100% Cotton

Cotton Field

When I started designing fabric for TrueWoven, I knew from the beginning that it had to be 100% cotton. Not just because it’s traditional or easy to work with (although those are true), but because it aligns with what I believe in as a homesteader, a mother, a maker, and a Messianic believer.

Cotton has a deep history on homesteads.

It’s breathable, natural, and gentle—everything you’d want in something worn close to the skin or used daily in the home. Whether you’re sewing a baby bonnet, a kitchen towel, or a pillow cover, there’s something comforting about knowing the fabric you’re holding came from a plant—not a petroleum product.

For me, it also comes down to stewardship. We live in a world where so many things are disposable and synthetic. But cotton is renewable. It breaks down naturally, leaving no trace in the soil or water. And it doesn’t shed microplastics into our laundry or streams.

When I imagine my grandchildren using something I made today, I don’t want them surrounded by fabric that pollutes or wears out quickly. I want cotton. I want durability that feels good and does good.

I also choose cotton for reasons of faith. In Scripture, we’re called to honor the land and avoid mixing certain materials. While I don’t claim this fabric line is kosher in the Levitical sense, I do believe that avoiding synthetic and blended fabrics is a meaningful part of living simply and honoring creation.

Cotton is a fabric I can feel good about from seed to sewing machine.

And practically? It’s just a joy to use. It takes dye beautifully—TrueWoven’s colors come out rich and warm. It presses well, stitches smoothly, and ages gracefully. Whether you’re quilting, garment sewing, or crafting something for your table, cotton lets your hands and heart do what they were made to do.

If you’ve ever worn synthetic fabric on a hot day, you already know how important breathability is. Cotton lets the skin breathe. It’s the fabric I always chose when dressing my babies—and now my grandbabies. For people who care about what touches their skin (or what touches their children’s), cotton isn’t a trend. It’s a standard.

It doesn’t trap heat or moisture, which makes it ideal for sensitive skin, especially for those with allergies or eczema.

Or, of course, you are-or have someone-who works outside in the heat!

This is why every TrueWoven design is printed on 100% cotton. It’s part of what sets our fabric apart. We’re not just making pretty patterns—we’re offering something that fits into your life and values. Something that won’t outlive its usefulness in a landfill. Something you can trust.

I’ve put together a free guide on using 100% cotton fabrics for clothing. Whether you’re making aprons, baby clothes, or Sabbath accessories, it’ll walk you through why cotton works, what to look for, and tips for sewing and care. You can download it at the end of this post.

Thank you for walking this homestead path with me—and for choosing slow-made, purpose-filled fabric that reflects your values, too.