To stretch jerseys, you’ll need a few steps and a few different types of fabrics. You can get a jersey with elastane, spandex, or lycra, or you can use a combination of these three materials. The fabric that you choose will determine how easy the garment is to stretch.
Fabrics for stretch jerseys
Stretch jerseys can be made from a variety of fabrics. Many have a four-way stretch, which means that they can stretch both crosswise and lengthwise. However, some knit fabrics only have a two-way stretch. Before sewing a stretch jersey, be sure to consult the pattern’s fabric recommendations. In addition, it is important to pre-wash the fabric to avoid shrinkage.
The best stretch cotton jersey knit fabric has a soft hand and a fluid drape. It is ideal for making t-shirts and tanks, as well as loungewear. A lightweight jersey knit is also suitable for gathered skirts and full dresses with lining. However, it may have a tendency to curl around the edges, so it is best to use a heavier fabric for these items.
Another type of stretch fabric is called spandex. This material is a synthetic, semi-synthetic fiber. It feels similar to silk, but is slightly softer. It is also used for sportswear. It is very expensive to produce, so it is generally reserved for formal wear.
Another popular type of fabric that has a stretch property is denim. It is available in both stretch and sturdy versions. The stretch in denim is due to the construction of the threads in the material. All cloth begins its life on giant factory looms where shuttles push the threads over and under, causing the fabric to stretch.
Mood Fabrics carries a range of quality jersey and knit fabrics. In addition to jersey fabric, they also have stretch fabrics and scuba fabrics. They update their collection on a daily basis.
Fabrics with elastane
If you’re looking for stretchy fabrics that are comfortable yet durable, look for stretch jerseys that contain elastane. Stretchy fabrics can be extremely useful for sports and everyday use. They can also be quite lightweight and easy to work with. You can also choose a blend of elastane and cotton, which is very soft and durable.
Elastic fabrics can be made from a variety of different processes, including melt extrusion, reaction spinning, and solution dry spinning. These processes produce about 95 percent of the world’s spandex. If you’re interested in getting a stretch jersey with elastane, consider sourcing it from a company that’s environmentally friendly.
Elastane is not biodegradable, but it’s widely used in consumer apparel. Many sports jerseys contain it, and it also enhances the look of clothing. Many consumers are concerned about how they look and feel, so producers are seeking alternatives that don’t have negative environmental impacts.
Single-knit cotton and viscose jersey fabrics are susceptible to stretch and shrink, but you can find blends with a small percentage of elastane to help the fabric return to its original shape. The fiber type can also affect how soft a jersey fabric is. Natural fibers like cotton tend to be softer than synthetic fibers, such as polyester.
Although the majority of elastane fabric is made overseas, it still has a high price compared to comparable synthetic fabrics. This is largely because of the perceived prestige of professional cycling gear. Ballet performers may also pay a premium for their elastane gear.
Fabrics with spandex
Fabrics with spandex are used in a variety of sports apparel, including stretch jerseys, tights, and swimsuits. These fabrics are designed to fit close to the body, so athletes can easily maneuver and maintain their positions.
Some manufacturers also use these materials in industrial applications, such as motion capture suits used in film. These suits make it possible to create realistic 3D characters.
This fabric is often blended with other fibers to improve its stretchiness. The average spandex fabric contains between one and four percent elastane. A blend of spandex with other fibers can give fabric up to 20% more stretch. The added stretch can make these fabrics much softer and sexier than standard jersey knits.
Spandex is a versatile synthetic fiber that has revolutionized many types of clothing. It rarely features on its own, but is often mixed with another material to create fabric blends that combine the stretch of elastic fibers with the softness of another material. It’s used in tights, leggings, and bathing suits. You’ll find it in anything labeled as “stretch” or “stretch.”
Fabrics with spandex are not particularly friendly for the environment. Production of these fabrics is energy-intensive and uses non-renewable resources. The manufacturing process also creates isocyanates, which are toxic chemicals. It’s important to use sustainable methods of producing these fabrics.
Fabrics with spandex are made from elastane fibers. These fibers are highly elastic, which allows them to stretch and return to their original shape. This feature allows these fabrics to fit and drape well. These fabrics also allow the skin to breathe.
Fabrics with lycra
Lycra fabric is a popular choice for sportswear, cycling gear, and stretchy underwear. This elasticity makes it possible to create close-fitting clothing without sacrificing comfort. It is used in small quantities in most consumer products and the price reflects this. The more Lycra a garment contains, the more expensive it is likely to be.
Lycra is made by spinning fibers into strands. This process involves high-pressure air to twist and form the fibers into a yarn. The finished yarn can be cut into various shapes and sizes.
During the manufacturing process, the finished yarn is exposed to a finishing agent that helps it retain its shape. It is then transferred to a large spool and shipped to a textile manufacturing facility.
Lycra was invented in 1958 by Joseph Shivers. It is a polyurethane-based synthetic fiber that has exceptional elasticity.
When used in clothing, it can stretch five to eight times its normal size. It is commonly blended with cotton to make sportswear and tights. The fabric dries more quickly than other materials and is popular among activewear wearers.
A fabric made of Lycra has several benefits over cotton and is also more comfortable. It can make a garment more comfortable to wear and has better recovery than polyester knit sweaters. Furthermore, it can help with moisture retention. For this reason, Lycra knit sweaters may also fit more snugly.
Fabrics with pima cotton
Stretch jerseys with pima cotton are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a comfortable, lightweight shirt without a heavy feeling. Pima cotton is a premium cotton and is considered softer than conventional cotton. It has a smooth, soft hand feel and is able to stretch four ways.
