What Is Double Gauze? Differences, Uses & How to Choose (Fabric Supplier Guide)

Double gauze is cotton fabric made by weaving two layers of gauze together, tacked at intervals so they become one cloth. In Japan it is also called "nijū gauze".

Gauze itself is a loose plain weave made with softly twisted yarn. With two layers, a pocket of air forms between them, so double gauze has more body and loft than single gauze while staying light. It absorbs sweat and dries quickly. It feels cool in summer and warm in winter, which is why it shows up in everything from baby goods to clothing and bedding.

Single, double and triple gauze

Single gauze is one layer: thin, light and a little sheer. It suits underwear and handkerchiefs.

Double gauze is medium weight and works all year. It fits almost any use, from clothing to bibs to bedding, and it is easy to sew. It gets softer with every wash, and because the two layers are tacked together it holds its shape better than single gauze.

Triple gauze and up is thicker, plush and warm, good for gauze blankets. It is also more likely to shift while you sew.

If you are not sure which to pick, double gauze is the one you will always find a use for.

Choosing by use

For bibs, swaddles and underwear that touch a baby's skin directly, softer and thinner T-gauze is also worth a look. For baby goods, check that the fabric is formaldehyde-free.

For blouses, dresses and nightwear, double gauze has a pleasant drape. At 150 cm wide, a bodice can be cut in one piece, with less waste.

Gauze blankets, covers and curtains make good use of its breathability and softness. Wider fabric helps for large pieces. Masks, handkerchiefs and drawstring bags are easy to make in small runs, and a print gives them character.

Before you sew

Gauze shrinks in water. Soak it once before cutting and straighten the grain while it is half dry, and it will keep its shape better after washing.

It is soft and stretches easily, so hold it with clips or basting glue before sewing. Use a fine needle and a slightly longer stitch. French seams stand up to washing and look clean.

Greentex double gauze

Ours is 100% cotton, 40s count, 150 cm wide, with original prints we produce in Taiwan. Japanese double gauze is usually around 108 cm wide, so the extra width cuts waste and cost in production.

See the prints in our Taiwan Textile Collection, for example Rainbow Rain, Whale Shark and Starry Forest. We supply from 10 m up to lots of 50 m or more, and take custom print orders (OEM).

FAQ

Should I buy double gauze or single gauze?

If you have not decided what to make, double gauze. It covers the widest range, from clothing to small goods. Choose single gauze or T-gauze only when you need something very thin, such as underwear.

Do I need to pre-wash it?

Yes. Cotton gauze shrinks easily, so pre-wash it and straighten the grain before cutting to keep the finished size stable.

Can a beginner sew it?

Yes. Clip it well, use a fine needle and a slightly longer stitch, and it will not shift much. French seams are recommended.

Can I buy small wholesale quantities?

Yes. You can order in units of 10 m. Craft shops, studios, apparel brands and novelty makers are all welcome to ask.

Can you make double gauze with our own design?

Yes. We print it with our own digital printing in Taiwan. Contact us about quantity, lead time and file format.

For wholesale and custom orders, email info@greentex.jp.