UNBLEACHED COTTON MUSLIN 47" | SH001

Unbleached cotton muslin, sold by the yard — the most useful fabric in any workroom.

If you sew, dye, drape, photograph, or build prototypes, you already know why muslin earns its place on the cutting table. This is 100% cotton muslin in its natural, unbleached state — the soft beige-cream you get straight off the loom, with no chemical whitening, no dyes, and nothing added. It's the same fabric pattern-makers reach for when they want to test a garment before cutting into expensive silk, the same cloth costumers and theatrical designers use for backdrops, and the same lightweight cotton parents and crafters trust for breathable baby projects.

Fabric specs at a glance

• Content: 100% cotton
• Width: 47 inches
• Weight: 100 GSM (approximately 3 oz/yd² — lightweight)
• Weave: Plain weave
• Color: Natural, unbleached (warm off-white / ecru)
• Care: Machine wash cold with like colors; tumble dry low. Pre-wash before sewing to allow for natural cotton shrinkage.
• Sold by: The continuous yard. Order multiple yards and we'll cut a single uninterrupted length.

What it's used for

Unbleached cotton muslin is the workhorse of the textile world. Designers and home sewists use it to sew toiles — practice garments that let you perfect a fit before touching your fashion fabric. Quilters use it as a foundation cloth and quilt backing because it presses crisp and takes stitches cleanly. Surface designers love it for natural dyeing, indigo work, batik, block printing, and shibori — the undyed base means colors land true. It's a staple for baby items like burp cloths, swaddles, and crib sheets thanks to its breathability and soft hand. Photographers and filmmakers use larger cuts as muslin backdrops and light diffusers. Home décor projects — café curtains, light slipcovers, table runners, cushion lining, drapery interlining — all benefit from muslin's neutral tone and easy drape. Crafters reach for it to make cheesecloth-style strainer bags, sachet pouches, tea towels, and reusable produce bags.

Why buyers choose Zelouf for muslin

Zelouf Fabrics has been sourcing wovens for designers, costumers, and home sewists for decades. This muslin is mill-cut, inspected, and shipped from the U.S. — no overseas wait, no minimums, no bolt commitment. Order a single yard for a swatch or a sewing test, or buy by the bolt for stage productions, classroom kits, baby-shower projects, or wholesale crafting.

A note on color

Because this is genuine unbleached muslin, the natural color can vary slightly between rolls — that's the cotton itself, not a defect. If you need precise color matching across a large project, order all your yardage in a single transaction so we can cut from one continuous roll.

Does muslin shrink?

Yes — natural cotton muslin will typically shrink 3–5% on its first wash. Always pre-wash and dry your muslin before cutting your pattern, especially if you're making garments, quilts, or anything fitted.

Quick uses by the yard

• 1–2 yards: toile of a top, swatching, dye tests, sachets, small crafts
• 3–5 yards: dress toile, baby quilt backing, café curtains, small backdrops
• 5–10+ yards: full muslin backdrop, drapery interlining, costume builds, classroom supply

Lightweight, breathable, soft, and endlessly versatile — this is the muslin to keep stocked.

Add it to your project today. Sold and shipped by the yard from Zelouf Fabrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is muslin fabric?

Muslin is a loosely woven, lightweight plain-weave cotton fabric known for its breathability and soft hand. It's one of the oldest and most versatile cotton cloths in the world, used everywhere from couture toiles to baby swaddles to theatrical backdrops.

Is muslin cotton?

Yes. Traditional muslin is 100% cotton. This particular muslin is pure unbleached cotton with nothing added — no synthetics, no dyes, no chemical whiteners.

What is muslin fabric used for?

The most common uses are: sewing toiles (practice garments), quilt backing and foundation piecing, natural dyeing and surface design, baby swaddles and burp cloths, photography and stage backdrops, cheesecloth-style straining, curtain linings, and crafts. Anywhere you need an inexpensive, breathable, neutral cotton — muslin is the answer.

Is muslin breathable?

Very. The loose plain weave of cotton muslin allows excellent airflow, which is exactly why it's the go-to fabric for summer garments, baby items, and breathable swaddles.

Does muslin shrink?

Yes — expect about 3–5% shrinkage on the first wash. Pre-wash and dry your muslin before cutting any pattern, especially for fitted garments or quilts.

What's the difference between bleached and unbleached muslin?

Unbleached muslin (this product) keeps its natural ecru/cream tone straight from the cotton boll — no chemical processing. Bleached muslin is treated to a bright white. Unbleached is preferred for natural dyeing, eco-conscious sewing, and projects where you want the raw cotton look.

Is muslin good for quilting?

Yes — quilters use cotton muslin as a foundation cloth, as quilt backing, and as the canvas for whole-cloth quilts. The 100 GSM weight is light enough to press flat and stitch through cleanly while still being durable.

Can I use this muslin for baby items?

Yes. Because this is 100% unbleached cotton with no dyes or finishes, it's a popular choice for swaddle blankets, burp cloths, crib sheets, and other baby projects. Pre-wash before sewing for skin contact.

How wide is the fabric and how is it sold?

The fabric is 47 inches wide and is sold by the continuous yard. Order multiple yards and we'll cut a single uninterrupted length. For larger productions, bolt and wholesale pricing is available — contact us.

How do I wash and care for cotton muslin?

Machine wash cold with like colors and tumble dry low. Iron on a medium-high cotton setting if needed. Pre-wash before your first project to remove any natural cotton sizing and to lock in shrinkage.

Machine Wash, Cold; Gentle Detergent, No Bleach. Tumble Dry, Low Heat. Do not wring.