Dear reader,
After releasing the Kiara Knit and Estelle Cowl Dresses, I got a few getting is: “What knit should I use?” And honestly, it’s the right question. To make this easier, we went on a little fake fabric shopping trip (aka e-window shopping) and pulled together options across different markets and stores. Below you’ll find the knit categories that work best for Kiara and Estelle, the key specs to watch for, and a couple of links per category so you can start browsing right away.
What to look for
- Weight: aim for 200 to 300 gsm. (Ponte di Roma can be heavier on occasion, and that’s still totally fine.)
- Horizontal stretch: at least 50%. This is especially important for Estelle, because there is negative ease in the bust.
- Vertical stretch: can be minimal. If it’s higher, it’s not a problem.
- Recovery: this matters more than you think. You want the knit to bounce back so the dress keeps its shape after wearing.
1. Viscose Jersey
A classic for drape. Viscose jersey gives you fluid movement and that soft, elegant “falls where it should” effect. Great for both patterns.
- Europe: Teal/green viscose jersey (Portugal, ships across Europe) and similar options on Stoffe.de or myfabrics.co.uk
- USA: Italian chocolate brown stretch viscose jersey (Mood)
2. Bamboo Jersey
If you want comfort to be the headline, bamboo jersey is a dream. Soft, smooth, and drapey. It works beautifully for Kiara’s relaxed neckline and feels wonderful against the skin.
- Australia: Pine green bamboo jersey, 250gsm (Tessuti)
- USA: Sienna rose stretch bamboo jersey (Mood, wide range of colors)
3. Tencel™ Jersey
Tencel jerseys have a cool, luxe hand and a lovely drape with a slightly more polished feel than viscose. If you want “elevated everyday,” this is a strong choice.
- Canada: Organic cotton + Tencel stretch jersey in scarlet (Core Fabrics)
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Europe: Navy Tencel/modal jersey (tecidos.com.pt)
Reference for other stores: 63_06222_007
4. Wool Jersey
Warm, breathable, and perfect for winter. Wool jersey can look incredibly chic in both Kiara and Estelle, especially if you want a more “I bought this in a boutique” vibe.
- Most markets (except Australia): Teal wool jersey (Minerva)
- Europe: Dark grey wool jersey (The Fabric Sales)
5. Silk Jersey
Silk jersey is pure drape and pure luxury. If you’re making a special version, this is the one. Handle it gently, and let the fabric do the talking.
- USA: Chocolate teal and cream floral silk jersey (Mood)
- Etsy: Pink silk jersey options (search by weight and stretch, and prioritize good recovery)
6. Milano Knit
Milano is stable, smooth, and slightly more structured. Great if you want a cleaner silhouette and a fabric that is easy to sew. (Also: it looks expensive.)
- Europe: Pink milano knit (The Fabric Sales)
- Etsy: Navy milano options (check stretch and recovery)
7. Interlock
Interlock is comfortable, stable, and beginner-friendly while still giving a lovely finish. It typically drapes less than viscose or bamboo, so your result may look a touch more “clean and structured.”
- Canada: Green rPET wicking interlock deadstock (Core Fabrics)
- Europe: Creme melange organic interlock cotton (The Fabric Sales)
8. Sweater Knits
For cosy Kiara versions, sweater knits are a natural fit. For Estelle, just make sure your sweater knit still has enough horizontal stretch and, most importantly, good recovery.
- Canada: Oregano sweater knit deadstock (Core Fabrics)
- Europe: Viscose blend sweater knit in baby blue (tecidos.com.pt)
9. Velvet
Velvet is the “holiday season” fabric. It instantly turns both dresses into something special. Go for stretch velvet with good recovery so it stays sleek and comfortable.
- Australia: Midnight stretch velvet (Tessuti)
- USA: Scarlet stretch velour (Mood)
10. Ponte Roma
Ponte Roma is usually more structured and can run heavier than 300 gsm, but it is still a great option. Think cleaner lines, more hold, and a very polished final look. For Estelle, ponte can be especially satisfying if you want the cowl and silhouette to feel a bit more “sculpted.”
- USA: Italian paprika red stretch viscose ponte de roma (Mood)
- Everywhere: Beige ponte roma (Minerva)
Are you planning a Kiara or Estelle for the holiday season?
And a quick reminder if you’ve been hesitating: these are the last hours to get 15% off Kiara and Estelle. Newsletter subscribers also get 20% off automatically when buying both patterns at the same time (make sure you check out with the email address you’re subscribed with).
Happy sewing!