There are basically three types of fabrics on the market today; these are natural, synthetic (man-made), or fabric blends.
Fabric blends are fabrics where both natural and synthetic fibers are used to make one type of fabric.
Natural fibers are derived from plants or animals; some of the animals used are the sheep, goats, alpacas, rabbits, and the silkworm, which is used to make fine silk.
Some of the plants used are the bamboo, cotton, flax, hemp, and even the pineapple leaves are used.
Some of the natural fabrics are wool, silk, cotton, linen and hemp.
Synthetic fibers are manufactured by a chemical process where the chemicals are forced through tiny holes called spinnerets.
Some of the fabrics produced from these fibers are polyester, nylon, acetate, and spandex.
When natural and synthetic fibers are used together to create fabrics, many different fabrics can be created, because each fiber acts differently, and has its own qualities.
When wool and cotten are blended together they provide better comfort, while ramie and polyester are easier to take care of.
All fabrics, whether natural or synthetic are either woven, nonwoven or knit.
Woven fabrics include fabrics such as muslins, poplin and taffeta.
There are three main types of weaves, and they are plain, twill and satin.
There are many other weaves which are different variations of these three.
Knit fabrics are the most comfortable to wear close to the body because of their ability to stretch.
There are many different knits such as the jersey, double knit, rib knit, interlock, and stretch knit.
Non-woven fabrics are simply bonded together through various chemical processes, and these fabrics are not very strong.
They are normally not used in fashion design.
An example of a non-woven fabric is felt.
Since all fabrics are different, some are naturally easier to work with than others.
The plain weave fabrics, which are made from cotton or light-weight wools are perfect for those just learning to sew; while satin and other sheer fabrics are more difficult to work with, and are for the more advanced sewers.
There is a lot to learn about fabrics, and it takes a while to become familiar with them all, and to know which fabrics are suitable for which types of projects.
Sewing patterns usually give recommendations of what types of fabrics will work best for the pattern.
Until you become comfortable with the fabrics, it is best to follow those guidelines.