Introducing Our New Batik Corduroy

Say hello to a whole new texture in the world of batik.

We’re excited to introduce our latest fabric base: hand-dyed, hand-stamped Batik Corduroy, crafted from 100% cotton and designed for makers who love both structure and softness.

Whether you’re sewing a jacket, a tote bag, or cozy home décor, this fabric offers the rich detail of batik artistry—now with the dimensional texture of soft 16-wale corduroy.

This post is just the beginning of what we’ll be sharing about Batik Corduroy. We simply couldn’t wait to get this announcement into your hands as you begin dreaming up your fall sewing projects.

What Makes Our Corduroy Special

• Fabric Content: 100% cotton

• Wale Count: 16 wales per inch (finewale)

• Width: 57" usable

• Finish: Hand-dyed & stamped batik motifs

• Weight: Lightweight feel with midweight versatility

• Care: Machine washable and dryer safe (see below!)

The balance of softness and structure makes it perfect for garments that move and breathe, yet hold their shape beautifully.

Perfect for Garment Sewing, Accessories & More

You’ll love using Batik Corduroy for:

• Garments: Jackets, skirts, wide-leg trousers, overalls

• Accessories: Tote bags, pouches, travel gear

• Home Décor: Pillows, cushion covers, and upholstery accents

With its one-of-a-kind shading and plush texture, every cut of fabric tells its own story. My first project is the Thayer Jacket designed by Grainline Studio. It's the perfect style jacket for our lightweight batik corduroy and it's lined! I'm lining it with a coordinating batik cotton. 

Need project inspiration? We’ve selected a few garment patterns available on our website that pair beautifully with batik corduroy. From jackets and wide-leg pants to cozy layering pieces, these patterns will help you make the most of this textured fabric.

→ Browse Patterns Perfect for Batik Corduroy

Sewing & Care Tips

Here’s how to make the most of your new batik corduroy:

Before You Cut:

• Prewash to remove any residual dye and wax; also to avoid shrinkage when you least want it

• Wash warm water, Synthrapol or Retayne as your detergent, and an extra rinse cycle to remove all the soap. Dry for a few minutes in the dryer to remove any wrinkles from the wash cycle. Lay flat or hang to dry preserving the smooth nap of the corduroy.

While You Sew:

• Cut all pieces in the same nap direction to maintain consistent color reflection. This may require a little bit more fabric, but it sure saves on one sleeve looking slightly darker than the other. 

• Use a longer stitch length (3.0–3.5mm) for topstitching

• Needle size of 80/12 for woven fabric

• Coordinating 40 Wt. - 50 Wt. cotton or polyester thread

• Clip and grade seam allowances to reduce bulk on curves

• Pressing is not recommended due to the nap of the fabric. Finger press when you can or use the very tip of your iron as a heat source for pressing. "Always test before you press". If you must use your iron, lightly press on the wrong side to maintain the brushed nap of the corduroy.

Pro Tip: For high-wear areas (like bag corners or pant knees), use lightweight interfacing to reinforce and extend the life of your make.

What is 16-Wale Corduroy, Anyway?

Corduroy is defined by its wale count—the number of ribs (or “wales”) per inch. Our 16-wale corduroy has fine, soft ridges, making it lighter and more drapey than wider wale options. It’s ideal for comfortable garments and flexible enough for a wide range of sewing projects.

How Much Should I Buy?

Here are common yardage amounts we recommend:

• 1 yard – simple tops, children’s garments

• 1½ yards – skirts, basic tops

• 2–2½ yards – tunics, classic shirts, dresses, wide-leg pants

• 3–4 yards – lined jackets, coats, or coordinated separates

Tip: We offer cut-lengths that match these pattern-friendly increments to reduce waste and make shopping easy.

Every Piece is One-of-a-Kind

Because our batik corduroy is hand-dyed and stamped in small batches, no two bolts are exactly alike. That’s part of what makes this fabric so special. The organic shading and subtle texture shifts bring your project to life in a way mass-produced fabric never could.

Ready to Feel the Texture?

→ Shop the Batik Corduroy Collection and start planning your fall cozy batik corduroy projects!  The possibilities are endless!

It’s been a long journey from design to production — testing base cloths for the highest quality, perfecting dye techniques, and ensuring the clarity of our batik stamps on a fabric with a defined nap. We’re so proud to finally share Batik Corduroy with you.

We look forward to bringing you more through our YouTube channel, social media, and upcoming newsletters. As always, let us know what you think — and happy sewing and making!

Diane, Bruce and the SewBatik Team