Double gauze is one of those fabrics that makes you want to run your hands over it again and again, it’s soft, breathable, and perfect for floaty tops, breezy dresses, and snuggly baby makes.
In this post, I’ll walk you through what double gauze actually is, how to prep it, and some handy tips to make sewing with it a breeze. Let’s dive in!
What is Double Gauze Fabric?
Double gauze is made from two layers of fine cotton gauze tacked together at regular intervals. This gives it that lovely crinkly texture and soft drape. It’s often used for baby swaddles, summer garments, and breezy loungewear - it’s so comfy you’ll probably want to live in it!
Is Double Gauze Fabric See Through?
Not always! Double gauze is a fine and lightweight fabric, so in lighter colour ways it can be a little bit see through, however as you can see from the garment photos in this post, the more intense colours provide plenty of coverage.
Before You Sew: Prepping Double Gauze
👕 Pre-wash! Double gauze will likely shrink a little, and the texture can change a bit after washing. Wash and dry it as you would the final garment (preferably before cutting).
✂️ Handle gently. The fabric can shift and fray quite a bit, so cut it in a single layer if possible. A rotary cutter is your friend here.
📏 Mark carefully. Skip anything that might pull at the threads (like wheel markers). A chalk pencil or a disappearing pen is gentler on the weave.
Sewing Tips for Double Gauze:
🧵 Use a sharp needle – a fresh universal or microtex needle (size 70/10 or 80/12) works best.
📐 Staystitch curves – to stop the fabric from stretching out of shape, especially around necklines and armholes.
🪡 Consider French seams – they help control fraying and give a lovely clean finish, perfect for garments you want to feel extra special.
📎 Pins or clips? – Pins can leave holes if you’re not careful, so go for fine pins or sewing clips.
📏 Keep your seam allowance consistent – that soft texture can make things shift around a bit, so take your time and don’t be afraid to hand tack first if needed.
🧺 Should I Iron It? - Don't press your fabric before cutting out, or you'll spread it out and remove the texture. You'll need to press as you go whilst sewing, which can flatten out the wrinkles, but a quick wash of your finished garment will return it to its lovely crinkly state.
What Can You Make With Double Gauze?
Double gauze is perfect for:
🌸 Lightweight summer tops
👗 Flowy dresses
🛌 Pyjamas
🍼 Baby blankets and swaddles
🧣 Simple scarves and wraps
Anything that benefits from softness and a bit of floaty texture!
Final Thoughts
Working with double gauze might be a bit of a learning curve, but once you’ve got the hang of it, it’s incredibly satisfying to work with. Don’t be afraid to go slow, use lots of pins, and embrace the wonkiness—this fabric has a natural, relaxed vibe, and your makes will too 💜
Jenny xxx