13/02/2025
Identification of Different Types of Knit Fabric
Take a look at a few common types of knit fabrics to understand their appearance, texture, stretch & recovery and other characteristics. Knitted fabrics are produced by two general methods - warp knitting & weft knitting, and each method produces a variety of types of knit fabrics.
1. Plain S/J Fabric: S/J fabric has fine lines/wale lines (legs of knitted loop) on the top, while the other side has rough netlike mesh (heads of knitted loop). Generally, these fabrics are in the GSM range of 140-220.
2. Lycra S/J Fabric: Similar to regular S/J but with added stretch and better recovery due to Lycra, it has high elasticity in both directions. It has a high curling tendency at the edges. Generally, these fabrics are in the GSM range of 180-240.
3. Rib: There are vertical long stripes (ribs) on both sides, both sides look similar and have excellent elasticity, both ways. There are different types of rib fabric such as 1x1 Rib, 2x1 Rib, 2x2 Rib etc.
4. Lycra Rib: Similar to normal rib with added Lycra for improved elasticity and recovery, it has higher stretch and better shape retention properties. Lycra rib can be several types, for example, 1x1 L/Rib, 2x2 L/Rib, 2x1 L/Rib etc. It has high curling tendency at the edges. Generally, these fabrics are in the GSM range of 240-440.
5. Terry Fabric: Top side plain & smooth looks like top of the s/j fabric and back side has loops looks like towel. Terry is a type of single jersey fabric. Generally, these fabrics are in the GSM range of 240-340.
6. Lycra Terry: Similar to normal terry, if pull the fabric in multiple directions; it should stretch significantly and return to shape quickly. Top side is plain & smooth and back side has soft small loops. It has high curling tendency at the edges. Generally, these fabrics are in the GSM range of 220-280.
7. Fleece (One Sided Brush): Top side is like plain s/j fabric and in side is brushed, fluffy surface. It has limited stretchability. Generally, these fabrics are in the GSM range of 260-340.
8. Interlock Fabric: Identical on both sides, smooth and dense, little stretch in both directions, thicker, more stable compared to jersey. It has no curling at the edges. Generally, these fabrics are in the GSM range of 200-340.
9. Pique/Lacoste Fabric: The top side has textured pattern (Diamond/Honey comb/Birdâs Eye) and the inside is plain. If the diamond-like shape is small, it is called single lacoste and if the shape is large, it is called double lacoste fabric. Generally, these fabrics are in the GSM range of 180-300.
10. Pointal Rib: Pointelle Knit Fabric is a delicate and decorative type of knit fabric featuring small, openwork patterns such as holes, eyelets, or lace-like designs. It has moderate to high stretchability.
11. Waffle Fabric: Raised square or diamond-shaped textured pattern resembling a waffle grid, it provides a unique, stylish look with added breathability. It has moderate stretch depending on the knit structure and fiber composition, blended versions (e.g., with spandex) improve elasticity. Generally, these fabrics are in the GSM range of 220-400.
12. Ottoman Rib: Ottoman Rib Fabric is a type of knit fabric characterized by its distinct horizontal ribbed texture, created using a specialized knitting technique that forms raised, closely spaced ribs across the surface. Generally, these fabrics are in the GSM range of 200-350.
13. Polar Fleece: The fabric that is brushed on both sides is called polar fleece fabric. While knitting this fabric, there are loops on both sides and it is brushed on both sides in the brushing machine. These fabrics are of much higher GSM of 300-500.
14. Seersucker L/S/J Fabric: The fabric features a distinctive wrinkled or crinkled surface, usually in stripes or patterns, achieved through differential tension in the knitting process. Due to the presence of Lycra (spandex), the fabric has excellent elasticity, providing comfort and freedom of movement. Generally, these fabrics are in the GSM range of 180-250.
15. Slub Fabric: Slub fabric is characterized by its irregular thick and thin places along the fabric width, created by using slub yarns which have intentional variations in thickness. Slub fabrics can be made from various fibers such as cotton, polyester, linen, rayon or blends. Shrinkage & spirality of these fabrics are very high.
16. Yarn Dyed Fabric: The fabric which as the same color stripes on both top & back sides is called yarn dyed fabric, it could be s/j, interlock, rib, terry/fleece, made by using different color yarns with Engineering stripe or Feeder stripe technology.
17. Grey Melange Fabric: If fabric is made with white and grey color then it is called Grey Melange fabric. It is basically a blended fabric of cotton and viscose. There are fabrics with different structure like s/j, terry/fleece or rib with 1%, 2%, 5%. 10%, 30% Grey Melange effect.
18. Mesh Fabric: Mesh fabric is a lightweight, open structured fabric characterized by a net-like appearance with evenly spaced holes or pores. It is commonly made from synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon or spandex blends, offering breathability and durability, moisture management and air circulation widely used in sportswear, industrial applications and decorative purposes. Mesh like fabric is made with tricot or raschel knits.
19. Tricot Knit Fabric: These are made almost exclusively from filament yarns because uniform diameter and high quality are essential yarn characteristics for use with the very high-speed tricot knitting machines. The top surface of the fabric has clearly defined vertical wales and back surface has crosswise courses.
20. Raschel Knit Fabric: Raschel knits are produced from spun or filament yarns of different weights and types. Most raschel knits can be identified by their intricate designs, the open-space look of crochet or lace, and an almost 3-D surface effect design.
21. Jacquard Knit: These are single jersey fabrics made from circular knitting machines using Jacquard mechanism. They are produced with interesting patterns, which may have any of the following: combinations of stitches, combination of yarn types in terms of color textures.
22. Cable Knit Fabric: Cable knit fabric is a double knit fabric made by the special loop transfer technique. The wales in the fabric have a rope-like an appearance, where plait are based on the transfer of loops with adjacent wales. The fabric has an interesting surface texture like braids as the loops cross each other.
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