Tencel (Lyocell) is the first new fiber in 30 years, and being made of wood pulp cellulose, it is the first new natural fiber in a lot longer than that. The properties and production processes were unique enough for the US Federal Trade Commission to designate Tencel as a separate fiber group. Tencel was developed by Tencel, Inc., and Tencel is the registered trademark of Tencel Ltd. (Tencel, Inc. in the US), for Lyocell fibers.

Tencel is a manufactured fiber, but it is not synthetic. Tencel begins with cellulose, which is processed with a non-toxic dissolving agent, most of which is recycled back into the fiber manufacturing process. Tencel can be woven in 100% Tencel fabrics (but it still is a bit expensive), or blended with other fibers. Like other natural fibers, Tencel is naturally biodegradable. Tencel is yarn dyed and absorbs colors much better than most other fibers, and it is particularly striking in deep tones, taking on a jewel-like appearance. Lyocell can be made into microfibers (very fine fibers), offering depth and body to fabrics combined with luxurious drape. Short staple length fibers give a cotton-like look to fabrics. Long filament fibers give the finished fabric more silk-like qualities.

Tencel feels like silk, and drapes luxuriously. Compared to cotton, Tencel wrinkles less, is softer, more absorbent, and much more resistant to ripping. In material physical properties, Tencel is more like cotton than rayon. Like other cellulose fibers, it is breathable, absorbent, and very comfortable to wear. In fact, Tencel is more absorbent than cotton or silk, but slightly less absorbent than wool, linen, or rayon. Tencel has good resiliency: it does not wrinkle as badly as rayon, cotton, or linen, and some wrinkles will fall out if the garment is hung in a warm moist area, such as a bathroom after a hot shower (Whoopee! Press your dress while you soak in the tub!). A light pressing will renew the appearance, if needed. Also, slight shrinkage is typical in Tencel garments. Tencel is as stable a fiber as silk and better than cotton or linen, and it feels like nothing you have ever touched - it both feels and looks sensuous. Tencel is now being used by top designers such as DKNY, Calvin Klein and Ann Taylor. It has gone mainstream, appearing in Lee jeans and even the LL Bean catalog!

Cutting: Manufacturers recommend that you cut pattern pieces 15 degrees off the fabric grain to maximize drape, so you don't have to pay too much attention while laying out the pattern.

The Tencel fabric link button to the left takes you to a page with more information and a color chart.

We have a steadily growing selection of Tencel and Tencel blend fabrics. Click on the buttons under 'Tencel' to the left to see the colors we carry.