and looks more matte and rougher. It's this second direction that needs to be consistent across all your cut pieces.
Is corduroy suitable for maternity wear?
A soft, lightweight, fine-wale corduroy works well for a maternity dress or dungarees, provided you choose a pattern with enough ease. For extra stretch, our stretch corduroy is a more comfortable option for this kind of project.
Why does my corduroy have pale marks after ironing?
These marks usually appear when the iron is placed directly on the right side of the fabric, flattening the pile and creating a shiny or squashed effect in places. Always iron on the wrong side, or use a pressing cloth, to protect the texture of the ribs.
How much fabric do I need for a corduroy jacket?
For a classic adult jacket, budget for roughly 2 to 2.5 metres, depending on size and fabric width, making sure to cut all pieces in the same pile direction — this can slightly increase the amount needed compared with a plain fabric.
Is polyester corduroy lower quality than cotton?
Not necessarily: polyester offers better resistance to creasing and often holds its colour better over time. Cotton is still generally preferred for its softness, breathability and more natural feel against the skin.
Can corduroy be used to upholster an armchair?
Yes, provided you choose a heavy weight and a hard-wearing fibre content, ideally a wide-wale corduroy, capable of withstanding the repeated friction of everyday seating. A lighter fabric would wear out much more quickly in this kind of use.
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