What is a jersey fabric?
Jersey fabric is a comfy, stretchy, and flexible material made popular by its features. It is a knit fabric traditionally offered in wool and now in cotton, synthetic fibers, or a blend of different materials. Jersey fabric is unique for its stretchiness and the single, smooth surface on one side and the looped underside on the other.
How is Jersey Fabric Made?
Jersey fabric comes from machine-interlocking loops of yarn. Depending on the required thickness and texture of the fabric, the process is done using one or several needles. It may be made of natural fibers like cotton and wool, artificial polyester, and nylon fibers, or it may be used in a blending strategy to achieve varied properties like stretchability or moisture-wicking capacity.
Is Jersey Knit Easy to Clean?
Yes, it is generally easy to wash jersey knit. Most jersey fabrics, including cotton and synthetic blends, are washing-machine-safe and can be dried using a low heat. However, it’s always best to look up the care label for the exact washing or care guidance to make it last longer.
Does Jersey Knit Wrinkle?
Jersey knit does not wrinkle. Depending on the weight of the jersey materials, it can show some wrinkles only when not stored properly. Light steaming or quick ironing at a low temperature can eliminate any creases in this fabric.
How is Jersey Fabric Used?
A diverse list of apparel items are made in jersey fabric, mainly for its comfort and flexibility. T-shirts, leggings, dresses, lightweight sweaters, and undergarments are examples of this fabric being highly demanded due to its extreme flexibility. Casual and sportswear are the two fabrics in the clothing industry, primarily dominated by jersey fabrics.
What Different Types of Jersey Fabric Are There?
There are several types of jersey fabric, including:
Cotton Jersey
Soft, breathable, and perfect for everyday wear.
Synthetic Jersey
They are made from synthetic fibers, offering durability and moisture-wicking properties.
Wool Jersey
It offers warmth and is often used in more structured garments.
Interlock Jersey
A variation with a double knit, making it thicker and more stable than a single-knit jersey.
How to Sew with Jersey?
A good idea for sewing the jersey is to use a ballpoint needle to avoid breaking the yarns. You could either go with a stretch stitch or a narrow zigzag stitch, as they provide enough stretching. At this point, make sure you do not pull/stretch the fabric while stitching to have seamless edges. Another option is to use a serger to join seams.
How to Care for Jersey Fabric?
Care for jersey fabric by washing it in cold or warm water. If it is made of cotton, it won’t shrink. As an alternative, air dry. High heat when ironing could damage your fabric, so a pressing cloth should be used to protect it. Moreover, it is recommended that you wash like-colored fabrics together at low temperatures.