Knit fabric is an elastic material, made by yarns initially formed into loops and then interconnected in order to produce a textile structure. Knit fabrics do not have a weave. However, the system of weft and warp threads, traditional for other fabric types, is preserved. The feature of knitwear is that it can stretch as you like due to the loops, which can change the size and shape.
The main raw materials for knit fabrics are silk, linen, cotton, wool, viscose, rayon and more. Manufacturers add various synthetic materials to achieve the best combination of quality and durability.
Let’s talk about types and uses of knit fabrics, pros and cons, trends and life hacks which help you make a dress or sweater you long dreamed of.
There are two main ways of manufacturing of knit fabrics: warp knitting (vertical set of yarns) and weft knitting (horizontal set of yarns).
The ways differ with the process of knitting. In warp knitting, each thread has its needle and the fabric is knitted in the lengthwise direction (vertically). Weft knitted fabrics are made of one thread interlocked horizontally.
Here are the most popular types of knitted fabrics:
Warp knitted fabrics:
Weft knitted fabrics:
Raschel
warp
dresses, blouses, underwear, coats, finishing
Tricot
warp
lingerie, swimwear, lining, sleepwear
Milanese knit
warp
scarfs, sweaters, cardigans
Jersey
weft
dresses, skirts, tops, underwear, pajamas, t-shirts
Interlock
weft
fitting dresses, leggings, cardigans, shirts
Rib
weft
turtlenecks, cuffs, cardigans, sweaters, neckbands
Purl
weft
outerwear, sweaters
Jersey knit fabric is a single knit fabric, made of natural (cotton, wool, viscose, linen, silk) or synthetic fibers. The main advantages of jersey knit fabric are versatility, wrinkle resistance, durability, softness and elasticity. That’s why jersey is an extremely popular cloth for men, women and child’s wear.
Jersey knits boast a wide range of colors. Here is our top fashion color guide for this season. Ultra-violet is a must-have; it is the color of the year. The classic palette includes navy, grey, beige and white colors. Festive hues include juicy yellow, rich red, emerald green, sky blue, pink lavender, beige-pink, and hocolate brown.
Cotton knit fabric is one of the types of knit fabrics. With a flexible drape and soft feel, it is a perfect material for sewing dresses, wide trousers and kilts. Among the pros of cotton knits are breathability, absorbency and versatility – it is an all-season material. However, cotton knit fabric does not keep the shape well and is able to overstretch.
Viscose knit fabric is a material knitted from viscose fibers. Longwearing and breathable, this fabric retains the shape well at the expense of its weight. With a great drapability and considerable stretch effect, viscose knit fabric is perfect for dresses and skirts, as well as for jackets and trousers.
Knit fabrics have gained wide popularity due to their advantages, as well as attractive price and simple care requirements. Let's name the basic pros of knit fabrics:
Pros:
However, there are some cons:
Here are the life hacks how to sew a garment from knit fabric with a regular sewing machine.
“ Knitwear can play a vital part in layering. The simplicity of a lightweight cardigan makes it one of the best ways to layer outfits. I love granddad cardis for winter, worn over a vintage lace shirt, waistcoat and full skirt with slouchy boots.” — legendary model Twiggy gave a fashion advice how to combine knitwear with your wardrobe.
Knit fabric garments have long been a part of our everyday life. Fashion designers tend to add knitted wear to their collections.
Here are the top-5 fashion trends in the 2018/2019 season.
In our store, you can buy online knit fabrics made of wool, silk, cotton, cashmere, perfect for a stunning dress, cardigan and more. There is an impressive collection of jersey knits – from medium weight to heavy, from solid to sophisticated patterns, from classic to juicy shades.
Tissura offers high quality knit fabrics from leading European manufacturers such as:
You can buy online exclusive knit fabrics in a wide range of colors and prints to make a trendy addition to your wardrobe.
Knitted Fabric, 38 € (47 US$) per one running metre;
Wool Jersey Knit Fabric, 86 € (106 US$) per one running metre;
Wool Jersey Knit Fabric, 86 € (55 US$) per one running metre;
Stretch Jersey Knit Fabric, 47 € (58 US$) per one running metre
For more information Bright Yellow Fabric, FR Fabrics, Interlock Knits, please get in touch with us!