Jersey Fabrics

Jersey Fabric by the Metre – Stretchy, Soft and Versatile

Jersey fabric – also known as knit fabric or tricot – is a knitted textile renowned for its natural stretch, softness and wearing comfort. Because the fabric is knitted from interlocking loops of yarn, it moves effortlessly with the body. Whether you are sewing T-shirts, dresses, sportswear or children's clothing – jersey offers a unique combination of comfort and ease of use. In this category you will find an extensive range of jersey fabrics by the metre, from lightweight cotton jersey to sustainable bamboo jersey and warm jogging fabric.

From hobby sewers and ateliers to professional garment manufacturers – jersey and knit fabrics are among the most widely used clothing textiles in the world. Our range includes various weights, fibre compositions and finishes, suitable for both basic garment production and specialist fashion projects.

Which Types of Jersey Fabric Are Available?

Our jersey fabric range covers diverse constructions and fibre compositions, each suited to specific applications. Below you will find the key fabric types in this category.

Cotton Jersey Fabric

The most popular jersey variety: soft, breathable knit fabric made predominantly from cotton with a small percentage of elastane for shape recovery. Cotton jersey is hypoallergenic, colour-fast and drapes beautifully. Ideal for T-shirts, dresses, skirts, children's clothing and underwear.

Viscose Jersey Fabric

Viscose jersey has a fluid, subtly lustrous drape and a silky-smooth feel. The fabric is cooler than cotton and comfortable to wear in warm weather. Excellent for flowing dresses, blouses, skirts and tunics where an elegant drape is desired.

French Terry (Sweatshirt Fabric)

French terry has a smooth outer surface with a looped pile on the inside, providing warmth without excess weight. Heavier than standard jersey but lighter than jogging fabric. Perfect for sweatshirts, hoodies, cardigans and loungewear.

Jogging Fabric

Heavy, warm knit with a brushed interior for maximum warmth and comfort. Jogging fabric is the go-to choice for joggers, tracksuits, winter sweatshirts and warm children's clothing. Available in solid colours and prints.

Bamboo Jersey Fabric

Made from bamboo fibres: exceptionally soft, antibacterial and temperature-regulating. Bamboo jersey is sustainable, OEKO-TEX certified and ideal for baby clothing, underwear, sportswear and sensitive skin.

Organic Cotton Jersey

Certified organic cotton, grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilisers. Available as single jersey and brushed French terry. The most sustainable choice for conscious designers and makers of baby or children's clothing.

Rib Knit Jersey Fabric

Rib knit fabric has vertical ribs in the structure and stretches more strongly across the grain than standard jersey. Essential for cuffs, collars, neckbands and hem bands, but also popular for fitted tops and sportswear. Available as narrow rib, wide rib and ottoman rib.

Cuff Rib Fabric

Specifically designed for finishing garments: cuff rib is used for cuffs, collars, neckbands and hem edges. It has extra cross-stretch and is available in dozens of colours to match our jersey collection.

Scuba Crepe Jersey

Double-sided, structured jersey with a lightly textured surface. Scuba barely creases, drapes superbly and has minimal stretch – ideal for structured dresses, skirts, blazers and occasionwear that needs to hold its shape.

Nicky Velour

Plush, brushed knit with a velvety soft feel. Nicky velour is a firm favourite for baby clothing, pyjamas, soft toys and nursery textiles. Its soft texture also makes it suitable for loungewear and homewear.

Interlock Jersey

Double-knit for extra body and thickness. Interlock has two smooth sides, does not curl at the edges and is therefore easier to cut and sew than single jersey. Ideal for baby and children's clothing, underwear and T-shirts built to last.

What to Consider When Choosing Jersey Fabric

The right jersey choice depends on your project and desired properties. Consider these factors:

• Weight: Lightweight jersey (150–220 g/m²) for T-shirts and dresses. Medium weight (220–300 g/m²) for sweaters and loungewear. Heavy weight (300+ g/m²) for joggers and winterwear.
• Stretch: Standard jersey stretches 30–50% across the grain. Rib knit and lycra blends stretch more. Scuba has minimal stretch. Choose based on the silhouette of your pattern.
• Fibre composition: Cotton is breathable and hypoallergenic. Viscose drapes more fluidly. Bamboo is sustainable and antibacterial. Polyester blends are more colour-fast and dry faster.
• Construction: Single jersey is thin and lightweight. Interlock and double jersey are more stable and do not curl at the edges – convenient for beginners.
• OEKO-TEX certification: The majority of our jersey range is OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified – free from harmful substances, safe for skin and the environment.
• Shrinkage: Jersey typically shrinks 3–10% on the first wash. Pre-washing at 30°C is strongly recommended for garments requiring a precise fit.
• Width: Most jersey fabrics are 150 cm wide. Pay attention to grain direction and stretch direction when calculating fabric requirements.

Applications and Creative Uses

Jersey and knit fabrics are among the most versatile clothing textiles available:

• T-shirts, tops, tank tops and long-sleeve shirts
• Dresses and skirts (casual and occasionwear)
• Sweatshirts, hoodies and cardigans (French terry, jogging fabric)
• Leggings, joggers and sportswear
• Baby clothing, rompers and pyjamas
• Children's clothing in fun prints
• Underwear and nightwear
• Baby wraps and slings
• Sportswear and yoga clothing (high lycra content)
• Occasionwear and cocktail dresses (scuba, velour)

Professional Tips for Sewing Jersey and Knit Fabric

• Needle choice: Always use a jersey needle or stretch needle (ballpoint) – its rounded tip does not damage the knitted structure. Size 75–90 depending on fabric weight.
• Stitch setting: Use a zigzag stitch, stretch stitch or overlock stitch so the seam stretches with the fabric. A straight stitch will snap when the fabric is pulled.
• Walking foot: Prevents the top layer of jersey from creeping forward during sewing – essential for a quality finish.
• Pre-wash: Wash jersey before cutting at the temperature you intend to use for the finished garment (typically 30–40°C) to allow for shrinkage.
• Cutting: Lay jersey flat (unfolded if the fabric curls) and use a rotary cutter on a cutting mat for clean edges. Mark with tailor's chalk or a fabric marker rather than pins, which can stretch the fabric.
• Pressing: Press jersey at a low to medium temperature with steam. Do not pull the fabric while pressing – lay it flat and use a pressing cloth.
• Pattern selection: Use patterns specifically designed for knit/jersey fabric (labelled "knit only"). These have little to no seam allowance adjustments because the stretch of the fabric determines the fit.

Why Order Jersey Fabric by the Metre from Rijs Textiles?

At Rijs Textiles you order jersey and knit fabrics by the metre, so you buy exactly the quantity you need – from as little as 0.5 metres. With more than 10,000 fabrics and haberdashery items in our range and over 50 years of experience in the textile industry, quality and choice are guaranteed.

Wholesale prices are available from 6 metres per product, with further discounts at larger quantities. This makes our range suitable for both hobby sewers and professional garment manufacturers and fashion brands. Most jersey fabrics include clear specifications for composition, weight, width and stretch. Fabric samples are available for €0.50 per piece so you can assess colour and quality before ordering larger quantities.

Frequently Asked Questions about Jersey Fabric