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Interlock knit fabric is one of the most commonly used and popular fabrics mainly because of its versatility as it can be used in different kinds of sewing projects and clothes.
The interlock fabric is considered ideal for sewing different kinds of clothing because of its characteristics and how it is manufactured. If you are new to sewing or don’t have any information about interlock knit fabric, you may be wondering what interlock knit fabric is? What is interlock knit fabric made of? What is interlock knit fabric used for?
Having answers to all these questions is essential so that you can decide on whether you should opt for interlock knit fabric for your sewing project or go for some other option.
Stick to this article as it will bring you information regarding the characteristics and different aspects of interlock knit fabric. The article will also explore the differences between interlock knit fabric and many other kinds of knit fabrics that are also commonly used in sewing applications.
What is interlock knit fabric?
In simple and straight words, interlock knit fabrics are a popular type of double knit fabric. Because of the double knit factor, the fabric is stronger, stretchy, thicker, soft, absorbent, firm, and a lot more durable than all other types of knit fabrics found in the market.
The best thing is that interlock knit fabric is quite inexpensive while being on top of the list. Two rows of needles are used to manufacture this fabric instead of a single row.
We can also say that interlock knit fabric is almost like a single jersey knit fabric but has two layers that are knitted back to back together.
What is a cotton interlock knit?
Cotton interlock knit fabric is made using the natural fibers of cotton. It has good stretch, softness, and comfort and is a bit thicker than any other knit fabric. Because of its strength and durability, it can be used in a wide range of clothing projects.
What is polyester interlock knit?
Interlock knit fabric comes in both natural and synthetic fibers and one of the most popular ones includes the polyester interlock knit fabric. It is no different in terms of strength and durability and can be utilized in almost all sewing projects or clothing types.
What is interlock knit fabric made of?
Interlock fabric can be manufactured using both synthetic and natural fibers but natural fibers are widely preferred by companies and people as well.
This is because interlock knit fabric made of natural fabric has better breathability with enhanced softness, smoothness, along with various other characteristics.
Some of the best fibers used to make interlock knit fabric include the following.
- Cotton
- Silk
- Wool
- Polyester
- Rayon
- Modal
Wool fibers are preferred to make interlock knit fabric that should be warm and best-suitable for winter. Cotton fibers are preferred when you want to make a versatile interlock knit fabric that can be used for different sewing projects and types of clothing.
It also brings fabric that is comfortable, breathable, stretchy, soft, smooth, and eco-friendly at the same time. Another best thing is that interlock knit fabric made of cotton fibers is compatible to be used in both warm and cold weather.
What do you use interlock fabric for?
Interlock knit fabric is versatile and it is used for various sewing projects and clothing applications. The fabric is breathable, absorbent, thick, soft, warm, and comfortable, and can be worn at almost all levels of temperature.
Also, it can be used for making both casual and formal dresses. Some of the most common applications where interlock fabric is used in one way or another include the following:
- Underwear
- Pajamas
- Baby clothing
- Hoodies
- T-shirts
- Sportswear
- Formal dresses
Does interlock knit fabric drape well?
Interlock knit fabric is different from other knit fabrics in one aspect or another. As far as the drape is concerned it comes with a built-in stretch while allowing it to drape so well around your body and the dress will hug you all the time.
Also, the manufacturing process and its characteristics blend in such an efficient way that enhances the fabric fit and drape to a higher level.
Advantages of interlock knit fabric:
It is always a good idea to look at the benefits that come with fabric as it makes it easy for you to decide whether this fabric is suitable for your specific sewing projects or if you need to go for other options.
Major benefits of interlock knit fabric include the following:
- Fabric is thicker than any other knit fabric on the market.
- Inexpensive and affordable.
- The fabric doesn’t usually curl or wrinkle much.
- High breathability.
- It has a smooth and soft texture.
- Strong and durable.
- A lot more flexible than all other knit fabrics.
- Versatile.
- No difference on either side as they look the same.
How much stretch does interlock knit have?
The exact answer to this question varies depending upon the types of fibers used in interlock knit fabric and many other factors.
However, many experts have come up with the figure that an interlock knit fabric can stretch in length between somewhat 3-50%, and the method used to knit the fabric plays an important role in this stretching value.
How do you know if it is interlock knit fabric or not?
The method to know if it is an interlock knit fabric or something else will differ from other fabrics.
For example, it is easy to tell the difference if you are comparing interlock with other regular knitted fabrics but if you are comparing it with the jersey knit fabric, the differentiation would be quite difficult.
The very first thing to look for is the knitting pattern as it is different in almost all knitted fabrics. As interlock knit fabric is double knitted, the knitting patterns will be highly visible on both sides as compared to single jersey knit fabric whose pattern can only be seen on one side.
The other way is to stretch the fabric. If the fabric is interlock knit fabric, it will not curl at all inside the fabric and will lay flat efficiently.
If you are unable to follow any of these methods then the best way is to ask for a small piece of each fabric from a shopkeeper and then compare those pieces with your fabric.
What is the difference between a jersey knit and an interlock knit?
| JERSEY KNIT FABRIC | INTERLOCK KNIT FABRIC |
| Thinner | Thicker |
| Smooth on a single side | Smooth on both sides |
| Pattern visible on a single side | Pattern visible on both sides |
| Strech out of shape easily than interlock knit | More stable |
| Curl at the edges, especially when stretched | Doesn’t curl at the edges |
| Knitted using one row of needles | Knitted using two rows of needles |
What is the difference between rib and interlock knit fabric?
There are not many differences in rib knit and interlock knit fabric apart from that rib knit fabric is knitted with alternating knit columns that are high and low in the continuous cycle.
On the other hand, interlock knit fabric is knitted by joining two layers of fibers together while knitting them along.
Both fabrics are the same from either side but interlock fabric has a bit more stretch, is thicker, doesn’t curl much, and is knitted using two rows of needles.
How to take care of interlock knit fabric?
- Pre-wash the interlock knit fabric before sewing it as it may shrink during the first wash. This will get rid of shrinkage before you use it in the sewing project and will protect you from any issues after it has been sewn.
- Always wash interlock knit fabric in normal or cold water as hot water increases the chances of shrinkage.
- Wash knit fabric by setting the most gentle cycle on your washing machine.
- Put it in the dryer while setting it on low or no heat at all.
- Turn the wool interlock knit fabric inside out before washing.
- It is better to hand wash interlock knit fabric if it is made of wool fibers.
- Wool interlock fabric should not be put in the dryer instead let it air dry.
FAQs:
Is interlock knit a 4-way stretch?
Many people assume interlock knit as a four-way stretch but in most cases, the fabric comes in a 2-way stretch category. This is the reason that interlock knit fabric is considered one of the best-knit fabrics to be used in the making of baby clothes, loungewear, pajamas, kid’s underwear, looser tops, etc.
Is interlock knit the same as double knit?
Double knit is not a type of fabric but the way how a fabric is knitted and yes, interlock knit is double knitted. This is the reason that interlock knits have a smooth texture and pattern on both sides of the fabric and are knitted using two rows of needles.
Double knit is a fabric whose both sides look the same and you cannot differentiate one from the other.
Is interlock fabric woven?
Yes, interlock fabrics especially the 3D ones are woven using yarns of different types ranging from cotton and wool to polyester and rayon as well. This is probably the reason that interlock fabric is a popular and appealing fabric to wear.
