Exploring Different Types of Knitwear Fabrics and Their Benefits

Knit Fabrics and Their Versatility

Knit fabrics have become a cornerstone for many fashion brands and the textile industry. More than elegance and style, knitwear fabrics are known for their comfort, warmth, and durability. Its unmatched versatility makes it a favorite choice for both designers and consumers alike.

At Inde Artisans, we exclusively manufacture high-quality knitwear fabrics to offer comfort blended with style. However, many are still unaware of the regular benefits that knitwear fabrics offer. So, in this blog, we give you a precise guide on different types of knitwear fabrics and their advantages. Let’s dive right into it.

What Is Knit Fabric?

Before we head to the different types of knit fabrics, let us understand what makes them unique.

Essentially, knit fabric is a type of fabric crafted by interlocking loops of yarn. Unlike woven fabrics, which are made of interlaced threads, knit fabrics consist of connected loops. These loops are produced through needles, where the vertical rows of loops are called ribs and the horizontal rows are called courses.

Knitwear, or knit fabrics, are lighter and more comfortable than woven fabrics. They are also much more affordable and easier to manufacture. Moreover, the durability and elasticity of knit fabrics have made them a popular choice in recent times.

Different Types of Knitwear Fabrics

Rib Knit

One of the most loved and popular knitwear fabric types is rib knit. With pronounced vertical ridges or columns of wales on both sides, this fabric offers excellent comfort with unmatched elasticity. It is especially used to make garments, like dresses, cuffs, collars, or tops for women, that need to retain their shape and not sag. Moreover, rib knits offer an interesting visual appeal.

Jersey Knit

Another most common type of knitwear fabric is jersey knit. This fabric is crafted from a single knit structure and has visible flat vertical lines on both sides. It is usually made from cotton or polyester. At Inde Artisans, we craft jersey knits with organic cotton and recycled polyester. Jersey knit fabric is the everyday hero of the knitwear world. Its soft touch with natural stretch makes it an ideal choice for t-shirts, dresses, and leggings.

Purl Knit

Visually rich with perfect elasticity, the purl knit fabric looks the same on both sides. Commonly used for making bulky garments like sweaters and cardigans, purl knits give out excellent texture. It is a type of fabric that alternates between knit and purl stitches, hence the bubbly texture. Other than sweaters, purl knit is popularly used for creating decorative patterns in knitted garments.

Interlock Knit

If you have seen a rib knit, you are already familiar with interlock knit. This knit fabric is a more refined version of the rib knit with a smoother texture on both sides. However, interlock knitwear fabrics are heavier than regular rib knit fabrics. Due to its smooth and stable texture, it is mostly used for manufacturing kidswear or baby clothing.

Terry Knit

Terry knit fabrics are the most comfortable among all in the knit family. Often recognized by its soft exterior and looped back, it is made with a special attachment in regular circular knitting machines. It is made with two sets of yarns, with one creating the pile and the other the base fabric. It is popular when it comes to making bathrobes, loungewear, towels, etc. Fun fact: knitted terry is more flexible and comfortable than woven terry fabrics.

Fleece Knit

Fleece knit is a weft insertion fabric, where an additional yarn is inserted for each course. The inserted yarns are held by the loops in each course to form piles, later sheared and napped to form fleece. Usually crafted from cotton, wool, or acrylic yarn, fleece knitwear fabrics are brushed to offer a soft and fuzzy feel. It is commonly used in manufacturing sweatshirts, jackets, and hoodies.

Double Knit

Widely made from wool or polyester, double-knit fabrics feature two layers of stitches. Its creation involves the use of two pairs of needles set at an angle to each other. Hence, they are more stable and compact compared to other knitwear fabrics. These features make it a suitable fabric for making structured garments like blazers, pants, etc.

Different Types of Yarns Used in Knit Fabrics

Knit fabrics are made from different types of yarn. Yarn can come from natural fibers such as cotton, wool, silk, and cashmere, as well as synthetic fibers, such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, and spandex. However, due to the rising demand for eco-friendly knitwear and sustainable wardrobe essentials, cotton and wool have become the two most commonly used materials for knitwear fabrics.

Cotton vs. Wool: Which Knitwear Fabric Is Best?

Cotton Knitwear

At Inde Artisans, we offer organic cotton, which is naturally soft and comfortable against the skin. It is among the most lightweight, breathable, and temperature-regulating materials, perfect for manufacturing a range of knitwear for cooler spring and summer days. Moreover, organic cotton makes it possible to produce hypoallergenic knitwear, ideal for those with sensitive skin.

However, it lacks warmth compared to wool and may lose shape over time when exposed to heat.

Wool Knitwear

As we all know, wool is a superior material in the textile industry when it comes to insulating properties. It provides unmatched warmth and comfort during colder days. It is also moisture-wicking, which keeps your body dry. Moreover, its antimicrobial property makes it odor-resistant, and perfect for travel.

On the other side, unlike cotton, wool is not for the ones with sensitive skin. Some people may find the touch of wool itchy and annoying. Moreover, wool knitwear requires special care, which can be a little demanding.

However, finer options like Marino wool knitwear are more comfortable and smooth against the skin. It is the highest quality wool that offers a fine texture, ideal for people with sensitive skin. Inde Artisans manufactures a range of wool sweaters with unique patterns that offer both warmth and elegance. It is indeed a versatile knitwear option.

Sustainable Fabrics for Knitwear Fashion

As India’s leading sustainable knitwear manufacturer, we stand committed to offering the best sustainable garments to our consumers. With sustainability becoming increasingly important in the textile and fashion industry, we are focusing more on eco-friendly options and practices. Below are some sustainable options we offer:

• Organic Cotton: Grown locally without any synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. It supports sustainable farming practices. MOQ applies
• Hemp: It allows the minimization of water wastage and pesticides. It is durable and extremely eco-friendly. MOQ applies
• Recycled Polyester: Made from plastic bottles and discarded textiles, it is one of the best renewable fashion materials for manufacturing knitwear. MOQ applies
• Recycled Wool: It is made from fabric scraps and post-consumer wool garments that are spun into new yarn. It helps reduce waste and promote sustainable fashion. MOQ applies

Knitted Fabrics vs. Knitwear: Key Differences

Knitted fabrics in different GSM are for t-shirts, hoodies, joggers, tracksuit sets, etc.
Knitwear includes sweaters, cardigans, dresses, summer knit t-shirts, etc., crafted from various yarns and gauge, knitted on machines, and made into panels for linking in chosen patterns.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the best knitwear fabric, there is no single winner. Each fabric has its own set of pros and cons. Depending on your brand’s needs, you can pick the most suitable ones. Whether you desire a winter layer or a spring fit, there is a knitwear fabric for every occasion.

Contact Inde Artisans

Email: sales@indeartisans.com
WhatsApp: +91-9811886630
Website: www.indeartisans.com