| Osnaburg | Similar to a rustic, heavyweight muslin, osnaburg is typically 100% cotton. It feels scratchy/pilly when new but softens up quickly with use. It is sold at most fabric stores, often sorted near muslin, burlap, and/or monk's cloth. The bolt tag will clearly say osnaburg. Roc-lon is the most popular brand, but they are all similar. | Extremely inexpensive in the USA. Easy to dye. Breathable in the heat. Lightweight. Surprisingly soft on the shoulders for such a thin fabric. Great for wraps and slings. | Can be difficult to locate. Must be scoured (boiled with dish soap and washing soda) before use. Not strong enough for structured carriers. |
| Duck Cloth/Home Decor Fabric | Duck or home decor fabric is a type of lightweight canvas. It can be solid colored or printed with a pattern on one side. Be sure to use 100% cotton machine washable fabric. Avoid polyester or outdoor fabrics. | Excellent for wraps, slings, and structured carriers. Strong and supportive for toddlers. Good grip/glide balance for wraps. Blank wrong side makes learning to use a woven wrap easier (since you can keep your flips straight.) | Takes more time and work to break it in and soften. Some duck can be too thick to use in some cases. If weight is listed, look for under 7oz/sq yd or under 230gsm. 1-sided printed pattern means the back side is blank. |
| Linen | 100% linen bottomweight fabric (not to be confused with "table linens" or "bed linens" or "linen-look fabric") is praised for its breathability and strength. | Breathable in the heat. Strong, yet thin in hand. Good for wraps, slings, and structured carriers. Look for 5oz weight for wraps, straps, and slings, or 7oz+ "rustic" or "heavyweight" linen for structured carrier body panels. | Does not like to be heavily machine-dried. Does better with regular steam ironing. Very solid; some feel it is hard and diggy. |
| Bottom Weight Apparel Fabrics | Fabric designed for making sturdy pants, such as denim or twill, can be great for wraps, slings, or structured carriers. | Easy to find. More familiar for most people to handle and locate. | Can be more expensive. Tight twill weaves can take longer to break in and be less breathable. |
| Tablecloths | 100% cotton tablecloths, both those with printed patterns and those with woven-in patterns, can be a great source for fabric for wraps, slings, and structured carriers. | Tablecloths with woven-in patterns, like a jacquard weave, are practically indistinguishable from the type of woven fabric used for commercial wraps. Printed tablecloths are similar in feel to duck cloth but often cheaper. | Printed tablecloths have a blank "wrong side." Lengths are limited; longer wraps may need to be seamed in the middle. |
| Commercial Woven Wrap Fabric by the meter | Some companies sell made-for-babywearing wrap fabric by the meter, including Colimaçon et Cie and Honeycomb Loom. | Easily available internationally. Feels exactly like a commercial woven wrap. Great for wraps, slings, and structured carriers. | Can be pricier, especially with international shipping. Limited patterns, mostly solids. |