Knit Fabric 101
Your guide to choosing the perfect fabric for any project
Not sure what fabric you need for your project? We've got you covered! Use the chart below as a quick reference, then scroll down for detailed descriptions of each fabric type.
Pro Tip: Before choosing a fabric, always check your pattern's materials list for the required weight and stretch. If you're a beginner, we recommend sticking with the recommended fabric type. As your skills grow, you can start experimenting!
Quick Reference Chart
Fabric Types Explained
Click any fabric name to shop that category
Athletic
Athletic knits are specifically designed to wick away moisture and keep you dry and comfortable during exercise. With excellent 4-way stretch and recovery, athletic knits are well suited for fitted garments that move with your body.
Uses: Athletic tops, leggings, leotards, pullovers | Stretch: 4-way
Care: Wash cold, tumble dry low | Content: Typically synthetic blends
Bullet & Liverpool
Bullet and Liverpool knits have a crepe face texture, soft hand, and beautiful drape. Perfect for accessories and flowy garments.
Uses: Bows, headbands, dresses, skirts, tops | Stretch: 4-way
Care: Wash cold, tumble dry low | Content: Polyester/Spandex
Cotton Lycra Jersey
Our most popular fabric type! Cotton lycra jersey has 4-way stretch and a soft hand, making it comfortable and versatile. The edges will curl towards the right side when cut and stretched.
Uses: Leggings, tees, dresses, pajamas, hoodies | Stretch: 4-way
Care: Wash cold, tumble dry low. Pre-wash! | Content: 95% cotton, 5% lycra
Double Brushed Poly
Brushed on both sides for an extremely soft hand. This medium weight knit is extra soft and comfortable to wear. Does not shrink!
Uses: Dresses, leggings, cardigans, tops | Stretch: 4-way
Care: Wash cold, inside out. Tumble dry low | Content: 96% polyester, 4% spandex
French Terry
Smooth surface on the right side with loops on the wrong side. Content and weight varies, so check individual descriptions. Cotton blends are warmer; rayon blends have more drape.
Uses: Pullovers, pants, beanies, dresses, cardigans | Stretch: 2-way or 4-way
Care: Wash cold, tumble dry low. Pre-wash! | Content: Varies
Interlock
Soft and stable knit that's very easy to sew with. Although not as stretchy as jersey, the edges won't curl when cut or stretched, making it beginner-friendly.
Uses: Tees, pajamas, hoodies, loose-fitting pants | Stretch: 2-way
Care: Wash cold, tumble dry low. Pre-wash! | Content: 100% cotton or 95/5 cotton lycra
ITY (Interlock Twist Yarn)
Soft and slinky knit with excellent wrinkle resistance, making it a great choice for travel. Beautiful drape for flowy garments.
Uses: Flowy skirts, dresses, tops | Stretch: 4-way
Care: Wash cold, tumble dry low | Content: Polyester/Spandex blend
Minky
Ultra-soft and cuddly surface with slight 2-way stretch. Perfect for cozy projects!
Uses: Blankets, apparel, baby products, home decor | Stretch: 2-way
Care: Wash cold, tumble dry low | Content: 100% Polyester
Rayon / Bamboo / Modal
Super soft with fluid drape. These luxurious knits feel amazing against the skin and create beautiful, flowy garments.
Uses: Dresses, cardigans, tops, scarves | Stretch: 4-way
Care: Wash cold, inside out. Tumble dry low | Content: Rayon, bamboo, or modal blends
Rib Knit
Textured vertical stripes, commonly used for neckbands and cuffs. Look for spandex blends for cuffs and bands. Also great for full garments!
Uses: Cuffs, bands, tops, dresses, pajamas | Stretch: 2-way
Care: Wash cold, tumble dry low. Pre-wash! | Content: Varies
Sweater Knit
Soft and cozy with excellent drape. Most are light to medium weight, lighter than typical store-bought sweaters.
Uses: Sweaters, cardigans, beanies, scarves | Stretch: Typically 2-way
Care: Wash cold, inside out. Tumble dry low | Content: Varies
Sweatshirt Fleece
Smooth right side with a fleecy wrong side. Thicker and warmer than french terry. With minimal stretch, best for loose-fitting garments.
Uses: Sweatshirts, sweatpants, loose pajamas | Stretch: Minimal
Care: Wash cold, tumble dry low. Pre-wash cotton blends! | Content: Typically cotton/poly blend
Swim
Smooth, cool hand perfect for fitted swimwear. Many of our swim fabrics are UV 50+ rated for optimal sun protection. Also great for dance and gymnastics!
Uses: Swimwear, rash guards, dance, gymnastics | Stretch: 4-way
Care: Rinse after use, wash cold, lay flat to dry | Content: Polyester/Spandex or Nylon/Spandex
Thermal / Waffle
Grid texture (like a waffle!) that retains warmth and wicks moisture. Brushed waffle is thicker, warmer, and softer.
Uses: Tops, pajamas, beanies | Stretch: Typically 2-way
Care: Wash cold, tumble dry low. Pre-wash cotton blends! | Content: Cotton/poly or rayon/poly blends
T-Shirt Knit
Soft and stable knit perfect for sewing tees and lightweight pullovers. Minimal curling makes it easy to work with!
Uses: Tops, pajamas, pullovers, lightweight shorts | Stretch: Typically 2-way
Care: Wash cold, tumble dry low. Pre-wash! | Content: Cotton/poly or rayon/poly blends
Stretch Velvet
Turn heads in beautiful stretch velvet! Soft hand with a knit backing for comfort and ease of sewing.
Uses: Dresses, tops, leotards | Stretch: 4-way
Care: Wash cold on gentle, lay flat to dry | Content: Polyester/Spandex