TYPES OF KNITTED FABRIC A COMPLETE GUIDE

Knitted fabrics are used across a wide range of clothing and textile products, from everyday T-shirts and activewear to sweatshirts, polo shirts, innerwear, and fashion garments. Their popularity comes from the way knitted structures are formed, giving fabrics different levels of stretch, softness, thickness, texture, and comfort.

However, not all knitted fabrics are the same. A slub jersey fabric feels and performs differently from rib fabric, while waffle, interlock, pique, and fleece each have their own structure and applications.

For garment manufacturers and textile buyers, understanding the types of knitted fabric makes it easier to select the right material for a particular product. Fabric construction, knitting structure, gauge, yarn selection, GSM, and finishing can all influence the final result.

SD Polytech manufactures a range of knitted fabric types designed for different textile applications. This guide explains the major knitted fabric structures, their characteristics, common uses, and what buyers should consider when selecting a fabric.

What Is Knitted Fabric?

Knitted fabric is produced by forming loops of yarn and connecting those loops together. Unlike woven fabric, where yarns are generally arranged in crossing warp and weft systems, knitted fabric is created through interlocking loops.

This loop-based construction gives knitted fabrics characteristics such as:

The final properties depend on the knitting method, yarn, stitch structure, gauge, GSM, and finishing process.

Knitted fabrics can broadly be divided into weft-knitted and warp-knitted fabrics. Many common apparel fabrics, including jersey, rib, interlock, and fleece, are produced using weft knitting techniques.

Why Are There Different Types of Knitted Fabric?

Different garments require different fabric characteristics.

A lightweight T-shirt may require a soft and breathable single jersey, while a sweatshirt needs a thicker structure with warmth and body. Polo shirts often use pique, whereas collars and cuffs commonly use rib fabric.

This is why knitted fabrics are developed in different structures.

The main factors that differentiate one knitted fabric from another include:

Understanding these differences helps manufacturers choose a fabric that matches the garment's design and performance requirements.

Major Types of Knitted Fabric

1. Single Jersey Fabric

Single jersey is one of the most commonly used knitted fabric structures, particularly in apparel.

It is generally lightweight, comfortable, and naturally flexible. The fabric has a distinct face and back because of its single-knit construction.

Common applications

Single jersey is widely used for:

The final characteristics can vary significantly depending on the yarn, GSM, gauge, and finishing.

For lightweight everyday clothing, single jersey remains a practical and versatile choice.

2. Slub Jersey Fabric

Slub jersey fabric is a textured variation of jersey fabric. It is produced using slub yarn or yarn with intentional variations in thickness, creating an irregular surface effect.

Instead of having a completely uniform appearance, slub fabric has subtle variations that give garments a more distinctive and casual look.

Characteristics

Common applications

Slub jersey is frequently used for:

Its visual texture can add character to a garment without requiring complicated surface treatments.

3. Rib Fabric

Rib fabric is a knitted structure designed with alternating knit and purl columns, creating vertical ribs on the fabric surface.

One of its major characteristics is stretch and recovery.

Because of its flexibility, rib fabric is commonly used where a garment needs to fit closely or retain its shape.

Common applications

Rib structures can be produced in different configurations, such as 1×1 rib and 2×2 rib, depending on the required appearance and stretch.

4. Interlock Fabric

Interlock fabric is a double-knit structure that produces a relatively smooth and stable fabric.

Compared with many single-knit structures, interlock is generally thicker and has a more substantial hand feel.

Key characteristics

Common applications

Interlock fabric can be used for:

It is particularly useful when a manufacturer wants a smoother and more stable knitted fabric.

5. Waffle Fabric

Waffle fabric, sometimes referred to as waffle knit, has a three-dimensional surface resembling a waffle pattern.

The structure creates small recessed areas and raised sections across the fabric surface.

Characteristics

Applications

Waffle fabric is commonly used for:

The structure can also give garments a distinctive appearance without relying on printed designs.

6. Pique Fabric

Pique fabric has a textured knitted surface and is strongly associated with polo shirts.

Its characteristic surface structure can provide a slightly more structured appearance than a basic jersey fabric.

Key characteristics

Common applications

Pique fabric is widely used for:

The fabric's structure makes it a popular choice where comfort and a slightly structured appearance are both required.

7. Fleece Fabric

Fleece fabric is a thicker knitted fabric commonly associated with warm and comfortable clothing.

Depending on the construction, fleece can have a smooth outer surface and a brushed or looped inner surface.

Characteristics

Common applications

Fleece fabric is commonly used for:

Fleece can be produced in different weights and constructions depending on the garment requirement.

8. Loopknit Fabric

Loopknit fabric is characterised by loops on the fabric surface or reverse side, depending on the specific construction.

It can provide a soft, textured appearance and is often associated with sweatshirt and casualwear fabrics.

Common applications

The specific appearance and performance depend on the yarn, knitting construction, GSM, and finishing.

9. Bi-Ply Fabric

Bi-ply fabric is developed using a construction involving two yarn layers or plies, creating a fabric with additional body and structure.

It can be selected when a manufacturer requires greater substance than a lightweight single-layer construction.

Depending on the specification, bi-ply constructions can be used in:

The exact characteristics depend on the knitting construction and yarn specifications.

10. Rice Knit Fabric

Rice knit is a textured knitted structure that creates a distinctive surface appearance.

The structure can add visual interest and a slightly different hand feel compared with conventional jersey fabrics.

It may be used for:

Rice knit is particularly useful when surface texture is an important part of the garment's design.

Understanding Knitting Structures & Gauges

When comparing different types of knitted fabric, buyers should look beyond the fabric name.

Two fabrics with the same general construction can perform differently depending on their gauge and yarn specifications.

What Is Knitting Gauge?

Gauge refers to the fineness of the knitting machine and indicates the number of needles or needle density within a specified measurement.

In general, finer gauges can produce finer knitted structures, while lower gauges can be associated with heavier or more substantial constructions.

However, gauge alone does not determine fabric weight or quality. Yarn count, stitch length, construction, and finishing also have an important influence.

The Role of GSM in Knitted Fabric

GSM stands for grams per square metre and is commonly used to describe fabric weight.

For buyers, GSM provides a useful reference when comparing fabrics.

A lower-GSM fabric may be suitable for lightweight summer clothing, while higher-GSM constructions are often preferred for sweatshirts, hoodies, winterwear, or garments requiring greater body.

However, GSM should not be considered independently.

A fabric's:

can all influence how the fabric feels and performs.

How Yarn Affects Knitted Fabric

The yarn used to manufacture fabric plays a major role in the final result.

Cotton yarn can provide a soft, natural hand feel, while polyester can contribute durability and dimensional stability. Blended yarns can combine characteristics from different fibres.

The choice of yarn can influence:

This is why yarn and fabric manufacturing are closely connected.

A good fabric specification begins with understanding the yarn that will be used to produce it.

How to Choose the Right Knitted Fabric

The right fabric depends on the final product rather than simply the fabric name.

For T-Shirts

Single jersey and slub jersey can be suitable choices depending on the desired weight, texture, and appearance.

For Polo Shirts

Pique is commonly selected when a textured and slightly structured fabric is required.

For Cuffs and Neckbands

Rib fabric is preferred because of its stretch and recovery.

For Sweatshirts and Hoodies

Fleece and loopknit constructions can provide greater thickness and comfort.

For Smooth, Stable Apparel

Interlock can be considered where a more substantial and stable knitted structure is required.

For Textured Fashion Garments

Waffle and rice knit can provide additional surface interest.

What Should Buyers Check Before Ordering Knitted Fabric?

Before placing a bulk order, textile buyers should clearly define the fabric requirements.

Important specifications may include:

It is also useful to evaluate samples before moving to bulk production.

Sample testing can help buyers assess the actual hand feel, appearance, weight, stretch, shrinkage, and overall suitability for the intended garment.

SD Polytech: Knitted Fabric Manufacturer

At SD Polytech, knitted fabric manufacturing is supported by an understanding of yarn characteristics, knitting structures, fabric specifications, and end-use requirements.

The company manufactures a range of knitted fabrics, including structures such as slub jersey fabric, waffle fabric, rib fabric, interlock, pique, fleece, loopknit, bi-ply, rice knit, and other fabric solutions.

Each fabric structure serves a different purpose. A lightweight jersey may be selected for everyday T-shirts, while fleece may be preferred for heavier winter garments. Similarly, rib fabric is useful for stretch-focused components, while pique provides a distinctive structure for polo-style garments.

For textile manufacturers, sourcing from a capable knitted fabric manufacturer can simplify product development by providing consistent fabric specifications and production suited to the intended application.

SD Polytech focuses on supplying knitted fabric solutions that can meet different apparel and textile requirements while maintaining attention to fabric construction, specifications, and consistency.

Future of Knitted Fabrics

Knitted fabrics continue to evolve as garment manufacturers look for better combinations of comfort, performance, appearance, and functionality.

Some growing areas include:

Advances in yarn development and knitting technology are also making it possible to create increasingly specialised fabrics.

This gives manufacturers more flexibility when designing garments for different markets and consumer requirements.

Conclusion

Understanding the types of knitted fabric is essential when selecting materials for apparel and textile production.

Single jersey, slub jersey fabric, rib, interlock, waffle, pique, fleece, loopknit, bi-ply, and rice knit each offer different combinations of texture, weight, stretch, comfort, and appearance.

The final fabric performance depends not only on the knitting structure but also on yarn composition, yarn count, gauge, GSM, stitch parameters, and finishing.

For textile buyers, the best approach is to start with the end application and then select the fabric structure and specifications that match the garment's requirements.

As a knitted fabric manufacturer, SD Polytech provides a range of fabric structures for different textile applications, giving manufacturers access to multiple options for developing apparel and other knitted products.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the main types of knitted fabric?

Common types include single jersey, slub jersey, rib, interlock, waffle, pique, fleece, loopknit, bi-ply, and rice knit.

2. What is slub jersey fabric?

Slub jersey is a jersey fabric made using slub yarn, creating intentional variations in thickness and a textured surface appearance.

3. What is rib fabric used for?

Rib fabric is commonly used for neckbands, cuffs, waistbands, fitted garments, and other applications requiring stretch and recovery.

4. What is the difference between jersey and interlock?

Single jersey is generally lighter and has distinct face and back surfaces, while interlock is a double-knit structure that is typically smoother, thicker, and more stable.

5. What is waffle fabric used for?

Waffle fabric is commonly used for casualwear, thermal garments, sweatshirts, loungewear, and fashion garments where a textured surface is desired.