How We Identify Fabric Composition

Most of the fabrics we work with are reclaimed or donated and no longer have their original fibre labels. Because many items come from makers' homes, fibre content information is not always available. Learn more about how we source pre-loved fabrics and sewing supplies from makers' homes.

Because fibre content can't always be confirmed, we describe fabric composition as an estimate unless an original manufacturer's label or other reliable information is available. This page explains how we identify unlabelled fabrics and what our estimated composition means when you're choosing fabric.

 

Estimated Fabric Composition

In most cases, fabric composition is an informed estimate rather than a confirmed specification. 

Where information isn't available from an original label, we consider:

  • Texture and handle
  • Weave or knit structure
  • Weight and drape
  • Visual characteristics and finish
  • Practical experience of handling and sewing different textiles
  • Results from textile identification equipment where appropriate

Where possible, we also use specialist identification equipment to support this process.

 

Using Fabric Identification Technology

To improve accuracy and support responsible sorting, we use a Matoha Fabritell machine.

Matofa Fabritell fabric identification machine

This equipment helps us:

  • Distinguish between fibre types and blends
  • Analyse unlabelled and reclaimed fabrics
  • Make more informed decisions about reuse or recycling

The Fabritell supports our assessment process, particularly for blended or less familiar fabrics. However, like all identification methods, it is not infallible and results are treated as guidance rather than absolute confirmation.


How We Describe Fabric Composition

To avoid confusion, we follow a clear and consistent approach:

  • Fabric composition is estimated unless otherwise stated
  • Product descriptions explain when fibre content is uncertain
  • We never guarantee fibre content where this cannot be confirmed
  • Where an original fibre-content label is present, this information is included in the product description.

This reflects the realities of working with reclaimed materials and ensures customers understand the nature of what they are buying.

Why Estimated Composition Matters

Understanding fibre content — even as an estimate — helps customers:

  • Choose fabrics suited to a particular project
  • Consider appropriate care and washing
  • Understand how a fabric may behave when cut and sewn
  • Compare the likely characteristics of different fabrics

Weight, drape, handle and stretch can be just as important as fibre content when deciding what to make. Our guide to choosing fabric for dressmaking explains how these properties affect a finished garment.

Many of the fabrics we identify and assess come to LifeCraft Studio from makers who no longer need them. If you have fabric, haberdashery or other sewing materials to pass on, find out how to donate fabric and sewing supplies to LifeCraft Studio.


Our Commitment to Transparency

At LifeCraft Studio, we prioritise transparency over certainty. If fabric composition cannot be confirmed, we say so clearly. 

By combining hands-on experience, fabric identification technology and clear product descriptions, we aim to give customers the best information available when choosing pre-loved fabric.

If you have materials you no longer need, find out how to donate fabric and sewing supplies.

Frequently asked questions

How accurate is your fabric composition information?

We aim to provide the most accurate fabric composition information possible. Where original fibre labels are available, we use this information. For unlabelled fabrics, composition is assessed using a combination of textile knowledge, visual inspection, fabric characteristics and specialist identification equipment.

Unless otherwise stated, fabric composition should be considered an informed estimate rather than a guaranteed specification.

Why don't all fabrics have fibre labels?

Many of the fabrics we sell are pre-loved, reclaimed or donated from makers' homes. In many cases, original packaging and fibre labels have been removed, lost or were never retained. This is a common challenge when working with reclaimed textiles.

What is the Matoha Fabritell?

The Matoha Fabritell is a specialist textile identification device that helps analyse fabric composition. It can assist in distinguishing between different fibre types and blends, providing additional information to support our assessment process.

The Fabritell is one of several tools we use when identifying fabric composition.

Does the Matoha Fabritell guarantee fibre content?

No. While the Matoha Fabritell provides valuable information, no identification method is completely infallible. Results are used alongside experience based textile assessment and should be regarded as guidance rather than absolute confirmation.

Why is fabric composition sometimes listed as an estimate?

When working with reclaimed fabrics, fibre content cannot always be confirmed with complete certainty. Rather than making assumptions or providing misleading information, we prefer to be transparent and clearly state when composition is estimated.

Why does fabric composition matter?

Understanding fibre content can help when choosing fabrics for specific projects, selecting appropriate washing methods, considering allergies or sensitivities, and predicting how a fabric may behave during sewing and wear.

What if I need guaranteed fibre content?

If you require confirmed fibre composition for a specific project, we recommend exercising caution when purchasing reclaimed fabrics without original fibre labels. We always indicate where composition is estimated so customers can make informed decisions.

Do you test every fabric?

We assess fabrics wherever possible using a combination of visual inspection, textile experience and specialist equipment when appropriate. However, not every fabric can be scientifically verified, particularly where information is limited or fibre blends are complex.

Why do you sell fabrics with estimated composition?

One of our aims is to keep useful textiles in circulation and reduce waste. Many high-quality fabrics can be successfully reused even when original fibre labels are unavailable. By providing clear information about how composition has been assessed, we help customers make informed choices while supporting sustainable textile reuse.

Browse pre-Loved fabrics and sewing supplies