Viscose is a regenerated cellulosic fibre. Plant-derived cellulose, usually purified wood pulp, is dissolved, extruded through spinnerets in the viscose process, and regenerated as cellulose filaments or staple fibre. Both the feedstock and final fibre are cellulosic, while the conversion itself is an industrial chemical process.
Fibre, not fabric construction
Viscose describes a fibre and manufacturing route, not the way a fabric surface is constructed. It can be made into woven fabric, jersey, rib knit, or French terry, and it can be blended with other fibres. Viscose challis therefore handles very differently from viscose jersey.
Rayon is the familiar term in US labelling and sewing; internationally, viscose or viscose rayon is common. Modal and lyocell are also regenerated cellulosic fibres, but their processes and resulting properties differ. They should not be treated merely as alternative brand names for viscose.
Typical properties
Many viscose fabrics are soft, absorbent, and fluid. Actual performance depends on yarn, fabric construction, finish, and blend. Some qualities lose stability when wet or shrink during laundering, while others are engineered for easier care. The care information for the specific cloth is more reliable than a universal rule based on fibre name.
Cutting and sewing viscose
Prewash washable viscose using the method intended for the garment. Support fluid cloth fully during cutting and do not stretch it. Single-layer cutting and fine pattern weights can reduce shifting between layers.
A fine, fresh needle, suitable thread, and moderate stitch length help prevent snagging and puckering. Avoid pulling seams as they are stitched and press with controlled heat and pressure. Whether raw edges fray or seams must stretch depends on whether the viscose is woven or knitted—not on the fibre name alone.