What Is Sherpa Fabric? A Guide for Sewists
Sherpa fabric is often associated with warmth, softness, and cosy winter garments, but it is not always fully understood. If you have ever wondered what sherpa fabric is made of, how it behaves, or whether it is suitable for sewing at home, this guide will walk you through the essentials.
I often choose sherpa for projects where comfort, warmth, and texture matter just as much as design. Understanding how this fabric works makes sewing with it far more enjoyable and predictable.
What is sherpa fabric then?
Sherpa fabric in short is a soft, fleece-like material designed to imitate the look and feel of sheepskin. Despite its woolly appearance, it is usually made from synthetic fibres, most commonly polyester. This allows it to be lightweight, durable, and easy to care for.
Sherpa can exist on its own as a fleece fabric, or it can be bonded to a woven fabric such as denim, twill, or corduroy. This bonded version is especially popular for jackets and coats, as it provides warmth and structure in a single fabric layer.
How sherpa fabric is made
Sherpa fabric is created by forming a base fabric and then brushing or looping fibres on one side to create its signature fluffy texture. In bonded sherpa, this fleece layer is permanently attached to a second fabric, resulting in a stable, two-layer material that behaves more like outerwear fabric than traditional fleece.
This construction is what makes sherpa such a practical choice for sewing garments without a lining.
Is sherpa fabric warm?
Yes, sherpa fabric is highly insulating. The raised fibres trap air, helping to retain body heat. This makes it an excellent choice for autumn and winter garments such as coats, jackets, vests, and cosy accessories.
Because sherpa is often synthetic, it provides warmth without the heaviness of natural wool, which can be more comfortable for everyday wear.
Is sherpa fabric easy to sew?
This fabric is very achievable to sew on a domestic sewing machine, especially when it is bonded to a woven backing. The backing adds stability and helps prevent excessive stretching or shifting during construction.
That said, sherpa can be bulky at seams. Choosing simple silhouettes, trimming seam allowances, and sewing slowly will help you achieve clean results. Using clips instead of pins can also make handling easier.
Cutting and handling sherpa fabric
One thing to be prepared for is shedding. When cut, sherpa fabric often releases loose fibres. Cutting on a clean surface and tidying up afterwards makes the process more pleasant.
Markings are best made on the backing fabric rather than the fluffy side, as chalk and pens can disappear into the pile. When possible, transferring markings with tailor’s tacks or clips works particularly well.
When to choose sherpa for a sewing project
Sherpa fabric works best for garments with relaxed shapes and minimal detailing. It is ideal for cosy coats, jackets, vests, and layering pieces designed for comfort and warmth.
It may not be the best choice for highly tailored designs or projects that require crisp edges and fine precision, but for soft silhouettes and everyday outerwear, it truly shines.
Last thing
Sherpa fabric combines comfort, warmth, and texture in a way that feels especially suited to slow sewing and thoughtful making. With the right preparation and a simple construction approach, it becomes an approachable fabric even for sewists new to outerwear.
If you are looking to create garments that feel soft, warm, and comforting to wear, sherpa fabric is well worth exploring.
Happy sewing,
Karolina
