What is DBP Fabric?

If you’re getting started with sewing, specifically sewing for yourself and your kids, you’ve probably heard the term DBP when small shops are mentioning their fabric options – but, what is DBP fabric?

DBP stands for double-brushed polyester, a popular knit fabric with a four-way stretch. It’s been brushed on both sides, making it very soft and “drapey” and perfect for kids and loungewear. DBP is a bit thinner than cotton lycra and can be a bit difficult to work with, particularly if you’re a beginner.

Still, it’s a great option for everyday wear, so let’s dive into what exactly DBP is a some tips on how to use it:

As I noted before, DBP stands for double-brushed polyester a four-way stretch knit fabric that has been brushed on both sides to make it incredibly soft. A blend of polyester and lycra fabric, it has a great stretch value and is a synthetic blend. DBP is not as breathable as fabrics that have cotton or bamboo in their blend, which can cause a small problem if you live in an area or state that tends to get hot (think 90+ frequently).

Here’s a quick fun fact, the original “buttery” LuLaRoe leggings were made from DBP fabric which is how they gained their super soft reputation!

DBP is considered a jersey fabric, a knit fabric that is commonly used in clothing. Jersey fabric is known for its stretchiness and close-knit even though it’s lightweight and is not extremely durable.

Where Can You Buy DBP Fabric?

Since there are plenty of people wondering “what is DBP fabric,” it shouldn’t be surprising that it’s hard to find at your everyday craft store. Instead, you’ll have a better chance of finding what you need online. There are a few larger online shops that carry DBP, but you will find that there are quite a few small shops that carry DBP in a wider variety of patterns.

You can purchase DBP at shops like:

You can also find some patterns on Amazon, but you’ll find the largest variety of patterns being sold on Etsy. And, if you can’t find the patterns you like, you can purchase a seamless file (like these Bluey seamless files) and get your own DBP printed!

What to Know About Sewing with DBP

Before you jump into sewing with DBP, there are a few things to keep in mind. For example, before you even get to sewing you want to pre-wash your fabric – even though DBP won’t shrink.

While you can use this fabric for toddlers, it’s not the best for little babies. It’s not very breathable and is more flammable than other fabrics, making a not-so-great option for your tiny ones. Luckily, the fabric doesn’t fray, so you won’t have to hem the fabric if you don’t want to.

If you’re using a serger, you really won’t face any issues with sewing DBP, but with a regular sewing machine, you’ll want to use specific settings.

Now that you know a little bit about what to do before, there are a few things to consider when you start sewing:

What Type of Sewing Needle Do You Need to Use for DBP?

When you’re sewing double-brushed poly, you want to use a stretch ballpoint needle. You’ll know it’s time to replace the needle when you start skipping stitches or the hole where your needle goes through starts getting bigger.

Which Stitch is Best for DBP Fabric?

You’ll want to use a narrow zigzag stitch or a stretch stitch. You risk popping your seams if you use a regular stitch. For hems, switch to a longer stitch length or the zigzag stitch if you’re not already using it.

Tips for Sewing DBP:

Since DBP is a jersey fabric, you’ll notice that it can curl when you’re sewing and maneuvering your fabric for the pattern. If you notice your fabric is curling a lot, use sewing clips or pins to flatten your edges. DBP also has a tendency to stick to itself, so lift and place your fabric rather than sliding it against itself.

If you are skipping a stitch or your machine keeps stalling, try re-threading your machine needle and bobbin. Assuming your needle is in good condition, this will typically solve your issues.

What Can You Make With DBP Fabric?

There are soooo many things that you can make with double-brushed poly! It’s super versatile, meaning you can use it for a wide variety of projects without it becoming an issue – and as long as the pattern allows knit or four-way stretch fabric, you can pretty much use DBP!

Here are a few at-home sewing projects you can do with DBP:

T-Shirts
Blouses
Tops
Dresses
Skirts
Headbands (personal favorite)
Scrunchies
Leggings
Joggers
Cardigans
Sweaters
Hoodies

Of course, there are quite a few things you can make that are not on the list. I recommend checking out Etsy to find patterns for your ideal sewing project! If you have the time, you can also look on Pinterest to try and connect yourself with small pattern shops.

How Do You Care for DBP?

Luckily, DBP is not a type of fabric that wrinkles so you won’t need to worry about ironing it. Overall, it’s a pretty easy-to-care-for fabric – nothing too complicated. If you want to care for your DBP and get the best results/longevity, you can wash in cool to warm water, tumble dry on low or air dry, and iron on a cool setting.

That being said, you can absolutely wash it with the rest of your clothes without special care and it doesn’t tend to pill. The color will last too! Your biggest concern will be the durability of your stitches and if your stitches will last the additional weight of a wet seam and pull of a washer and dryer.

Ready to tackle your first sewing project using DBP? Let us know in the comments below!