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I've noticed something interesting lately—whenever I share a project made with Liberty fabric on social media, the comments always include two reactions: people swooning over the beautiful prints, quickly followed by gasps at the price tag. And I get it! At over $40 a yard for cotton and $90+ for silk, Liberty fabrics are definitely an investment.
Today, I want to have an honest conversation about Liberty fabrics - what makes them special, whether they're worth the splurge, and how to get that beautiful Liberty look even if the price isn't in your budget right now.
What Makes Liberty Fabric Different?
Liberty's story begins in 1875 as a London department store with a passion for importing extraordinary printed fabrics from Asia and the Middle East. These weren't your typical prints - they brought colors and patterns to British fashion that simply didn't exist at the time.
Today, their fabrics are printed in Italy near Lake Como, continuing a tradition of exceptional quality and distinctive design.
The Most Popular Liberty Fabrics
If you're like me, you probably think of Tana Lawn cotton when you hear "Liberty fabric." I recently used it to make our Sage blouse pattern, and it was absolutely perfect - the fabric has this incredible balance of drape and structure that makes it ideal for blouses, summer
dresses, and even luxurious pajamas.
But Liberty actually produces several other fabrics worth knowing about:
-
Cotton poplin (more structured than Tana Lawn) -
Quilting cotton (under the "Liberty Arts" label) - Silk crepe de chine
- Silk satin
- Silk twill
- Silk chiffon
- Silk-cotton voile blend
Smart Shopping Strategies for Liberty Fabric
Let me share some insider tips I've learned for finding Liberty fabrics at better prices:
1. Watch for sales at major retailers like Mood Fabrics
2. Check smaller specialty shops (I love Josephine's Dry Goods here in Portland)
3. Explore vintage sources on Etsy and at estate sales
4. Use Liberty strategically in smaller projects
Getting the Liberty Look for Less
While nothing quite matches the real thing, I've found some beautiful alternatives that capture that Liberty aesthetic:
- Japanese cotton lawns, especially Kokka's Flownny line
- Sevenberry fabrics from Robert Kaufman (I recently made our Dara blouse in their Petite Garden Lawn)
- Mood's Secret Garden collection
- The Fiore Collection by Maya Ootani
- Cosmo Textile's Pedicel Collection
For everyday wear, these alternatives can give you that beautiful Liberty-inspired look while being gentler on your wallet. Just like when I'm choosing fabric for our Joss pants or Dezi skirt, sometimes it's about finding that perfect balance between practicality and luxury.
So... Is Liberty Worth It?
In my experience, Liberty fabrics truly are special. The print archive of over 50,000 designs, the exceptional color combinations, and the superior fabric quality make them stand out. But like any luxury purchase, it's personal. When I find the perfect Liberty print for a special project, I consider it an investment in both my wardrobe and my sewing joy.
Have you ever sewn with Liberty fabrics? I'd love to hear about your experience or your favorite Liberty alternatives in the comments below.
Want to learn more? Download our free guide to finding Liberty fabrics and alternatives.
