A textile created by knitting, or the interlacing or meshing of loops, is known as knitted or knit fabric. This fabric comes with several advanced features, making it one of the most popular fabrics in the textile industry. However, knit fabrics are available in different types and each type of fabric has different features and applications.
Moreover, different type of knit fabric comes with different patterns as well as appearance. Based on these factors, you can identify each and every type of knit fabric easily. In this article, I’m going to discuss how to identify different types of knit fabric based on different criteria.
Table of Contents
How to Identify Different Types of Knit Fabric
You can find different types of knit fabric in the textile industry. Let’s take a look at how to identify different types of knit fabric.
1. Single Knit Fabric
Single jersey fabric has technical face (V shape) and technical back (loop/ U shape) is different. It has a curling tendency.
Single knit is a weft-knitted fabric that is manufactured with one row of needles. The sides of this type of knit fabric have a different appearance. The upper or top side has thin straight lines while the other part comes with a net-like appearance. The GSM count of Single knit ranges between 100-200 and it is very breathable.
2. All Over Print
All over print has a repeat after a certain distance. The smallest unit of a design is called repeat. In short All over printing is known as AOP. AOP could be done at single jersey, double jersey, interlock and so on.
Now AOP fabric has great popularity because of its great versatility. This fabric is relatively easy to identify. All-over print single knit fabric comes with print on the top side. This type of fabric has a superior appearance.
3. Burnout Fabric
Burnout Fabric is a type of blended fabric that is manufactured using polyester and Cotton Yarn. After completing the initial fabric manufacturing process, the fabric is then transferred to the AOP Factory where the cotton part is burned out by Sulfuric Acid to create an exclusive pattern. It is generally used to manufacture different women’s items.
4. French Terry knit
French terry consists of 3 set of yarn, knit, binder and loop. Sometime it has been brushed at backside.
French Terry knit fabric is incredibly absorbent, lightweight, as well as moisture-wicking. It is made of knit terry fabric, which has a smooth, velvety surface on the outside of the garment and soft heaps of yarn as well as loops on one side. It provides comfort, which makes it perfect for regular clothing.
5. Interlock Fabric
Interlock has technical face at the both side. It means same appearance in both side.
Interlock is a premium-quality and popular knit fabric. Like single jersey knit fabric, this fabric also features steep or long stretch marks. The appearance of both sides of this fabric is so identical and features smooth surfaces. Compared to the single jersey, this fabric comes with a relatively higher GSM.
6. Jersey Knit
Jersey knit is the most popular type of Knit fabric. This fabric is created by stitching together knit and purl stitches using a single needle. As a result, this fabric is often known as single or plain knit. Due to its distinct right and wrong sides, this knit fabric is the easiest to identify among others.
7. Knit Denim
Knit denim fabric has a distinct texture that resembles typical denim but feels softer and more flexible. It is frequently recognized for its stretchiness and comfort. It can be distinguished from woven denim by stretching it and not wrinkling. For elasticity and durability, look for a composition that includes a mix of spandex and cotton.
8. Lacoste Knit Fabric
Pique and Lacoste fabric is unique kind of knit fabric.
- Pique fabric has back part flat other side has diamond appearance.
- Lacoste fabric has front part flat and other side has diamond appearance.
Lacoste Fabric is distinguished by its distinct structure. Typically, the warp knitting process—a unique kind of textile weaving—is used to manufacture Lacoste. The final fabric features a diamond-like vit on the top side and a plain or flat on the opposite side.
9. Lycra Single Jersey
Lycra Single Jersey is manufactured using lycra or elastic fiber. If you pull this fabric from the side, the fabric width will increase. However, the fabric will compact if you stress it. Moreover, if you pull the fabric, you will see glazing rubber-like elastic inside the fabric.
10. Mesh Knit Fabric
Mesh fabric has tiny hole in the whole fabric. The structure of mesh knit fabric is open and breathable, consisting of interwoven strands that create a pattern like a net. It has outstanding breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities. If you look closely, you’ll see that the fabric’s surface is uniformly punctured with tiny holes that let air pass through.
11. Polar Fleece
Polar fleece is made with joining two different fabric. It could be joined by sewing or heat pressing or alternative method.
Polar Fleece is another type of knit fabric that features soft and smooth surfaces on both sides of the fabric. This fabric is given loops on both sides while knitting and then both side is brushed using a brushing machine. Polar Fleece comes with a higher GSM compared to other fabrics.
12. Rib knit
Rib is a double jersey fabric, produced from double jersey machine.
Rib knit is a particular type of knit fabric that has pronounced, clearly visible, front as well as back perpendicular ribs. Rib knits are, in other words, double-faced, reversible textile fabric. This fabric also has different variations and each type of rib knit comes with different functionality.
13. Slub Fabric
Slub is a particular kind of fabric with surface lumps and uneven areas that give it a distinctive look. Slub textiles feel soft and let air pass through, which makes them pleasant. Its uneven surfaces feel different as well as are enjoyable to touch. Moreover, this fabric has higher shrinkage and Spirality.
14. Terry Jersey
Terry Jersey is a multipurpose knit fabric that has a smooth exterior and soft loops on the inside. This fabric effectively eliminates, thanks to the smooth face and soft, textured rear loops. The warm, cozy texture of this fabric is recognizable from athleisure to your coziest sweaters.
15. Tricot Knit
Tricot is a particular type of knit fabric with a distinctive texture. This fabric has crosswise ribs on the reverse side and fine lengthwise ribs on the top. These fabrics are frequently used as backing materials for softer, less substantial fabrics, as well as linings because the knitting process makes them durable.
16. Yarn Dyed
Last but not least, Yarn Dyed is the last knit fabric on this list. This type of fabric features identical Stripes with the same color on both surfaces. This type of fabric is in fact a transformational appearance of single jersey, rib, and interlock fabric.
The FAQs
How do you identify knit fabric?
You can identify the knit fabrics based on their appearance as well as the knitting process. Different types of knit fabrics come with different knitting patterns as well as offer different looks.
How many types of knit fabric are there?
Knit fabrics are available in different types ranging from single knit to double knit fabric. However, all the knit fabrics are categorized into two main categories: warp knit and weft knit fabric.
Which is the most common type of knit?
Jersey knit is the most popular type of knit fabric in the textile industry. Jersey knit is knitted using the stockinette stitch, which is made up of rows that alternate between knit and purl stitches. This type of knit fabric is highly durable as well as comfortable.
