Italian knitwear with jersey and knitted fabrics
Knitwear is the umbrella term for fabrics that are not woven, but are made from interconnected stitches. These include jersey and knitted fabrics. They are usually more stretchy and softer than woven fabrics and follow the body more easily. At Stoffgroßhandel Armbrüster you can get them as fabric by the meter from Italy.
Hardly any fabric type changes the wearing sensation as much as knitwear. It makes designs more flexible, comfortable, and often more modern, without loss of quality. For designers, this means working with material that combines comfort and expression.
Jersey and knitted fabrics at a glance
Group | Examples | Effect |
|---|---|---|
Jersey | Single Jersey, Interlock, Rib Jersey, Piqué | Soft, stretchy, and body-hugging |
Knitted fabrics | French Terry, Sweat, Romanit, Fine knit, Jacquard knit | More volume, texture, and warmth |
Popular qualities of knitwear
Quality | Group | Well suited for |
|---|---|---|
Single Jersey | Jersey | Lightweight shirts, tops, and dresses |
Interlock | Jersey | More stable, closed sections |
Rib Jersey | Jersey | Cuffs and body-hugging models |
Piqué | Jersey | Polos and shirts with texture |
French Terry | Knitted fabric | Sweatshirts and loungewear |
Sweat | Knitted fabric | Warm, sporty models |
Romanit | Knitted fabric | Shape-retaining dresses and blazers |
Fine knit | Knitted fabric | Sweaters and cardigans |
Jacquard knit | Knitted fabric | Distinctive pieces with pattern |
Techno Jersey | Knitted fabric | Smooth, structured silhouettes |
Knitwear and woven fabrics in comparison
Feature | Woven fabric | Knitwear |
|---|---|---|
Structure | Fixed thread crossings | Movable stitches |
Stretch | Little to none | Usually elastic |
Wearing sensation | Shape-retaining and clear | Soft and adaptive |
Typical pieces | Shirts, trousers, blazers | Shirts, dresses, loungewear |
Processing | Standard seam | Stretchy seam recommended |
Caring for knitwear correctly
Quality | Care |
|---|---|
Cotton jersey | Washable at 30 to 40 degrees, may shrink, prewash |
Viscose and modal jersey | Delicate cycle, delicate when wet, do not wring |
Sweat and French Terry | Wash inside out to protect the surface |
Wool and fine knit | Wool cycle or hand wash, dry flat |
All knitwear | Do not dry hot, otherwise elasticity will suffer |
What you should pay attention to with knitwear
Knitwear behaves differently than woven fabric. Especially single jersey tends to curl at the cut edges, which makes cutting more difficult. For sewing, a stretchy seam or an overlock as well as a jersey needle with a rounded tip are suitable, so that the stitches are not damaged. Also pay attention to recovery, i.e. whether the fabric returns to shape after stretching.
Why our Italian knitwear is special
Our knitwear mainly comes from Italian weaving mills and from the environment of well-known design houses. Many qualities are designer deadstock, i.e. already produced stocks that are only available in limited quantities. Because no new production is needed, there is often a good price-performance ratio, and the fabrics remain in the cycle.
Knitwear for collections with comfort and character
Good knitwear is more than comfortable. It determines how a design fits, how it moves, and how high quality it looks. A fine jersey refines simplicity, a characterful knit gives a collection contour and identity. Many qualities are only available in limited numbers, and this makes them valuable for independent collections.
Frequently asked questions about knitwear
What is knitwear?
What is knitwear?
Knitwear is fabric that is created from interconnected stitches instead of being woven. This includes jersey and knitted fabrics. They are usually softer and more stretchy than woven fabrics and are well suited for comfortable, modern clothing.
What is the difference between knitwear and woven fabric?
What is the difference between knitwear and woven fabric?
Woven fabric is made by tight thread crossings and is more shape-retaining. Knitwear consists of movable stitches and is therefore elastic and adaptive. Woven fabric is suitable for shirts and blazers, knitwear for shirts, dresses, and loungewear.
What is the difference between jersey and knitted fabric?
What is the difference between jersey and knitted fabric?
Both are types of knitwear. Jersey is usually finer, softer, and more body-hugging, for example, for shirts and dresses. Knitted fabrics appear fuller and more structured and are suitable for sweaters, cardigans, and jackets.
Which knitwear is suitable for clothing?
Which knitwear is suitable for clothing?
For shirts, tops, and dresses, jersey is most suitable. For sweatshirts and loungewear French Terry and Sweat, for shape-retaining pieces Romanit, for sweaters and cardigans fine knit. Which quality fits depends on the model.
Is knitwear stretchy?
Is knitwear stretchy?
Yes, mostly. The degree of stretch depends on construction and fiber. Rib jersey is especially stretchy, interlock and Romanit are stronger and more shape-retaining. For stretchy fabrics, a stretchy seam is recommended.
How do I care for jersey and knitwear?
How do I care for jersey and knitwear?
Care depends on the fiber. Cotton jersey is usually washable at 30 to 40 degrees, viscose and modal jersey prefer delicate wash. It's important not to dry knitwear hot so the elasticity is preserved.
Where can I find Italian knitwear by the meter?
Where can I find Italian knitwear by the meter?
You can get Italian knitwear at Stoffgroßhandel Armbrüster by the meter from 6 meters per fabric. If you wish, our field service will present jersey and knitted fabrics to you personally on site so you can check the feel and stretch directly.