Collection: Knitted Fabrics

Knit and woven are not the same cloth

A woven cloth is two sets of threads crossing at right angles; a knit is one yarn looped through itself. That single difference explains the rest: a knit stretches without any elastane in it, a raw edge does not fray, and it needs a ballpoint needle so the point slips between the loops instead of cutting them.

Where the stretch comes from

Most of this selection has elastane in it, often together with polyamide, and that is what brings the shape back after wear instead of letting it bag at the knee and the elbow. How far a given knit stretches, and in which direction, is on its product page — that decides how the pattern is laid out.

Beyond jersey

Alongside plain jersey this selection holds coated and water-repellent knits used for rainwear, eco leather on a knitted backing, velour, French terry, rib and faux fur. Weights go from under 100 g/m² past 500, so the same list covers a summer T-shirt and a knitted coat.

FAQ

What is knitted fabric?

Fabric made by looping a yarn through itself rather than weaving two sets of threads. The loops move against each other, so the cloth stretches and recovers even when the fibre itself does not.

What is the difference between jersey and knitted fabric?

Knit is the whole family. Jersey is one member of it: a single-faced knit, smooth on the front, with small loops on the back. Rib, interlock, French terry and velour are others.

Do knits need a special needle?

A ballpoint or stretch needle, yes. Its rounded tip pushes the loops aside instead of piercing them, which prevents the dropped stitches that show up as a ladder after a few wearings.

Does a knit garment need lining?

Only where it is sheer, or where a close fit would show. A lining in a knit has to stretch as well, otherwise it holds back the very thing the knit was chosen for.