Understanding Stretch Fabrics - Types of Knit Fabrics

Summary

In this video, Melissa from Blank Slate Patterns explains different types of knit fabrics, including jersey, rib knit, interlock, and specialty knits like nylon tricot and French terry. She breaks down how these fabrics are created using knitting techniques, comparing hand and machine knitting. Key features like the behavior, stretch, recovery, and texture of each fabric are explored. Melissa also offers tips on handling tricky fabrics like jersey, demonstrating how to identify fabric sides and manage curling edges. This guide helps viewers understand how fabric construction impacts sewing projects.

Takeaways

• 🧶 Knit fabrics are created by a continuous piece of yarn forming loops, with different techniques producing different fabric behaviors.
• 🧵 A knit stitch pulls the yarn from the back through the loop, while a purl stitch carries the yarn in front, creating a distinct appearance on each side of the fabric.
• 📜 Jersey fabric has knit stitches on the front and purl stitches on the back, with the edges curling towards the wrong side of the fabric.
• ✂️ To manage curling edges when cutting knit fabrics, spray starch and ironing can help stabilize the fabric.
• 🤏 Rib knit is created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a row, making it stretchy and ideal for neckbands or collars due to its good recovery.
• 🔄 Interlock knit resembles rib knit but looks the same on both sides and doesn’t curl, making it easier for beginners to sew with.
• 🎯 Nylon tricot knit is sheer, stretchy, and made with a combination of creating holes and knitting stitches together, similar to lace.
• 👕 Sweatshirt fleece is a tight knit with brushed purl stitches on the back, giving it a soft, fuzzy texture, and minimal stretch.
• 🧵 French terry has smooth knit stitches on the front and loose loops on the back, offering a textured and versatile fabric.
• 🌸 Specialty knits like sweater knits and lace patterns are created by manipulating stitch patterns to form decorative holes and designs.

Q & A

What is the purpose of learning about hand knitting when working with knit fabrics?

Understanding hand knitting helps to grasp how knit fabrics are created and how different knitting methods impact the behavior of the fabric, such as stretch, recovery, and texture.

How are knit stitches formed in hand knitting?

Knit stitches are formed by pulling the yarn through loops, with the yarn carried at the back of the fabric and pulled up through each loop, creating columns of loops that are visible on the fabric's surface.

What is the difference between a knit stitch and a purl stitch?

In a knit stitch, the yarn is carried behind the fabric, creating columns of loops on the front. A purl stitch, however, shows the yarn carries on the front of the fabric, giving the back a different appearance.

What are some distinguishing features of jersey knit fabric?

Jersey knit fabric has knit stitches on the front and purl stitches on the back, creating a smooth front and a textured back. It tends to curl along the selvage edges and is lightweight with some stretch.

Why does rib knit fabric have good stretch and recovery properties?

Rib knit fabric is created by alternating knit and purl stitches, which causes the fabric to bunch up and creates stretch. This stitch pattern gives rib knit excellent recovery, meaning it can snap back into shape after being stretched.

How can you reduce fabric curling when cutting knits?

To reduce curling, you can uncurl the knit fabric, apply spray starch, and then iron the edges. This helps the fabric lay flatter, making it easier to cut.

What is interlock knit fabric, and why is it good for beginners?

Interlock knit is made similarly to rib knit but is more stable and doesn’t curl. It looks the same on both sides and is often thicker, making it easier for beginners to handle while sewing.

What is nylon tricot knit, and how is its texture achieved?

Nylon tricot knit is a sheer fabric that stretches both horizontally and vertically. Its texture and holes are created using a combination of yarn overs and knitting stitches together to maintain the correct number of stitches.

How is sweatshirt fleece fabric made, and what gives it its fuzzy texture?

Sweatshirt fleece is similar to jersey knit, with knit stitches on the front and purl stitches on the back. The back side is brushed after knitting, creating the fuzzy, soft texture characteristic of fleece.

What makes French terry fabric unique compared to jersey knit?

French terry has knit stitches on the front, like jersey knit, but the back side has larger, textured loops. These loops are created by knitting the purl side yarn more loosely, making French terry recognizable by its looped texture.