Knit Fabric 101
Welcome to knitfabric.com! Not sure what you need for your project? Here's a guide for the knit fabrics we carry.
The chart below is a quick reference for common types of knit fabrics and which apparel sewing projects they are suitable for. Before choosing a fabric for any project, make sure you read the materials list for the specific project and choose a fabric that meets the required weight and stretch. If you are a beginner, I recommend sticking with the recommend fabric type for each project. As your sewing skills & familiarity with different types of fabrics improves, you can try out some new combinations.
Below is a detailed description of each type of knit fabric we carry and the suggested uses.
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 and bottoms, leggings, leotards, pullovers, etc.
- Care: Wash cold and tumble dry low.
- Stretch: 4-way.
- Fabric Content: Varies. Typically synthetic blends.
Bullet & Liverpool knits have a crepe face texture, soft hand and beautiful drape.
- Uses: Bows, headbands, dresses, skirts, tops and lightweight jackets.
- Care: Wash cold and tumble dry low.
- Stretch: 4-way.
- Fabric Content: Polyester/Spandex.
Cotton lycra jersey is the most popular type of knit we sell. Cotton lycra jersey has 4-way stretch and a soft hand making it a comfortable and versatile fabric. The edges will curl towards the right side of the fabric when cut and stretched.
- Uses: Leggings, tees, dresses, undergarments, leotards, pajamas, hoodies, etc.
- Care: Wash cold, tumble dry low. Always pre-wash and dry.
- Stretch: 4-way.
- Fabric Content: Typically 95% cotton 5% lycra (spandex)
Double brushed poly is brushed on both sides of the fabric giving it an extremely soft hand. This medium weight knit is extra soft and comfortable to wear.
- Uses: Dresses, leggings, cardigans, tops, lightweight hoodies, etc.
- Care: Wash cold, tumble dry low. Wash finished garments inside out and avoid washing with rough items to avoid pilling. Does not shrink.
- Stretch: 4-way.
- Fabric Content: Typically 96% polyester 4% spandex.
French terry has a smooth surface on the right side of fabric and loops on the wrong side of the fabric. Fabric content and weight varies, so check the individual fabric descriptions to find the perfect french terry for your project.
- Uses: Pullovers, pants, beanies, dresses (depending on the stretch), cardigans, etc.
- Care: Wash cold, tumble dry low. Always pre-wash and dry.
- Stretch: 2-way or 4-way.
- Fabric Content: Varies. Cotton blends are typically warmer and heavier weight. Rayon blends are lighter weight with more drape.
Interlock is a soft and stable knit and very easy to sew with. Although interlock isn't as stretchy as jersey, the edges will not curl when cut or stretched making it easier to work with.
- Uses: Tees, pajamas, hoodies, loose fitting pants, etc.
- Care: Wash cold, tumble dry low. Always pre-wash and dry.
- Stretch: 2-way.
- Fabric Content: Typically 100% cotton or 95% cotton 5% lycra
ITY stands for interlock twist yarn. ITY is a soft and slinky knit with excellent wrinkle resistance, making it a great choice for travel.
- Uses: Flowy skirts, dresses, tops, etc.
- Care: Wash cold, tumble dry low.
- Stretch: 4-way.
- Fabric Content: Polyester Spandex blend.
Minky has an ultra-soft and cuddly surface with slight 2-way stretch.
- Uses: Blankets, apparel, baby products, home decor, etc.
- Care: Wash cold, tumble dry low.
- Stretch: 2-way.
- Fabric Content: 100% Polyester
Rayon, Bamboo & Modal blend knits are super soft with fluid drape.
- Uses: Dresses, cardigans, tops, scarves, etc.
- Care: Wash cold, tumble dry low. Wash finished garments inside out and avoid washing with rough items to avoid pilling.
- Stretch: 4-way.
- Fabric Content: Typically rayon, bamboo or modal blended with lycra
Rib knit has textured vertical stripes and is commonly used for the neckbands and cuffs on garments. Look for spandex blends, if you'd like to use the rib knit for cuffs and bands. This soft and stretchy knit can also be used for pajamas, tops and dresses.
- Uses: Cuffs, bands, tops, dresses, pajamas, etc.
- Care: Wash cold, tumble dry low. Always pre-wash and dry.
- Stretch: 2-Way
- Fabric Content: Varies
Sweater knits are soft and cozy. The weight varies, but most sweater knits are light to medium weight with excellent drape. Sweater knits are lighter weight than typical sweater you'd find at the store.
- Uses: Sweaters, cardigan, beanies, infinity scarves, etc.
- Care: Wash cold, tumble dry low. Wash finished garments inside out and avoid washing with rough items to avoid pilling and snagging. Always pre-wash cotton blends.
- Stretch: Typically 2-way.
- Fabric Content: Varies.
Sweatshirt fleece has a smooth right side and a fleecy wrong side. Sweatshirt fleece is typically thicker and warmer than french terry. With minimal stretch, sweatshirt fleece is best for loose fitting garments.
- Uses: Sweatshirts, sweatpants, loose fitting pajamas.
- Care: Wash cold, tumble dry low. Always pre-wash cotton blends.
- Stretch: Minimal.
- Fabric Content: Varies. Typically a cotton poly blend.
Swim has a smooth, cool hand and is the perfect choice for fitted swimwear. Many of our swim fabrics are also rated UV 50+ for optimal sun protection. Swim can also be used for dance and gymnastics.
- Uses: womens and girls swimwear, rash guards, fitted boys and mens swim trunks (jammers), dance, gymnastics, etc.
- Care: Always rinse immediately after use in cold, fresh water to remove chlorine and saltwater. Wash cold and lay flat to dry or tumble dry low. Avoid washing with rough items.
- Stretch: 4-way.
- Fabric Content: Polyester/Spandex or Nylon/Spandex
Waffle and thermal knits have a grid texture (just like a waffle!) that helps retain warmth and wicks away moisture. The weight and content varies, so make sure to check the individual descriptions. Brushed waffle is a bit thicker, warmer and softer.
- Uses: Tops, pajamas, beanies, etc.
- Care: Wash cold, tumble dry low. Always pre-wash cotton blends.
- Stretch: Typically 2-way.
- Fabric Content: Varies. Cotton poly or rayon poly blends. May have spandex.
T-shirt knit is a soft and stable knit perfect for sewing tees, lightweight pullovers and pajamas. T-shirt knit is typically 100% cotton or a cotton blend with 2-way stretch. Curling is minimal making it easy to sew with.
- Uses: Tops, pajamas, pullovers, lightweight shorts.
- Care: Wash cold, tumble dry low. Always pre-wash.
- Stretch: Typically 2-way.
- Fabric Content: Varies. Cotton poly or rayon poly blends.
Turn heads in beautiful stretch velvet fabric! Stretch velvet has a soft hand and knit backing.
- Uses: Dresses, tops, leotards, etc.
- Care: Wash cold on gentle, lay flat to dry. Be mindful of which way the nap runs.
- Stretch: 4-way.
- Fabric Content: Polyester spandex.