Knit Fabric: History, Properties, Uses, Care, Where to Buy

Introduction to Knit Fabric

Knit fabric is a garment made from knitting, the process of inter-looping threads or inter-meshing yarn looped together. Socks and headgear can be made with this fabric since it is more pliable and can be cut into smaller pieces more easily than a woven cloth.

Knit textiles are produced on knitting machines, like the Addi Express King Size Knitting Machine, one of the best knitting machines available for knitters. This significantly shortens the time required for the production process.

What is the History of Knit Fabric?

The adoption of jerseys in Coco Chanel’s enormously famous suits in 1916 marked a watershed moment in the history of knitwear, which became synonymous with the fashion designer. The color-blocked knits of Patou, which were introduced shortly after, became the sportswear staple.

The classic wearing of body-skimming sweaters by sex symbols such as Lana Turner began in the 1940s, albeit the 1950s were dominated by conservative cotton knitwear and cardigans. Missoni’s multicolored zigzag knit, popular in the 1960s, was a prominent reflection of the era.

Sonia Rykiel introduced vividly patterned sweaters and tight skirts, and sophisticated sweaters inspired by President John F. Kennedy; both rose to prominence during this period.

Knitwear transitioned from the field of sportswear to become a dominant force in the fashion industry throughout 1980.

Properties of Knit Fabric

• It is lightweight and breathable
• It is durable 
• It is a low stretch fabric
• It is prone to damage
• The fabric is smooth and soft 
• Since it has high elastic potential, it is wrinkle-resistant
• The material is flexible and can be used for drapes

How is Knit Fabric Made?

Knitted materials differ from woven fabrics in several ways. Knitted fabrics are created using a single cohesive thread, similar to how continuous yarn is used in manual knitting.

Knitted fabrics are formed using a single thread or yarn, helped by tools such as needles, to create interlocking loops instead of woven textiles, created using many warp yarns. This fabric is made of a single yarn or thread that is looped up and down the knitting machine as it is being knitted. 

The most straightforward way to distinguish between woven and knitted materials is that the knits form loops in the braided pattern in knit fabrics, but they have an interlacing pattern in woven fabrics. 

Knitted textiles are chosen in clothes because of their sheerness and the fabric’s ability to regulate body temperature. On the contrary, they can also be a little difficult to work with

Where is Knit Fabric Made?

Knit fabric is commonly produced throughout the world. The fabric is a material that has been around for a long time and, as a result, is made in a large number of quantities.  Currently,  it is produced in Asian countries and China, which is the market leader in the textile market. Even though the fabric may be produced elsewhere, the raw fabric may be sent to China to be converted into a finished good.

Common uses of Knit Fabric

Knit fabrics are used for a wide range of products and accessories.

Daily wear

The soft fabric can make T-shirts, dresses, undergarments, shoes, and even athletic wear like swimwear. These apparels are available for both men and women as well as children.

Home décor

The material can also be used for cushion covers, curtains, table cloths, and other household accessories. 

Sewing with Knit fabric

Compared to non-stretchy materials, knit fabric is far more difficult to sew (either by hand or on a loom) because it can be difficult to stitch straight lines. However, you can easily achieve your desired results by using the correct sewing essentials and sewing notions and supplies.

Knits are best sewn with ballpoint and stretch needles. The rounded tip of ballpoint needles means they won’t catch on the fabric fibers you’re working on. You can also use a universal needle for sewing patterns and designs.

The sewing thread you use should be a polyester one since cotton doesn’t is less elastic. You can maintain the fabric’s flat position when sewing by using a flat surface which will help you avoid tugging it through the machine. 

This is where a larger table can be useful, or you can use your hands to hold the additional fabric or the rest of the garment to keep it from slipping off the edge of your desk, which will strain and expand the fabric even further.

Dyeing with Knit fabric

The Knit fabric can be dyed depending on the composition of the fabric. If made using cotton and viscose or silk, the Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dye can be used as the best fabric dye available.

How to care for Knit Fabric?

Knit fabrics aren’t so hard to care for and can easily be washed and ironed without a hassle.

Washing

• Use cold water to wash the fabric
• Use a mild detergent for cold water cleaning
• The machine setting should be set to a delicate cycle
• Fabric softeners can be used
• Tumble dry only if the label on the fabric says so.
• It can be machine dried as well hung to dry.

Ironing

• The fabric must be damp to prevent damaging it.
• Using a shark steam iron, press the fabric on the wrong side
• Use a low heat setting and a press cloth

Where to buy Knit Fabric?

Knit Fabric can be bought at fabric and garment shops. Customers can also buy it through online retailers and websites like Fabric.com and Amazon, which have the best-knit fabric available—ranging from the simple Fabric Merchants Knit Fabric to the modern Ambesonne Botanical Fabric.

It can be sold in several ways depending on the seller;

• By yard
• By Inches
• Can be cut to order

There are some basic sewing essentials that seamstresses of all experience levels – both those who are just learning their way around a sewing machine with the assistance of sewing help guides and those who are well-versed in all types of stitches – need to have on-hand in their sewing room.

Various types of threads, a selection of hand sewing needles, and some sewing patterns, for example. But those supplies won’t do you any good unless you have the right sewing fabric to work with.

There are so many different types of fabrics out there, and each one offers different benefits. However, if you’re looking for a material that’s truly versatile, you’re going to want to stock up on knit fabrics.

This material is sturdy, durable, easy to work with, and can be used to a wide variety of items; from clothing to accessories, and from home décor to bedding accessories. No wonder why knit fabrics are among the most popular materials available.

What exactly is knit fabric? Are there different types of knit fabrics? In this guide, you’ll find the answers to these questions; but first, we’d like to present to you a collection of the best, high quality knit fabric.

Best Knit Fabrics

Image	Knit Fabric	Rating
	1. Fabric Merchants Knit Fabric	99%
	2. Field's Fabrics Knit Fabric	96%
	3. E.Z. Fabric Inc, Knit Fabric	93%
	4. Fashion Fabrics Club Knit Fabric	89%
	5. Eagle Fabrics Knit Fabric	85%

Now that you’ve had a look at our top picks for the best knit fabrics, let’s take a closer look at each one. Below, you’ll find an in-depth review of each of these five materials. In each review, we discuss the features of each knit fabric, what we like about them, and what sewers who have used them have had to say about them.

After you have finished reading through the reviews and you decide on an option that you think will best meet your needs, click on the yellow link to find the best prices currently available on Amazon.

1. Fabric Merchants Knit Fabric

First up on our list of the best knit fabrics is a collection that comes from Fabric Merchants. This manufacturer offers a wide selection of high-quality sewing fabrics, including knit materials.

You’ll find that their prices are extremely affordable and that they carry various different colors and patterns, too. All of their knits are made of 95 percent cotton and 5 percent Lycra Spandex, so they’re very breathable and have a bit of stretch, just like knit fabric should.

Plus, they can all be machine washed and most can be tumbled dry; however, hang drying is recommended for certain fabrics, so do make sure you read the care instructions before laundering. Fabric Merchants sell their knits by the yard and all are cut to order.

The width of each material is 58 inches, too. As mentioned, there are tons of different colors and patterns to choose from. Options include solid colors, such as navy, mustard yellow, charcoal gray, black, blush, and teal.

Printed varieties include shooting stars, polka dots, Nordic prints, floral prints, and colorful elephants or owls and birds! If you’re looking for baby knit fabrics, any of these materials would work. Just by adding elastic and adding a zipper, you could make a super adorable lightweight onesie or lightweight pair of footed pajamas.

Based on the reviews that we read, it seems as if most of the customers who have used Fabric Merchants knit fabrics are very pleased. Comments included how durable the material is, how easy it is to work with, and how comfortable it is.

What We Like About It

• Offers a wide selection of solid colors and patterns to choose from
• All knits are made of 95 percent cotton and 5 percent Lycra Spandex
• Lightweight and breathable
• Slight stretch for comfort
• Sold by the yard and cut to order
• Most fabrics can be machine washed and tumbled dry
• Retains color and shape
• Affordably priced

Reasons to Complain

• Some fabrics do have to be hung dry, so make sure you read the care label
• Some customers noted that the colors were different than they appeared online

Final Verdict: Fabric Merchants offers an excellent selection of high-quality knit fabric. They carry a large array of colors and patterns, and all of their materials are cut to order, easy to work with, and affordably priced. Shop Now on Amazon for Fabric  Check Today's Price on Amazon

2. Field’s Fabrics Knit Fabric

Next up on our list of the best knit fabrics is a wonderful collection that comes from Field’s Fabrics. This manufacturer also offers a fantastic assortment of high-quality knit fabrics in a wide array of fun patterns and colors. Bicycles, Hello Kitty, space, jelly beans, hearts, tie dye, pinstripes, and the American flag are just some of the options available.

They also have a yellow ruffled knit fabric that would look absolutely adorable as a dress for a little girl or even a grown woman (which you could easily make with a dress form). The fibers used in the knit fabrics offered by Field’s Fabrics do vary. Most are a blend of cotton and polyester, but some are made of 100 percent polyester and can be machine washed and tumbled dry for easy care.

They are also lightweight, have a slight stretch, and hold up very well. No matter which color or pattern you choose, all are sold by the yard and cut to order, and you can choose one continuous length or opt to have your yards cut into individual lengths; whichever works better for you.

Based on the reviews that we read, most of the customers who purchased knit fabric from Field’s Fabrics were very satisfied with their purchase.

What We Like About It

• Various colors and patterns to choose from
• Sold by the yard
• Cut to order, and you can choose multiple yards or one continuous yard
• Most of their fabrics are machine washable; however, do read the care labels, as air drying may be recommended for some of the options they offer.
• Well made
• Durable
• Easy to work with

Reasons to Complain

• Some users said that they had slight issues with unraveling

Final Verdict: For durable, well-made, affordable knit fabrics, Field’s Fabrics won’t disappoint. This manufacturer offers a wide selection of colors and patterns, and each one is well priced, sold by the yard, and cut to order.

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3. EZ Fabric Inc, Knit Fabric

If you’re looking for really unique, fun, and funk knit fabrics, then check out EZ Fabric. This supplier offers two different high-quality knit fabrics in some really incredible designs.

One option features a galaxy print and the other features red, white, and blue stars and stripes. The colors in each material are very vibrant; and what’s more, they retain their colors, too.

They can be machine washed and tumbled dry, and they won’t bleed, either. The knits offered by EZ Fabric, Inc are made of 98 percent polyester and 2 percent Lycra Spandex, so they are lightweight and have a slight stretch. Each option is 60 inches wide, sold by the yard, and cut to order.

They have a soft hand, too. You can turn either one of these knits into eye-catching gathered skirts, dresses, jackets, handbags, or hair bows. A shirt made of patriotic fabric would look perfect paired with a denim and chambray skirt or shorts for the 4^th of July! 

The reviews we read were very positive; users were very pleased with the quality of these knit fabrics, and said that they were very easy to work with and that they were quite durable.

What We Like About It

• Made of polyester and Lycra spandex
• Lightweight
• Soft hand
• Slight stretch
• Durable
• Easy to care for; machine wash and tumble dry
• Sold by the yard and cut to order

Reasons to Complain

• Some users said that it was a little higher priced than they would have liked it to be

Final Verdict: If you’re looking for unique knit fabrics, check out EZ Fabrics, Inc. This supplier offers two stunning, one-of-a-kind patterns. Both are very well made, easy to work with, and easy to care for.

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4. Fashion Fabrics Club Knit Fabric

If you’re looking for a knit fabric that has a more “adult” look then Fashion Fabrics Club won’t disappoint. Their knit fabrics feature some really modern and sophisticated designs that you’ll be sure to love.

Options include a cheetah print, a chevron pattern, several different types of floral prints, and solid colors, too, such as melon pink, light pink, crisp white, and walnut brown. In addition to offering some very “adult” appropriate prints, Fashion Fabrics Club also offers a variety of different types of knit fabrics.

For example, they have a French terry knit, a sweater knit, a scuba knit, and a boucle knit jacketing fabric, so you can make some really amazing hand-stitched items for your wardrobe (or for someone else’s). The boucle knit jacketing fabric would pair wonderfully with a flannel or fleece material to make a super comfortable and very cozy jacket or shirt.

You could also use their fabrics to make a wonderfully soft and super plush throw blanket, especially if you combined it with a high-quality chenille or even a faux fur fabric. The fibers that are used in Fashion Fabrics Club’s knits depend on which material you select.

For example, the boucle knit jacketing fabric is made of wool and acrylic, the french terry and jersey knit fabrics are made of polyester and Lycra, while the sweater knit materials are comprised of rayon, acetate, and Lycra.

The fibers that are used affect the weight, as some are light and others are heavier; and it also affects the care, as some can be machine washed and tumbled dry, while others should be hung dry. The width of the fabric varies, as well; but, all are sold by the yard and cut to order.

Based on the reviews that we read, it seems as if most of the people who have purchased knit fabrics from the Fashion Fabrics Club are very pleased. Many users said that the materials were highly durable, easy to work with, and held up very well.

What We Like About It

• Offers a wide range of colors and prints
• Provides a variety of different types of knit fabrics
• All materials are sold by the yard and cut to order
• Each fabric is well made and easy to work with
• Some fabrics are very well priced

Reasons to Complain

• A few of the materials have a high price tag
• Some materials may require air drying

Final Verdict: Overall, we were very impressed with the collection of knit fabrics offered by Fashion Fabrics Club. They offer stunning prints and provide a nice selection of different types of knits, all of which are very well made.

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5. Eagle Fabrics Knit Fabric

Last on our list of the best knit fabrics is the collection from Eagle Fabrics. They, too, offer a great selection of high-quality knit fabrics in a variety of different colors and types.

Options include jersey knit, rib knit, thermal knit, slub jersey knit, and diamond quilted jersey knit fabrics; just to name a few. Each material is very well priced and is exceptionally made, so you can be sure that whichever option you choose and whatever you make, it will last a long time.

All of their fabrics are sold by the yard and cut to order in one continuous piece. The width varies depending on the fabric you choose, as does the fiber content. For example, their slub knit fabric is made of cotton, polyester, and spandex, while their diamond quilted fabric is a blend of cotton and polyester, and rib knit is 100 percent polyester.

Care instructions also vary depending on the contents of the material, as does the weight. There are several solid-colored knits available, burnout colors, camo, and floral prints, just to name a few.

Based on the reviews that we read, customers are very happy with the quality of Eagle Fabrics’ knit fabrics, as many users reported that they were well made, durable, and easy to work with.

What We Like About It

• There are several different types of knits to choose from
• Various colors and patterns are available
• Well constructed
• Easy to work with
• Sold by the yard and cut to order in one continuous length of material

Reasons to Complain Honestly, we couldn’t find anything negative about the knit fabrics offered by Eagle Fabrics.

Final Verdict: Eagle Fabrics offers a nice selection of different types of knit fabrics. All are very well made, and there’s a wide range of styles and colors to choose from, too.

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The Best Knit Fabrics: A Buyer’s Guide

If you’re new to sewing—or even if you have been sewing a while—if you’ve never worked with knit fabric before, you simply must; there’s no other way to say it! This material is so incredibly versatile, it can be used to make so many different things, and most knits are easy to work with and care for too; which is why they are such a popular material. In fact, chances are that a good portion of your wardrobe is comprised of items that are made from knit fabrics.

If you’re new to knit fabrics and you’re wondering what exactly this material is and why it should be a staple in your sewing room, keep on reading.

What is Knit Fabric?

Knitted fabrics are created by a single piece of thread, similar to the single piece of yarn that is used in knitting. A series of needles are used to create interlocking loops with the thread, which creates a knitted effect. This material is made on a loom or a knitting machine, and the result is a durable fabric that has a bit of stretch and is usually lightweight and breathable, depending on the fibers that are used to make it.

Types of Knit Fabrics

There are several different types of knit fabrics. A different technique is used to make each type, which results in a different weight, and makes each option well-suited for specific items. Some of the different knits that are available include:

• Jersey knit, which is lightweight and often used for t-shirts
• Viscose rayon, which is heavier and ideal for warm-weather clothing
• Cotton interlock, which is also very lightweight and quite breathable, and is commonly used for shirts
• Sweater knit, which, as the name suggest, is ideal to use for making sweaters
• Fleece knit, which is warm, soft, and commonly used to make blankets
• Rib knit, which features ribbing throughout the material and is well-suited for the neck bands and cuffs of shirts

Why You Need Knit Fabric?

The real question is “Why wouldn’t you need knit fabric”? There are so many different things that can be made with this material. Some of the items that knit fabric is used to make include:

• Shirts
• Hats
• Scarves
• Socks
• Baby booties
• Pajamas
• Lightweight pants
• Skirts
• Lightweight blankets
• Sheets
• Pillowcases
• Hair bows
• Bags
• Tablecloths

In other words, you name it, you can probably make it out of knit fabric. In addition to the fact that it is such a versatile material, knit fabric is also very easy to work with, and generally speaking, it is easy to care for (depending on the fibers that it is made out of). It’s also quite durable.

Given all of these features, it’s really no wonder why it’s such a beloved material and why every seamstress should have a nice stock of knits in their sewing room.

Sources:

Seamwork

Fabric.com

Once you’ve learned the basics, sewing with knits is a blast. Knit materials are perfect for t-shirts and summer dresses. They drape beautifully and are easy to wear, care for and maintain.

Sources

• Revolution fabric
• Creative curator
• Textile school
• Wikipedia

Conclusion

Once you’ve learned the basics, sewing with knits is a blast. Knit materials are perfect for t-shirts and summer dresses. They drape beautifully and are easy to wear, care for and maintain.

Sources

• Revolution fabric
• Creative curator
• Textile school
• Wikipedia