Muslin Fabric

At Whaleys, we supply a wide range of high quality muslin fabrics and blends. Our fabric is available to buy wholesale by the metre making it ideal for whatever your project is. Muslin fabric is commonly used in dress making due to its durability and light weight.

Other uses for muslin fabric include shellac polishing, baking, theatre sets and most unusual surgical procedures. Surgeons often use muslin gauze in cerebrovascular neurosurgery to prevent excess bleeding. The muslin fabrics stocked at Whaley’s are in their loom state form and can be dyed and printed upon in most cases. If you are looking for a specific type of muslin for your project then please get in touch with our office team who will help you with your purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions About Muslin Fabric

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions from our customers about Muslin Fabric. If your question isn't covered here, please contact us.

  • Muslin is lighter, softer, and more finely woven than calico, which makes it better for testing garments that need drape, such as dresses and blouses. Calico is sturdier and more economical, suited to testing structure and fit in jackets, trousers, and tailored garments. Many makers use calico for initial fitting work and muslin for a final toile closer to the fashion fabric.

  • Muslin is soft, breathable, and gentle on delicate skin. The open weave allows air to circulate, which helps regulate temperature. It becomes softer and more absorbent with washing, is easy to clean, and dries quickly. These qualities make it a practical and comfortable choice for swaddles, burp cloths, and blankets.

  • Fine muslin is best for delicate garments, baby swaddles, and culinary uses. It drapes well but can be transparent. Medium muslin is the most versatile and works for toiling, baby products, and general sewing. Heavy muslin has more structure and coverage, suiting bags, household items, and garments that need a bit more body. Match the weight to your intended use and the drape you’re after.

  • Muslin is widely used in cooking for straining and filtering. It’s used for draining curds in cheese-making, clarifying stocks and jellies, wrapping herbs and spices as a bouquet garni, lining steamer baskets, and wrapping puddings for steaming. Always choose unbleached, food-safe muslin without chemical treatments for culinary use, and boil it before first use and between uses. See our articles M13 Butter Muslin White, CD24 Cheesecloth, M11 Muslin Cotton Natural Loomstate.