Why Every Designer Starts With a Reliable List of Knit Fabrics

Walk into any sewing forum and you’ll notice the same question popping up: “What knit should I use for this project?” The answer always circles back to a well-curated list of knit fabrics. Without it, even seasoned pattern-makers risk ordering the wrong yardage, wasting money and missing seasonal deadlines. Let’s be honest—nobody got time for that.

From Jersey to Spacer: The Ultimate List of Knit Fabrics You Can Actually Source

Below is a concise, yet comprehensive, reference you can screenshot and keep on your phone the next time you scroll through an online swatch sale. We’ve grouped each entry by fibre content, stretch ratio, and best-use case so you can compare apples to apples (or cotton to bamboo, if you will).

1. Single Jersey

• Fibre: 100% cotton or cotton-poly blends
• Stretch: 30–40% crosswise, minimal lengthwise
• Feel: Soft, lightweight, prone to curling at edges
• Best for: T-shirts, draped skirts, baby onesies

2. Interlock

• Fibre: Combed cotton, sometimes merino or Pima
• Stretch: 25% both ways; double-knit so edges stay flat
• Feel: Smooth, slightly beefy, almost reversible
• Best for: Casual dresses, leggings lining, hypo-allergenic babywear

3. Rib Knit (1×1, 2×1, 4×4)

• Fibre: Cotton-spandex, rayon-spandex, wool-nylon
• Stretch: 70–110% depending on spandex ratio
• Feel: “Bouncy”, good recovery
• Best for: Cuffs, waistbands, body-con dresses

4. Ponte di Roma

• Fibre: Rayon-nylon-spandex tri-blend
• Stretch: 30% widthwise, 15% lengthwise
• Feel: Structured, ponte has a sueded face
• Best for: Blazers, pencil skirts, tailored pants

5. French Terry

• Fibre: Cotton, bamboo cotton, or organic cotton with 5% spandex
• Stretch: 25% horizontal, 10% vertical
• Feel: Loop-backed, moisture-wicking when bamboo-based
• Best for: Loungewear, athleisure hoodies, joggers

6. Sweatshirt Fleece

• Fibre: Cotton-poly brushed interior
• Stretch: 20% cross-grain only
• Feel: Warm, fuzzy, prone to pilling if low-grade
• Best for: Hoodies, relaxed jumpers

7. Scuba (a.k.a. Neoprene-look knit)

• Fibre: Polyester-spandex, 5 mm thick
• Stretch: 15% all directions
• Feel: Cushy, springy, holds shapes like a dream
• Best for: Skater dresses, sculpted tops

8. Double-Knit Jacquard

• Fibre: Wool or wool-poly
• Stretch: 10% widthwise
• Feel: Pattern visible on both faces, couture vibe
• Best for: Coats, structured skirts

9. Spacer Knit

• Fibre: Recycled polyester
• Stretch: 20% multi-way
• Feel: Air pockets between layers, breathable yet insulating
• Best for: Sports bras, eco-conscious sneakers uppers

10. Mesh Knit

• Fibre: Nylon-spandex or poly-spandex
• Stretch: 60–80%
• Feel: Sheer, ventilated
• Best for: Athleisure panels, breathable sleeves

How to Choose From the List Without Overthinking Swatches

Alright, here comes the practical bit. First, identify the garment’s required stretch. Anything above 50% usually signals you need a spandex-rich rib or a performance jersey. Second, consider opacity; if you’re avoiding lining, interlock or Ponte are lifesavers. Third, weigh laundering habits—cotton terry loves a hot dryer, while bamboo French Terry prefers a gentle cool tumble. Finally, check your budget per metre; spacer knit retails high but saves on interlining costs, so the final garment price may balance out.

Where Sustainable Options Hide Inside the List of Knit Fabrics

Consumers now Google “sustainable knit fabric” almost as often as “best sewing machine 2024.” Capitalise on that by prioritising certified organic cotton jersey, TENCEL™ lyocell interlock, or recycled polyester spacer. These choices not only shrink carbon footprints but also rank higher in eco-focused keyword searches—handy if you’re selling PDF patterns or finished garments online.

Quick Troubleshooting: Curling, Pilling, and Recovery

Even the most reliable list of knit fabrics won’t save you if you ignore finishing techniques. Single jersey curls? Use a walking foot and stabilise shoulder seams with clear tape. French terry pills? Turn it inside out before washing, and skip fabric softener—it break down cotton fibres overtime (yep, grammar police, that was your intentional slip). Ponte stretched out? Steam it back; the rayon content “remembers” shape when heat is applied.

Transitioning From Swatch to Saleable Product

Once you’ve matched a fabric to your design, cut a 20 × 20 cm test square, launder it the way your customer will, and measure again. Record percentage shrinkage and stretch loss; these numbers become selling points in your product descriptions. Shoppers love transparency almost as much as they love a comfy tee.

Final Thoughts: Keep the List Handy, Keep Evolving

Think of this article as your living document. New fibres—soy protein, seaweed, hemp blends—emerge every season, so revisit your list of knit fabrics quarterly. Bookmark mills that offer digital swatch cards, and join Facebook groups where wholesalers announce dead-stock deals. The more you refine your roster, the faster you’ll answer that eternal maker question: “What knit should I use?” And when you answer quickly, you ship quickly—and Google notices the traffic spike.