Stretch Fabric

Stretch fabric is a popular choice for apparel, thanks to its unique elastic properties. Stretch jersey fabric is an essential in the fashion industry, and in this guide, we discover why.

Loopback Jersey

White faced looped back jersey, similar to cotton sweat shirt style. 250gsm. Sharp, clear colours. Good for everyday clothes.

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Quilted Jersey Stretch

Knitted Jersey with wadding layer for extra padding. 255gsm. Stamped diamond quilt effect. Water absorbent. Crafts, garments.

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Slinky Lycra Matt

82% poly, 18% lycra. Medium weight, soft, 4-way stretch. 210gsm. Slinky and smooth. Fantastic for leggings, swimwear, sportswear.

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Lycra Matt

85% poly, 15% elastane. Soft, elastic, matt. 140gsm. Bouncy, lively, smooth drape. Ideal for hotpants, bandeaus, cosplay.

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Lycra Heavy Matt

93% poly, 7% elastane. Thick stretchy power Lycra, 250gsm. Soft, smooth. Good for dresses, moulds to body & hugs figure.

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Lycra Soft Sheen

85% poly, 15% elastane. Soft, shiny, flexible. Resists abrasion. Moisture wicking. Figure hugging. Swimsuits, bikinis, dresses

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Organza

Transparent, sheer, light yet firm fabric. Refined net quality. Very light, 23gsm. Embellishments, curtains, interfacing.

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G-Mesh Net

Stretchy poly mesh sports fabric. Open knit 3mm diamond shaped holes. Light, airy, 85gsm. Ideal for vests, gussets, sportswear.

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Florence Power Net

Knitted tulle mesh fabric. Fray resistant, lightweight, 60gsm. Delicate fluid drape, super stretchy. Tent linings, outer garments

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Speaker Grille Cloth

Woven, poly, acoustic fabric for speakers. Open weave, mesh like quality. 140gsm. Soft, elastic, 4-way stretch. Fix to speaker grille.

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Airflow Light Sport Stretch

Woven pique knit. Characteristic airflow holes. Soft, breathable, cool. Flawless print. 140gsm. Running gear, rain jacket linings.

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Crepe Jersey

Light crepe jersey, 150gsm. Tightly knitted, solid fabric. Fluid, even drape. Stretch on the weft. Great for making clothes.

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Crushed Velour

Knitted, stretchy poly based fabric. 180gsm. Soft, short plush pile, shimmery face. Vibrant colours. Trimmings, furnishings, dresses.

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Boston Pique Knit

Water absorbent filament woven fabric. Microfibre pique knit. 160gsm. slightly transparent, moisture wicking. Polo tops, tea towels.

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Scuba

Heavyweight weft-knitted Lycra. 274gsm. Smooth, thick, lively. 4 way stretch. White base tone, slight sheen. Natural flowing drape

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Neoprene

Knitted poly face backed onto spongy, thick Neoprene. 1000gsm, opaque. Water absorbent, thermal insulator. Good for wetsuits.

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Jersey Stretch 160gsm

160gsm, stretchy, feels good on the skin. Ideal for gym tops, T-Shirts. Quick drying & slightly water absorbent.

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Polar Fleece

Thick, warm, non-fray. fleece. 285gsm. Soft, napped texture. Water repellent. Intense colours. Scarves, jumpers, gloves, mittens.

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Scuba Crepe

Heavyweight knitted Lycra. 290gsm. Textured "crepe" face. Smooth back. 4-way stretch. Great recovery and drape. White base.

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Crochet Lace

Soft, stretchy poly nylon blend. Soft, smooth, characteristic holes. Good for bold, solid designs. Clothes panelling, apparel.

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Heavy Brushed Sweat Jersey

Thick jersey, smooth to touch on one side. 260gsm. Soft brushed reverse. High detailed finish. Good for winter clothes.

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Slub Jersey

140gsm, fashionable, slub construction, weft knitted, soft, stretchy, breathable, good drape, sharp print detail, strong colours.

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Loose Knit Jersey

5% elastane, good stretch and recovery, breathable, moisture-wicking, interesting random pattern knit, homespun effect, 185gsm

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Crepe Stretch

Classic crepe face, beautiful drape, lightweight, 85gsm, elegant and strong, excellent print and colour reproduction, taut.

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Diamond Jersey

Closed weave stretch Jersey, unique raised diamond pattern. Heavy 270gsm. Soft, matt, opaque, white base. Use for dressmaking

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Chain Jersey

Pique knitted jersey with chain mail surface texture detail. Heavy, 255gsm. Breathable with light sheen, great for clothing.

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Bounce Cotton Jersey

Breathable cotton jersey. 95% cotton, 5% elastane. Moisture wicking. Bounces back into shape, ideal for bodycon dresses, t-shirts

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Jersey Stretch Light 130gsm

Jersey stretch light, 130gsm. Semi-transparent, summer fabric. Soft, comfortable, ideal for light weight t-shirts and apparel.

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Ponte Jersey

A 260gsm heavyweight fabric that is strong and stable, with brilliant stretch and recovery on the weft.

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Rox Sports Jersey

A breathable weft knitted sports jersey. Smooth and flat with stretch qualities. 250gsm

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Solange Silky Jersey

An incredibly soft, mid-weight fabric, 215gsm. Single jersey with good stretch on weft.

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Soft Fashion Jersey

Lightweight and very stretchy, this jersey feels like a second skin and holds its shape well.

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Olympic Sports Jersey

Lightweight and breathable, this quick-drying sportswear mesh jersey is perfect for sports and athleisure.

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What is stretch fabric?

Stretch fabric is a generalised term used for any textile, woven or knitted, which has more stretch, elasticity and recovery than regular fabrics. They are usually synthetic however they can be blended with natural fabrics, such as cotton and linen.

These fabrics have either a 2-way or a 4-way stretch and the majority of weft-knitted textiles, such as stretch jersey fabric, are innately stretchy. 2-way stretches in one direction, usually from selvedge to selvedge – however can be in other directions, depending on the knit – whereas a 4-way stretches in both directions; crosswise and lengthwise.

Popular and widely available fabrics include:

Lycra
Stretch cotton
Stretch jersey fabric
Stretch lace fabric
Organza
Mesh
Fleece
Velvet
Neoprene
Scuba fabric
Elastane
Spandex

How is it manufactured?

Stretch fabrics have evolved throughout the years and fabrics, such as neoprene, spandex and elastane or Lycra have been invented and used widely in the fashion, artistic and decorative worlds.

Stretch fabrics can be made mechanically; by using the knitting process outlined above, or they can be made by including a yarn that already has an inherent stretch, such as spandex and elastane.

The actual elasticity comes from the fibres, which make up the fabric. The degree of stretch can vary from as little as 5% all the way to 500% of its original length. It is generally thought of that only fabrics with 15% elongation and recovery, and above, are described as true stretch fabrics.

Purposes of stretch fabric

Stretch fabrics are highly versatile and can be used either on their own or mixed with other fibres to create materials, which are useful and functional. Stretch fabrics are used predominantly in the fashion and sportswear industries to provide comfort, fit and flexibility as well as a beautiful aesthetic quality.

Properties

The main property of stretch fabrics is their elasticity. Textiles such as stretch jersey fabric, stretch knit fabric and stretch lace fabric are extremely popular, thanks to their stretch and recovery rate.

When choosing your stretch fabric online, it is important to understand just how stretchy they are, as there are several degrees of elasticity in fabrics.

Comfort stretch fabrics stretch and recover within the range of around 15-30% and are commonly used for everyday items, such as t-shirts, sportswear, swimwear, trousers and more. They conform to the body contours without being overly tight.
Power stretch fabrics can stretch and recover in the range of 30% all the way to 200%. These are mostly used to manufacture items that compress and control the body, such as bras, sports bras, activewear, skiwear and surgical supports.

Advantages of stretch fabric

These materials have a great variety of advantages, which have driven the desire to constantly improve them. The main advantage, as to why stretchy fabrics and materials are just so popular, is that when the fabric is stretched, it can return to its original state. Even when stretched repeatedly.

This attribute is especially important in clothing such as swimwear, activewear, hosiery and other garments, which are made to be worn close to the body. This includes form-fitting and cosplay.

The other major advantage of stretch fabrics is that they can be easily blended with either other synthetic materials or natural fibres to create an overall fabric of brilliant quality and functionality.