What is jersey fabric

Jacquard jersey: A pattern often quite complex is knitted into the fabric to create texture. A single colour of yarn or multiple colours of yarn can be used. Intarsia jersey: Two or more colours are used to knit designs that form self-contained areas of pure colour in the fabric.

This is more expensive to manufacture than fabrics that have the pattern printed on. Knitted fabrics consist of rows of loops of yarn, in which the loops of one row have all been pulled through the loops of the row below it.

As there is no single straight line of yarn, a knitted piece of fabric can stretch in all directions, which means that knitted fabrics have much more elasticity than woven fabrics.

A knitted fabric will unravel when the yarn is pulled, so the edges need to be secured. If the fabric is knitted into the final shape, the edges are secured by casting on at the beginning of the fabric piece and casting off at the end of the garment piece. If the fabric is cut out and sewn together, the edges need to be securely finished, for example with an overlock stitch. Weft knitting machines meaning the rows of stitches are done horizontally are used to make jersey fabrics, as they can create the small, even stitches that are required.

The right side of jersey fabric has vertical lines of flat stitches wales ; the wrong side has a horizontal wavy stitches courses. Garments made from the material have plenty of give as their wearers move, and also tend to cling to the body, since the fabric contracts as well as expanding.

Knit dresses are usually made from jersey fabric, exploiting the clingy characteristic of the fabric. Jersey fabric is also available in a large assortment of colors and patterns to suit all tastes. Care directions for jersey fabric vary, depending on whether the fabric is entirely natural or partially synthetic.

As a general rule, jersey fabric can be washed in warm water with like colors, and tumble dried on a medium setting. Bright colors will stay brighter longer if they are washed on a cold setting and dried on low. Try to avoid mixing bright colors and whites in the wash, as the colors may bleed. Viscose jersey - often a viscose and elastane mix.

Viscose jersey can roll at the edges and it is often very stretchy so not an ideal choice for absolute beginners. The elastane in the fabric stops the fabric stretching out too much and helps it retain it's shape. Polyester Jersey. Feel: Smooth and warm synthetic feel. Often very lightweight. Often a cheaper choice, polyester jersey comes in a huge verity of colours and prints. It is a great choice for sports wear, but can be prone to pilling and static.

Cotton Jersey. Feel: Crisp but soft and slightly brushed warmer feel - even lighter weight versions. Cotton is cool and breathable and very comfortable to wear in warm weather. Feel: Soft and warm with slightly brushed feel. Often a bit thicker than other jerseys. This mix can roll at the edges when cut, but it is less stretchy and more stable than jersey made from just viscose.

Rolling can be counteracted with iron on interfacing tape or spray starch. True Knit Jersey. Feel: Like traditional knitting it has more prominent and large stitches and is heavier weight. Imagine sleeping on your favorite tee-shirt every night! Back to Cotton Fabrics. Jersey Knit. What is jersey knit?