Rayon

Browse our full collection of rayon fabric online and discover a creative range of prints, colours and weights ready for your next dressmaking project. Super Cheap Fabrics supplies dressmakers across Australia and New Zealand with rayon fabric that brings garments to life, from flowing summer dresses to soft everyday blouses. With more than 100 styles in stock and thousands of metres sold every month, we are one of the most trusted names for rayon fabric in Australia and New Zealand. Whether you want a bold rayon printed fabric or a clean monotone, our stock is built for makers who care about drape, comfort and value.

What is rayon fabric?

Rayon is a semi-synthetic fibre made from regenerated cellulose, usually sourced from wood pulp. It is often sold under the name viscose, and the two terms describe the same family of fabric. Because it begins from a natural cellulose base but is processed like a synthetic, rayon sits between natural fibres such as cotton and fully synthetic fibres such as polyester. The result is a fabric that feels soft and breathable against the skin while draping far more fluidly than most cotton wovens.

Rayon quality and texture

Good rayon is all about the handle. Our rayon fabric has a smooth, cool touch, a soft matte finish and a fluid weight that moves and settles beautifully on the body. The surface takes colour cleanly, so prints stay crisp and saturated, while solids keep a rich, even tone. It is a fabric that looks and feels more expensive than it costs, which is exactly why dressmakers keep coming back to it.

We carry rayon in a full spread of weights and widths so you can match the fabric to the make. That includes lightweight rayon for airy blouses, dresses and linings, through to heavier weight rayon with more body for structured drape and cooler-season pieces. Widths run from 120cm up to 170cm, giving you plenty of coverage for wider pattern pieces and efficient cutting.

Every type of rayon, cut from 0.5 metre

We hold every type of rayon under one roof, cut from just 0.5 of a metre so you can buy exactly what your project needs. Explore the range:

• All Rayon Fabric
• Bamboo Rayon, a soft, eco-minded option with a silky drape
• Plain Rayon, dependable solid colours for everyday sewing
• Printed Rayon, florals, tropicals, geometrics and more

Why dressmakers choose rayon

Rayon dressmaking fabric has earned its place in the sewing room for a few clear reasons:

• Beautiful drape. Rayon falls in soft, fluid folds, which makes it ideal for dresses, skirts and wide-leg trousers where movement matters.
• Cool and breathable. It is highly absorbent and breathes well, so rayon fabric is a favourite for warm Australian and New Zealand summers.
• Takes colour brilliantly. Rayon holds dye and print exceptionally well, which is exactly why rayon printed fabric looks so vivid and rich.
• Soft handle. A smooth, lightweight feel that stays gentle on the skin all day.
• Great value. You get a luxurious drape without paying the price of silk.

What you can make with rayon

Rayon suits garments where drape and movement do the work. Think summer dresses, blouses, wrap tops, flowing skirts, kaftans, jumpsuits, linings and lightweight resort wear. Its fluid handle makes it less suited to heavily structured, tailored pieces, so match it with a pattern that lets the fabric move and you will get the best result every time.

How to care for rayon fabric

Rayon can shrink and weakens slightly when wet, so treat it gently. Where possible, hand wash or use a cold, gentle machine cycle, avoid wringing, and dry flat away from direct heat. Pre-washing your fabric before you cut helps prevent any surprises in the finished garment. A cool iron on the reverse side keeps the surface smooth and ready to sew.

Rayon fabric FAQs

Is rayon the same as viscose?

Yes. Rayon and viscose refer to the same regenerated cellulose fabric. Viscose is the most common type of rayon, so you will often see the names used interchangeably.

Is rayon fabric good for summer?

Very good. Rayon is breathable, absorbent and lightweight, which helps it stay cool and comfortable in warm weather, making it a popular choice for summer dresses and tops.

Does rayon fabric shrink?

It can. Rayon is prone to shrinking, so we recommend pre-washing before cutting and using a cold, gentle wash to keep your finished garment true to size.

What weights and widths of rayon do you stock?

We carry rayon in lightweight through to heavier weight options, in widths from 120cm to 170cm, with more than 100 styles cut from 0.5 of a metre.

Do you ship rayon fabric to New Zealand?

Yes. Super Cheap Fabrics ships rayon fabric to dressmakers throughout both Australia and New Zealand.