Why the “Single vs Double Knit Fabric” Question Keeps Popping Up

Walk into any fabric store—online or brick-and-mortar—and the first thing the clerk will ask is “What weight and knit do you need?” If you blink twice, you’ve already lost five minutes trying to decode labels like 180 gsm single jersey vs 300 gsm interlock. In short, the single vs double knit fabric debate decides whether your finished garment feels like a feather-weight tee or a structured polo, and whether your budget stays trim or balloons. Let’s dig in and settle the confusion once and for all.

Quick Definitions: What Counts as Single Knit and Double Knit?

Single knit fabric (often called “single jersey”) is knitted on one set of needles; the result is a smooth “right” side and a slightly ridged “wrong” side. It curls toward the face when you stretch it. Double knit fabric, by contrast, is essentially two fabrics intermeshed at the same time—think of it as two single jerseys shaking hands in the middle. Both sides look identical, and the cloth lies flat without curling. Simple, right? Yet the devil hides in the details that follow.

Construction Differences That Change Everything

Needle Sets & Stitch Density

Single knit uses one needle bed; double knit needs two. More needles mean higher stitch density, which explains why double knits rarely sag at the seams.

Yarn Consumption

Because double knitting is, well, double, it consumes roughly 30–40 % more yarn. That extra yarn is the hidden cost driver many first-time buyers overlook.

Weight, Stretch & Hand Feel: Put Them on the Scale

A 160 gsm single jersey T-shirt feels almost weightless; a 280 gsm double knit polo feels premium and sturdy. If you need a fabric that drapes like silk for a summer dress, single knit wins. If you want a bomber jacket that stands up on its own, double knit is your pal. The hand feel is also warmer on double knits because those trapped air pockets between the two layers act like built-in insulation. In the single vs double knit fabric matchup, weight and stretch are the first tie-breakers.

Printability: Will Your Design Pop or Flop?

Single jersey’s flat face equals razor-sharp DTG prints. Double knit’s thicker body can absorb more ink, but the texture can muddle ultra-fine details. Sublimation folks love single knit polyester; the color blooms like crazy. On cotton-rich double knits, screen printers need a higher squeegee pressure—an extra step, but the payoff is a luxurious matte finish. So, if your brand lives or dies by Instagram-worthy graphics, single knit might edge ahead.

Shrinkage & Laundry: What Happens After Wash #10?

Here’s where the story twists. Single knit cotton can shrink 5–7 % if it isn’t pre-shrunk. Double knit, thanks to its interlocked structure, normally caps shrinkage at 3 %. But—and this is a big but—double knit takes longer to dry, which can translate to higher energy bills down the road. If you’re sewing kids’ wear that will be tumble-dried every other day, the single vs double knit fabric conversation shifts toward longevity vs convenience.

Cost Breakdown: Where Will Your Budget Go?

• Single knit: Lower yarn usage, faster knitting speed, cheaper per meter.
• Double knit: Extra yarn, slower machine speed, higher price tag.

But price per meter is only half the equation. Double knit’s opacity means you can skip linings—great for tailored skirts—saving labor costs. If you’re mass-producing promotional tees where every cent counts, single jersey is still king.

End-Use Cheat Sheet: From Athleisure to High Fashion

Application	Recommended Winner
Lightweight summer tee	Single knit
Scuba-fit midi dress	Double knit
Baby romper (easy diaper change)	Single knit
Ice-skating leggings	Double knit

Notice the pattern? Body-hugging drapes love single; sculpted silhouettes love double.

Sustainability Angle: Does Thicker Mean Greener?

Double knit’s durability can extend garment life, lowering the total number of pieces a consumer needs. On the flip side, single knit’s lower fibre count can blend easily with recycled yarns, reducing virgin resource draw. The eco winner in the single vs double knit fabric showdown depends on whether you prioritize longevity or material sourcing. If you opt for organic cotton in either camp, you’re already ahead of the curve.

Insider Tips for Sourcing Online

When ordering swatches, ask for the “relaxedd” knit specs (yes, that single typo is intentional—buyers search for it). Suppliers sometimes list stretch percentage under “mechanical specs,” so dig through the tech pack. Also request a 20 x 20 cm sample; anything smaller hides curl tendency in single knits. Pro tip: place the swatch under a 500 W lamp for five minutes; synthetic double knits resist heat better than cotton singles.

Transition Time: From Theory to Checkout Cart

Alright, you’ve seen the data, felt the swatches, and maybe even burnt a few to test fibre content. It’s decision o’clock. Ask yourself three quick questions: Do I need feather-weight or sculpt? Am I printing all-over graphics or crafting structure? Is my customer okay with a higher price for longer life? Answer those, and the single vs double knit fabric dilemma melts away faster than ice cream on August asphalt.

Bottom Line: Which Should You Pick?

If budget, breathability and vibrant prints top your list, single knit is your hero. If opacity, shape retention and premium heft define your brand DNA, double knit deserves the crown. There’s no universal winner—only the right contender for your creative brief.