Nylon is one of the most widely used synthetic fabrics in the world — found in everything from activewear and swimwear to bags, outerwear, and parachutes. Understanding what nylon is, how it behaves, and when to use it will help you make better fabric choices for your sewing projects. Here's a complete guide.
What Is Nylon Fabric?
Nylon is a synthetic polymer fabric — the world's first fully synthetic fiber, developed by DuPont in the 1930s and introduced to the public in 1938. It was initially used as a replacement for silk in women's stockings (hence "nylons" as a term for hosiery) and quickly expanded into a vast range of textile and industrial applications.
Nylon is made by melting polymer chips and extruding them through fine holes (spinnerets) to create continuous filament fibers. These fibers are then spun, woven, or knitted into fabric. Nylon can be produced in an enormous range of weights, textures, and finishes — from ultra-fine hosiery nylon to heavy-duty pack cloth and ripstop.
Key Properties of Nylon Fabric
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Exceptional strength: Nylon is one of the strongest textile fibers available — it has a very high tensile strength relative to its weight, making it ideal for applications where durability is critical
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Lightweight: Despite its strength, nylon is very light — a significant advantage for activewear, outdoor gear, and travel items
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Elasticity and recovery: Nylon has excellent stretch and recovery — it returns to its original shape after stretching, which is why it's widely used in hosiery and activewear
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Abrasion resistance: Nylon resists wear and abrasion better than almost any other textile fiber — it holds up exceptionally well through heavy use
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Quick-drying: Nylon absorbs very little water and dries rapidly — ideal for swimwear, activewear, and outdoor gear
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Smooth surface: Nylon's smooth surface reduces friction — useful for linings and activewear where ease of movement matters
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Resistant to mold, mildew, and insects: Unlike natural fibers, nylon doesn't support biological growth and isn't attractive to moths or other fabric-damaging insects
Common Types of Nylon Fabric
Ripstop Nylon
Ripstop nylon has a distinctive grid pattern woven into the fabric using thicker reinforcing threads at regular intervals. This construction prevents tears from spreading — a small tear or puncture stops at the nearest reinforcing thread rather than propagating across the fabric. Ripstop nylon is widely used for outdoor gear, kites, flags, and lightweight bags.
Taslan Nylon
Taslan nylon uses a textured yarn that gives the fabric a softer, more cotton-like hand than standard smooth nylon. It's used for casual outerwear, active shorts, and performance garments where a softer feel is desirable alongside nylon's functional properties.
Nylon Taffeta
Nylon taffeta is a lightweight, smooth, crisp nylon fabric with a slight sheen. It's widely used as a lining fabric for coats and jackets, and for lightweight wind-resistant outerwear. It has a characteristic rustling sound when it moves.
Nylon Tricot
Nylon tricot is a warp-knit nylon fabric with a smooth face and a slightly textured back. It's one of the most common lining fabrics for activewear, lingerie, and swimwear — soft, stretchy, and quick-drying.
Pack Cloth / Cordura Nylon
Pack cloth is a heavy, highly durable nylon fabric used for bags, backpacks, luggage, and heavy-duty outdoor gear. Cordura is a brand name for a particularly abrasion-resistant nylon pack cloth that has become synonymous with heavy-duty bag construction.
What Is Nylon Fabric Used For?
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Activewear and sportswear: Leggings, shorts, sports bras, and performance tops — often blended with spandex for stretch
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Swimwear: Nylon-spandex blends are the most common swimwear fabric — resistant to chlorine, saltwater, and UV exposure
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Outerwear: Wind jackets, rain jackets, and shell layers — nylon's wind and water resistance makes it ideal for outerwear
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Bags and accessories: Totes, backpacks, luggage, and pouches — nylon's abrasion resistance makes it ideal for hard-wearing bag construction
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Hosiery and lingerie: The original nylon application — still widely used for stockings, tights, and delicate lingerie
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Outdoor gear: Tents, sleeping bag shells, stuff sacks, and kites
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Linings: Nylon taffeta and tricot are popular lining fabrics for coats, jackets, and activewear
Advantages of Nylon for Sewing
- Extremely durable — finished items hold up through heavy use and repeated washing
- Quick-drying — ideal for items that will get wet
- Lightweight — doesn't add unnecessary weight to bags, outerwear, or activewear
- Wide range of available weights and finishes for different applications
- Resistant to mold and mildew — suitable for outdoor and marine applications
Tips for Sewing with Nylon Fabric
Use the Right Needle
Use a sharp universal needle (size 70/10 or 75/11) for woven nylon fabrics. For stretch nylon (tricot, activewear), use a ballpoint or stretch needle to prevent skipped stitches.
Use a Longer Stitch Length
A slightly longer stitch length (2.5mm–3mm) works best for most nylon fabrics. A stitch that is too short can perforate the fabric along the seam line, weakening it.
Avoid High Heat
Nylon is very sensitive to heat — it can melt, shrink, or distort under a hot iron. Use the lowest iron setting and always press with a pressing cloth. Test on a scrap before pressing your actual project.
Use Appropriate Thread
Polyester thread is the best choice for sewing nylon — it has similar stretch and recovery properties and holds up well through washing. Avoid cotton thread, which has less give and may break under stress in nylon seams.
Finish Seams Carefully
Nylon frays readily when cut. Finish raw edges immediately with a serger, zigzag stitch, or seam sealant (for outdoor gear applications where stitched seam finishes aren't practical).
No Pre-Washing Required
Nylon doesn't shrink significantly, so pre-washing is generally not necessary. However, if you're making an item that will be washed frequently, a pre-wash on a gentle cycle can remove any finishes applied during manufacturing.
Care Instructions for Nylon Fabric
- Machine wash on a gentle cycle in cool or warm water
- Tumble dry on low heat or hang to dry — high heat can damage nylon fibers
- Do not iron on high heat — use the lowest setting with a pressing cloth
- Do not bleach — chlorine bleach damages nylon fibers
- Store away from prolonged direct sunlight — UV exposure can degrade nylon over time
A Note from My Fabric Villa
While nylon fabric is not currently part of our core collection at My Fabric Villa — where we specialize in premium quilting cottons, precuts, and designer textiles — we believe in sharing knowledge about all fabric types so our community can make informed choices for every project. If you're looking for fabric for your next quilting or sewing project, browse our full collection of quilting cottons, precut bundles, and more. Contact us anytime — we're always happy to help.
