The Difference Between Knit and Woven Fabrics

When developing apparel designs and your own fashion line, choosing a material is an important part of the process that will determine how your designs come to life. When fabric sourcing, you will encounter both knit and woven fabrics. While they may seem similar at first, they’re quite different in terms of structure, feel, and functionality. We’ll explore what sets these two types of fabrics apart, helping you to understand the key differences between jersey vs woven fabrics and how the characteristics of each fabric type can bring out the best in your designs.

What is Knit Fabric?

Knit fabrics are made from cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers. Knits are constructed by looping strands of yarn together to creating a soft, stretchy, and often breathable material that has natural elasticity.

There are two main categories of knit fabrics.

• Fully fashion knits, which refer to garments that are completely constructed together and finished with the knitting process. Fully fashioned knit garments often include knitted sweaters, cardigans, dresses and tops with a variety of knit patterns, textures, and gauges available.
• Cut and sew knits referring to yardages of knitted fabrics that are cut into pieces in order to construct a complete garment and require stitch seams and hem finishes.

Jerseys, cotton French terry, and ponte all fall under cut and sew knits. Jerseys are ideal for t-shirts, loungewear, and sportswear. The tension of the knit construction of a jersey will determine the level of stretch and drape. Some jerseys incorporate elastane fibers to optimize stretch and assist with shape retention ideal for more fitted silhouettes.

The top features of knit fabrics:

Stretchy and flexible due to its construction.

Soft and breathable, often made from yarns in natural fibers.

Ideal for casual and activewear due to its comfort and natural elasticity.

What is Woven Fabric?

Woven fabrics, on the other hand, are created by interlacing two sets of yarn at right angles. Common types include cotton, linen, and denim. This structure provides less stretch compared to jersey, making woven fabrics more stable and structured. They’re commonly used in garments like pants, jackets, and shirts that require sharper lines or a more tailored construction. Woven fabrics can also be fashioned on a 45 degree angle known as a bias cut to create softer drape. Styles crafted in woven fabrics sometimes require darts and shaped panel seams to create shaping against the body.

Top features of woven fabric:

Stable and durable due to the interlocking weave.

Minimal stretch, making it ideal for structured garments.

Ideal for formal wear and sturdy clothing due to its shape retention.

So in summary the key things to consider when identifying the key differences between knit and woven fabrics are as follows:

Structure:

Knit: Construction with loops that create elasticity.

Woven: Interlaced yarns create a stable and firm structure.

Stretch and malleability:

Knit: Naturally stretchy, allowing freedom of movement.

Woven: Little to no stretch, but it can hold a tailored shape well.

Breathability:

Knit: More breathable, especially when made from cotton.

Woven: Generally less breathable but still comfortable in natural fibers.

Uses:

Knit: Best for styles that require movement and stretch (t-shirts, sweaters, loungewear).

Woven: Ideal for styles that need some structure (button-up shirts, trousers, jackets).

Care:

Knit: Easier to wash but can shrink but may require gentle handling and can stretch out if stored hung.

Woven: Holds shape better but may wrinkle easily, depending on fiber content.

Knit Or Woven Fabric? Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Project

Understanding the differences between knit and woven fabrics will help you in selecting the right fabric for your needs. Knit fabrics are best for comfortable, casual, and flexible garments, the level of stretch and weight will determine suitability for relaxed or more fitted styles, while woven fabrics are ideal for tailored, structured pieces that maintain their shape.

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