Types of Polyester Spandex Knitting Fabric

Update:02 Feb

Polyester spandex knits offer premium comfort and are ideal for activewear, sportswear, and apparel. These fabrics are perfect for dresses, skirts, pants, tops, and socks. They are wrinkle-resistant, which helps to retain their shape after washing. This fabric is also soft to the touch.

Compared to woven fabric, knits have more stretch. Knitted fabrics are made from thin yarn, and they stretch to about a 20" mark. While it is not as durable as cotton, it holds its shape well after washing. For the best results, you should look for a blend of both polyester and cotton. However, not all poly/cotton blends are the same.

For a more structured look, you might choose a double-knit fabric. This is a knit that is made with fine-gauge thread and has a smooth texture. Typically, this knit is ideal for form-fitting clothing and is machine-washable with a mild detergent. It is also available in a brushed version, which has a soft hand and great recovery.

Another type of knit is a rib knit. These knits are often used for neckbands, bands, and cuffs. The right side of a rib knit is typically textured, with vertical loops. A rib knit is a good choice for dressy and casual wear. You can use it to make a pencil skirt or peplum top.

Other polyester spandex knits include a brushed poly, which is a super soft knit that has a fuzzy surface. You can get this fabric in a variety of different colours. Brushed poly is a versatile fabric that you can wear year-round. Poly spandex knits are also perfect for dresses, pants, and travel. They are strong, and they are able to stand up to multiple events. Unlike cotton knits, they are wrinkle-resistant. They are not as durable as cotton, but they are very soft.

If you are looking for a lightweight cardigan, then you might want to consider a rayon/spandex combination. Rayon tencel is the perfect weight for tops, tunics, and skirts. If you are looking for a sport bra or leggings, then you may want to try a polyester spandex stretch interlock knit. This fabric is thicker than a single jersey, and is a great choice for activewear.

Depending on the pattern, you might need a certain percentage of stretch. For example, if you are sewing a pattern for a skirt that has a hemline that goes over the knee, you should pick a fabric that has at least 50% stretch. Otherwise, the fabric will be stiff and won't stretch to its fullest length.

In general, you should hold the fabric at the 5" or 6" mark, then fold it over to create two layers. Use a fabric measuring tape or ruler to ensure you're catching both edges. Afterwards, wash your clothes in cold water with a gentle detergent. Once they are dry, they should be ironed on a low-heat setting.

Whether you are shopping for a garment, or just looking for a fabric to make one, you should know the difference between knit and woven fabrics. Knits will usually have more stretch, and you will need to pay attention to the fabric's stretch percentage.