Exploring the Types of Knit Fabrics
Knit fabrics are made by looping yarns together, creating a stretchy and flexible material suitable for many types of clothing. Knit fabrics are popular for their comfort, versatility, and durability. They can make t-shirts, sweaters, leggings, dresses, and more. But not all knit fabrics are the same. Different types of knit fabrics have different characteristics, such as weight, texture, appearance, and performance. Knowing the different types of knit fabrics can help you choose the best one for your sewing project and your desired outcome.
In this blog post, we will introduce you to some of the most common types of knit fabrics and their features. We will also give you some tips on sewing with knit fabrics and caring for them.
Two Basic Ways of Making Knit Fabrics
There are two basic methods of making knit fabrics: weft-knit and warp-knit. A weft knit is created by interlocking a single yarn horizontally to craft a continuous row, known as a course. Each subsequent row is built upon the previous one, creating a versatile and commonly used knit fabric. A warp knit is crafted using multiple parallel yarns simultaneously looped vertically. This distinct knitting technique produces a sturdy and durable fabric with unique characteristics. Weft-knit fabrics are more common and easier to make than warp-knit fabrics. They are also more stretchy and flexible than warp-knit fabrics.
Within these two categories, many types of knit fabrics vary in construction, appearance, and properties. Here are some of the most popular types of knit fabrics:
Jersey Knit
Jersey knit is one of the most basic and widely used types of knit fabric. It is a light to medium-weight fabric that is smooth and flat on one side and has visible loops on the other. It is also known as single knit or plain knit. Jersey knit is often used to make t-shirts, dresses, skirts, and underwear. It has a good drape and a moderate amount of stretch.
Jersey knit can be made from different fibres, such as cotton, rayon, silk, wool, or synthetic blends. Depending on the fibre content, jersey knit can have different qualities, such as softness, breathability, warmth, or durability. For example, cotton jersey is soft and breathable, while rayon jersey is silky and drapey.
When sewing with jersey knit, you should use a ballpoint needle and a stretch stitch to prevent skipped stitches and puckering. You should also use a stabilizer or interfacing to reinforce seams and edges that may stretch out or curl up. You should wash jersey knit in cold water and tumble dry low or lay flat to dry.
Rib Knit
Rib knit is a type of knit fabric with raised vertical ribs on both sides. It is also known as double knit or ribbed knit. Rib knit is often used to make cuffs, collars, necklines, and hemlines of garments. It has a lot of stretch and recovery and can fit snugly around the body.
Rib-knit can be made from different fibres like cotton, wool, acrylic, or synthetic blends. Depending on the fibre content, rib knit can have different qualities, such as softness, warmth, or elasticity. For example, wool rib knit is warm and cosy, while acrylic rib knit is lightweight and resilient.
When sewing with rib knit, you should use a ballpoint needle and a stretch stitch to prevent skipped stitches and puckering. You should also use a stabilizer or interfacing to reinforce seams and edges that may stretch out or curl up. You should wash the rib knit in cold water and tumble dry low or lay flat to dry.
Interlock Knit
Interlock knit is a type of knit fabric with two layers of jersey knit joined together by interlocking loops. It is also known as a double-faced knit or double jersey. Interlock knit is often used to make tops, dresses, skirts, and pants. It has a smooth, even surface on both sides and a medium weight. It has less stretch than jersey knit but more stability and structure.
Interlock knit can be made from different fibres, such as cotton, rayon, silk, wool, or synthetic blends. Depending on the fibre content, interlock knit can have different qualities, such as softness, breathability, warmth, or durability. For example, cotton interlock is soft and breathable, while silk interlock is luxurious and drapey.
When sewing with an interlock knit, you should use a ballpoint needle and a stretch stitch to prevent skipped stitches and puckering. You should also use a stabilizer or interfacing to reinforce seams and edges that may stretch out or curl up. You should wash interlock knit in cold water and tumble dry low or lay flat to dry.
French Terry Knit
French terry knit is a type of knit fabric with a smooth surface on one side and a looped or piled surface on the other. It is also known as loop-back knit or terry knit. French terry knit is often used to make sweatshirts, joggers, hoodies, and jackets. It has a soft and cosy feel and a medium to heavy weight. It has a moderate amount of stretch and good absorbency.
French terry knit can be made from different fibres, such as cotton, rayon, polyester, or synthetic blends. French terry knit can have different qualities, such as softness, warmth, or moisture-wicking, depending on the fibre content. For example, cotton French terry is soft and warm, while polyester French terry is lightweight and moisture-wicking.
When sewing with French terry knit, you should use a ballpoint needle and a stretch stitch to prevent skipped stitches and puckering. You should also use a stabilizer or interfacing to reinforce seams and edges that may stretch out or curl up. You should wash French terry knit in cold water and tumble dry low or lay flat to dry.
Hacci Sweater Knit
Hacci sweater knit is a type of knit fabric with a loose, open weave resembling hand-knitted sweaters. It is also known as sweater knit or Hacci knit. Hacci sweater knit is often used to make sweaters, cardigans, scarves, and hats. It has a soft and fuzzy feel and a light to medium weight. It has a lot of drape and movement and a little stretch.
Hacci sweater knit can be made from different fibres, such as wool, acrylic, cotton, or synthetic blends. Depending on the fibre content, the Hacci sweater knit can have different qualities, such as warmth, softness, or durability. For example, a wool Hacci sweater knit is warm and cosy, while an acrylic Hacci sweater knit is lightweight and resilient.
When sewing with a Hacci sweater knit, you should use a ballpoint needle and a stretch stitch to prevent skipped stitches and puckering. You should also use a stabilizer or interfacing to reinforce seams and edges that may stretch out or curl up. You should wash the Hacci sweater knit in cold water, tumble dry low, or lay it flat to dry.
Sweatshirt Fleece Knit
Sweatshirt fleece knit is a type of knit fabric with a smooth surface on one side and a soft and fluffy surface on the other. It is also known as fleece knit or polar fleece. Sweatshirt fleece knit is often used to make sweatshirts, jackets, blankets, and pillows. It has a warm and cosy feel and a medium to heavy weight. It has a moderate amount of stretch and good insulation.
Sweatshirt fleece knit can be made from different fibres, such as cotton, polyester, or synthetic blends. Depending on the fibre content, a sweatshirt fleece knit can have different qualities, such as breathability, warmth, or durability. For example, cotton sweatshirt fleece is breathable and natural, while polyester sweatshirt fleece is durable and water-resistant.
When sewing with a sweatshirt fleece knit, you should use a ballpoint needle and a stretch stitch to prevent skipped stitches and puckering. You should also use a stabilizer or interfacing to reinforce seams and edges that may stretch out or curl up. You should wash your sweatshirt fleece knit in cold water and tumble dry low or lay flat to dry.
Jersey Rayon Spandex Knit
Jersey rayon spandex knit is a type of knit fabric with a smooth and silky surface and a high amount of stretch. It is also known as rayon spandex knit or bamboo spandex knit. Jersey rayon spandex knit is often used to make tops, dresses, skirts, and leggings. It has a soft and drapey feel and a light to medium weight. It has excellent recovery and elasticity.
Jersey rayon spandex knit can be made from different fibres, such as rayon, bamboo, modal, or synthetic blends. Depending on the fibre content, jersey rayon spandex knit can have different qualities, such as softness, breathability, or moisture-wicking. For example, rayon jersey spandex is soft and breathable, while bamboo jersey spandex is moisture-wicking and antibacterial.
When sewing with jersey rayon spandex knit, you should use a ballpoint needle and a stretch stitch to prevent skipped stitches and puckering. You should also use a stabilizer or interfacing to reinforce seams and edges that may stretch out or curl up. You should wash jersey rayon spandex knit in cold water and tumble dry low or lay flat to dry.
Lycra Spandex Knit
Lycra spandex knit is a type of knit fabric with a smooth and shiny surface and an extremely high amount of stretch. It is also known as spandex knit or elastane knit. Lycra spandex knit is often used to make activewear, swimwear, dancewear, and lingerie. It has a snug and supportive feel and a medium to heavy weight. It has excellent recovery and elasticity.
Lycra spandex knit can be made from different fibres, such as nylon, polyester, or synthetic blends. Depending on the fibre content, Lycra spandex knit can have different qualities, such as durability, water resistance, or UV protection. For example, nylon lycra spandex is durable and water-resistant, while polyester lycra spandex is UV-protected and fade-resistant.
When sewing with lycra spandex knit, you should use a ballpoint needle and a stretch stitch to prevent skipped stitches and puckering. You should also use a stabilizer or interfacing to reinforce seams and edges that may stretch out or curl up. You should wash lycra spandex knit in cold water and tumble dry low or lay flat to dry.
These are some types of knit fabrics you can use for your sewing projects. Of course, you can explore and experiment with many more types of knit fabrics. The best way to learn about knit fabrics is to touch, feel, and work with them yourself.
Partnering with Sun Glory for Your Production Needs
If you need help finding and selecting the best knit fabrics for your clothing line, you can always trust Sun Glory (HK) Enterprise. We are a garment manufacturing company based in Hong Kong. We specialize in making uniforms for store staff of fashion brands. We can provide a wide range of knit fabrics suitable for your niche and target market.
We have over 40 years of experience in the garment industry. We have a professional team of designers, technicians, quality controllers, and workers who can handle any type of customization and specification. We use high-quality fabrics and materials from China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, and Europe. We have advanced equipment and technology to ensure the efficiency and accuracy of our production.
We offer competitive prices and fast delivery. We have a minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 100 pieces per style per colour. We can provide free samples upon request. We accept T/T or L/C as payment methods. We ship worldwide by sea or air.
You can contact us through our website [here].
We hope you enjoyed this blog post about the types of knit fabrics. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading!