Bullet and Liverpool fabrics have become favorites among crafters, small business owners, and home sewists for their unique textured surface, excellent structure, and versatility. These distinctive knit fabrics combine the stretch and comfort of knits with a full-bodied structure that holds its shape beautifully - making them perfect for everything from professional-looking hair accessories to elegant dresses and structured skirts.
If you've ever wondered what makes bullet fabric so popular for bows and headbands, or why Liverpool fabric creates such beautiful dresses and skirts, this guide will explain everything you need to know about these special textured knits and how to work with them successfully!
What is Bullet Fabric?
Bullet fabric is a textured knit fabric made from a polyester/spandex blend, known for its distinctive "pebbled" or "bullet" textured surface. The fabric gets its name from the unique riveted texture on one side that resembles tiny bullet points or pebbles, while the reverse side is smoother. This double-knit construction creates a medium-weight fabric with excellent structure and body.
Key Characteristics of Bullet Fabric:
- Distinctive Texture: Pebbled or bullet-textured surface on face side, smoother on reverse
- Double Knit Construction: Two layers knitted together for strength and stability
- Medium Weight: Approximately 10 oz - has body and structure without being heavy
- 4-Way Stretch: Stretches both horizontally and vertically with excellent recovery
- No Fraying: Cut edges don't fray or unravel - perfect for accessories!
- Polyester/Spandex Blend: Typically 95% polyester, 5% spandex (or 92/8 ratio)
- Crepe Face Texture: Slightly crinkled appearance adds visual interest
- Soft Hand: Comfortable against skin despite textured surface
- Excellent Structure: Holds shape beautifully, doesn't go limp
What is Liverpool Fabric?
Liverpool fabric is very similar to bullet fabric - in fact, the terms are often used interchangeably! Liverpool fabric is a polyester/spandex double knit with a textured surface, named after the city in England where it was first manufactured. The main difference is that Liverpool typically has a slightly different texture pattern than bullet fabric - some describe it as more "spongy" or "jacquard-like" - but both fabrics share the same excellent characteristics and uses.
Liverpool vs. Bullet Fabric:
- Texture: Liverpool has slightly different texture pattern, sometimes described as more spongy or less defined than bullet's pebbled surface
- Weight: Very similar, both medium weight around 10 oz
- Uses: Identical - both work for the same projects
- Stretch: Both have 4-way stretch with good recovery
- Quality: Both are structurally sound double knits
The Bottom Line: Most sewists and crafters use these terms interchangeably. Both are excellent textured knits with similar properties. When suppliers run out of one, the other is often substituted without issue!
Why Bullet & Liverpool Fabrics Are So Popular
Perfect for Hair Accessories
Bullet fabric has become THE fabric of choice for hair accessories, especially hair bows and headbands. Here's why:
- No Fraying: Cut edges don't unravel, so no need to finish seams on bows
- Excellent Structure: Bows hold their shape beautifully without going limp
- Stretch & Recovery: Headbands stretch comfortably then bounce back
- Professional Look: Textured surface looks polished and finished
- Easy to Work With: Sews beautifully, doesn't slip around
- Durable: Holds up to repeated wear and washing
- Vibrant Colors: Polyester holds dye exceptionally well
Great for Structured Garments
Beyond accessories, bullet and Liverpool fabrics create beautiful structured clothing:
- Dresses & Skirts: The body and structure create flattering silhouettes that don't cling
- Professional Appearance: Looks polished and put-together
- Comfortable Stretch: Moves with you without losing shape
- Interesting Texture: Adds visual appeal and dimension
- Wrinkle Resistant: Polyester content resists wrinkles, great for travel
Ideal for Beginners
These fabrics are surprisingly beginner-friendly:
- Forgiving: Texture hides minor imperfections
- Easy to Sew: Doesn't slip, feeds through machine nicely
- No Special Techniques: Standard stretch needles and stitches work great
- Doesn't Fray: Edges stay clean without finishing
Best Uses for Bullet & Liverpool Fabric
Hair Accessories (Most Popular!)
- Hair Bows: The #1 use! From tiny baby bows to large statement bows
- Headbands: Stretchy, comfortable, holds shape perfectly
- Scrunchies: Textured surface looks interesting, doesn't slip
- Hair Ties: Durable and won't fray at cut edges
- Top Knot Hats: Structure keeps knot standing upright
Apparel
- Dresses: Creates structured silhouettes with comfortable stretch
- Skirts: Holds shape beautifully, doesn't cling or sag
- Tops & Blouses: Structured yet comfortable for professional wear
- Lightweight Jackets: Structure makes fitted jackets look polished
- Pencil Skirts: Holds shape without being stiff
- Sheath Dresses: Professional appearance with stretch comfort
Accessories
- Purses & Bags: Structure keeps bags standing, no lining needed
- Clutches: Maintains shape without interfacing
- Wristlets: Durable and structured
- Cosmetic Bags: Wipes clean, holds shape
- Key Fobs: No fraying on cut edges
Home Decor
- Pillow Covers: Texture adds interest, structure holds shape
- Fabric Bins: Stands up without support
- Table Runners: Hangs beautifully with body
Embroidery & Crafts
- Embroidered Projects: Stable base that doesn't pucker
- Appliqué: Structure supports appliqué designs
- Sublimation Printing: Polyester content perfect for dye sublimation
- Iron-On Vinyl: Smooth enough for HTV application
Bullet & Liverpool Fabric vs. Other Knits
vs. Cotton Lycra
- Structure: Bullet has much more body and structure
- Texture: Bullet textured, cotton lycra smooth
- Weight: Bullet heavier (10 oz vs. 6-7 oz)
- Breathability: Cotton lycra breathes better (natural fiber)
- Fraying: Neither frays significantly
- Uses: Cotton lycra for fitted basics, bullet for structured garments and accessories
vs. Double Brushed Poly
- Structure: Bullet much more structured, DBP is drapey
- Texture: Bullet textured, DBP smooth and soft
- Weight: Similar weight but different hand
- Drape: DBP has fluid drape, bullet has body
- Uses: DBP for flowing dresses, bullet for structured garments
vs. Ponte
- Structure: Both have excellent structure
- Texture: Bullet textured, ponte smooth
- Weight: Ponte often heavier
- Stretch: Both have good stretch and recovery
- Professional Use: Both great for workwear
- Texture Appeal: Bullet adds visual interest ponte doesn't have
vs. ITY
- Structure: Bullet much more structured, ITY very drapey
- Weight: Bullet heavier
- Drape: ITY flows, bullet has body
- Uses: ITY for flowing styles, bullet for structured looks
Frequently Asked Questions
Does bullet fabric fray?
NO! This is one of bullet fabric's best features. The double knit construction means cut edges don't fray or unravel at all. This is why it's so popular for hair bows and accessories - you can cut shapes and use them immediately without finishing edges. This makes projects faster and gives clean, professional results!
What needles should I use for bullet/Liverpool fabric?
Use ballpoint or stretch needles in size 80/12 or 90/14. The medium weight fabric works well with these larger sizes. Ballpoint needles slide between the knitted loops without snagging the textured surface. Avoid universal or sharp needles which can cause snags or runs.
Can I use a regular sewing machine?
Absolutely! You don't need a serger. Bullet and Liverpool fabrics are actually easier to sew than many other knits because they have structure and don't slip around. Use a stretch stitch or narrow zigzag (to allow seams to stretch), ballpoint needles, and slightly longer stitch length. The fabric feeds through beautifully!
Do I need to pre-wash bullet/Liverpool fabric?
It's recommended but not always necessary. Polyester doesn't shrink much, but pre-washing removes any manufacturing residue and softens the fabric slightly. If you're making hair accessories, many crafters skip pre-washing. For garments, always pre-wash using cold water and low heat tumble dry or air dry.
Is bullet fabric good for leggings?
Not really. While bullet fabric has 4-way stretch, it's too structured and heavy for comfortable leggings. The 10 oz weight and full body make it better suited for dresses, skirts, and structured tops. For leggings, stick with cotton lycra or athletic fabrics that are lighter weight and more form-fitting.
Why doesn't bullet fabric breathe well?
Bullet and Liverpool fabrics are made from polyester, a synthetic fiber that doesn't breathe as well as natural fibers like cotton. The double knit construction also makes the fabric denser. This isn't a problem for accessories or cooler weather garments, but it might not be ideal for hot summer wear or activewear. For breathable garments, consider cotton lycra or bamboo knits.
Can I use bullet fabric for swimwear?
No, bullet fabric is not appropriate for swimwear. While it has stretch, it's not designed for water exposure. The polyester content isn't chlorine-resistant, the weight is too heavy for swimming, and it won't dry quickly. Use proper swimsuit fabric for swimwear projects.
What's the best way to make hair bows from bullet fabric?
Bullet fabric is perfect for bows because edges don't fray! Simple method: Cut two rectangles, layer them wrong sides together (or use single layer), fold in half, pinch center, wrap with small strip, and secure on back. No need to finish edges! The structure holds the bow shape beautifully. You can also use bow templates designed specifically for bullet fabric.
Can I use bullet fabric for embroidery?
YES! Bullet fabric is excellent for machine embroidery. The stable, structured fabric provides a great base that doesn't pucker or distort during embroidery. Use tear-away or cut-away stabilizer depending on your design. The textured surface can add interesting dimension behind embroidered designs!
Is Liverpool fabric the same as scuba fabric?
No, they're different. While both are structured double knits, scuba fabric typically has a neoprene-like inner filling that creates a spongy, insulated feel. Liverpool/bullet fabric is a regular double knit without foam filling. Scuba is thicker and warmer, while Liverpool has more drape and is better for a wider variety of projects.
Sewing Tips for Bullet & Liverpool Fabric
- Use ballpoint needles - size 80/12 or 90/14 for medium weight
- Use stretch stitches - zigzag or stretch stitch allows seams to move
- Longer stitch length - 3.0mm works well, prevents puckering
- Polyester thread - matches the fabric fiber content
- Test first - check tension on scrap fabric
- Don't pull fabric - let feed dogs do the work
- Pattern weights work great - fabric has body and doesn't shift
- Cut with rotary cutter - cleaner edges than scissors
- Press with steam - use medium heat, lifts texture nicely
- Texture hides mistakes - forgiving for beginners!
- No need to finish seams - doesn't fray, though you can serge for durability
- Walking foot optional - fabric is stable enough without it
Hair Bow & Accessory Business Tips
Bullet fabric is hugely popular for small businesses making hair accessories. Here's why it's ideal for entrepreneurs:
Business Benefits:
- No waste: Cut edges don't fray, so you can use every scrap
- Fast production: No edge finishing needed, make bows quickly
- Professional results: Customers love the polished look
- Durable products: Bows hold up to repeated wear and washing
- Wide appeal: Works for baby to adult sizes
- Endless colors: Available in huge variety of colors and prints
- Reasonable price point: Affordable to stock multiple colors
- Great margins: Small amounts make many accessories
Popular Bow Sizes:
- Baby bows: 2-3 inches, perfect for newborn headbands
- Small bows: 3-4 inches for toddlers
- Medium bows: 4-5 inches, most popular size
- Large bows: 6-8 inches for statement pieces
- Jumbo bows: 8+ inches for special occasions
Care Instructions for Bullet & Liverpool Fabric
Washing:
- Machine wash cold water
- Use mild detergent
- Wash with like colors (especially on first wash)
- Turn garments inside out to protect textured surface
- Don't overload washer
Drying:
- Tumble dry low heat
- Remove promptly to prevent wrinkles
- Can air dry by laying flat or hanging
- Polyester dries quickly
Ironing/Pressing:
- Use low to medium heat setting
- Steam works beautifully on this fabric
- Press from wrong side to protect texture
- Don't use high heat - can melt polyester
- Lifts and refreshes textured surface nicely
Storage:
- Fold or hang - fabric structure prevents wrinkles
- Store in cool, dry place
- Resists wrinkles and creasing
Bullet & Liverpool Fabric Brands
At KnitFabric.com, we carry quality bullet and Liverpool fabrics from:
- Knit Basics - Reliable quality solid colors in bullet fabric
- Various Suppliers - Printed and specialty designs
We carefully curate fabrics that meet quality standards for structure, texture, and stretch recovery!
Pattern Recommendations
Look for patterns that work well with medium-weight, structured knits with 4-way stretch:
- Pencil skirts - structure holds the fitted shape
- Sheath dresses - professional silhouette with comfort
- Fitted tops - holds shape without clinging
- Structured cardigans - maintains shape at edges
- A-line dresses - body creates flattering silhouette
Browse patterns at Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop designed for structured knits!
Sublimation Printing on Bullet/Liverpool Fabric
Bullet and Liverpool fabrics are perfect for dye sublimation printing because they're polyester-based. This makes them popular for custom printed designs:
Why It Works:
- Polyester is required for sublimation
- Prints are vibrant and permanent
- Textured surface adds interest to prints
- Perfect for custom bow business
- Washable prints that won't fade
Why Choose Bullet & Liverpool Fabric?
Choose Bullet/Liverpool If You Want:
- Fabric for hair bows and accessories that won't fray
- Structured garments that hold their shape
- Professional-looking clothing with comfortable stretch
- Interesting texture that adds visual appeal
- Easy-to-sew fabric perfect for beginners
- Wrinkle-resistant fabric for travel wear
- Stable base for embroidery projects
- Durable fabric that holds up to wear
- Medium-weight fabric with body and drape
- Fabric perfect for small business accessories
Consider Alternatives If You Need:
The Bottom Line on Bullet & Liverpool Fabric
Bullet and Liverpool fabrics offer a unique combination of stretch, structure, and visual interest that make them perfect for both accessories and garments. The no-fray edges make them ideal for hair bow businesses and craft projects, while the excellent structure creates professional-looking dresses and skirts that hold their shape beautifully.
While these synthetic fabrics don't breathe as well as natural fibers, their durability, wrinkle resistance, and ease of use make them valuable additions to any fabric stash. The textured surface adds dimension and interest, and the forgiving nature makes them surprisingly beginner-friendly!
Whether you're starting a hair bow business, sewing structured work wear, or creating unique accessories, bullet and Liverpool fabrics deliver professional results with comfortable stretch!
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