Jersey Fabrics

Q: What is the difference between jersey and knit fabric?

Jersey and knit fabric refer to the same thing: a fabric made by knitting rather than weaving, resulting in a stretchy, comfortable textile. Single jersey, interlock and French terry are all types of jersey/knit fabric.

Q: Which jersey fabric is best for T-shirts?

For T-shirts choose cotton single jersey (150–200 g/m²) for softness, breathability and stretch recovery. Interlock is slightly heavier and suited to quality T-shirts that keep their shape.

Q: Can jersey fabrics be machine washed?

Yes. Most jersey fabrics are machine washable at 30–40°C. Hang garments to dry – the tumble dryer can cause shrinkage, particularly with viscose and bamboo jersey.

Q: Which needle do I use for jersey and knit fabric?

Always use a jersey needle or stretch needle (ballpoint) with a rounded tip. Size 75 for lightweight, 80–90 for medium-weight and 90–100 for heavy jogging or sweatshirt fabrics.

Q: Does jersey fabric shrink after washing?

Yes, jersey typically shrinks 3–10% on the first wash. Pre-washing before cutting is essential for garments requiring a precise fit.

Q: What is French terry and when should I use it?

French terry has a smooth outer surface and loops on the inside. Heavier than standard jersey but lighter than jogging fabric. Ideal for sweatshirts, hoodies and loungewear.

Q: What is the difference between single jersey and interlock?

Single jersey is single-knit: lightweight and flexible but prone to curling at the edges. Interlock is double-knit: two smooth sides, more stable and does not curl. Ideal for beginners.

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

What is jersey fabric?

Jersey fabric is a knitted textile characterised by its natural stretch, softness and comfort. It is made from interlocking loops of yarn and is used for a wide variety of garments including T-shirts, dresses, sweatshirts, leggings and baby clothing. The terms "jersey" and "knit fabric" are used interchangeably.

What is the difference between jersey and knit fabric?

Jersey and knit fabric (or tricot) refer to the same thing: a fabric made by knitting rather than weaving, resulting in a stretchy, comfortable textile. Jersey is the English and international term; tricot is the French-derived term used in continental Europe. Single jersey, interlock and French terry are all types of jersey/knit fabric.

Which jersey fabric is best for T-shirts?

For T-shirts, choose cotton single jersey (150–200 g/m²) for its softness, breathability and good stretch recovery. For sporty T-shirts, a cotton-polyester blend or viscose jersey works well due to moisture-wicking properties. Interlock is slightly heavier and suited to quality T-shirts that keep their shape.

Can jersey fabrics be machine washed?

Yes. Most jersey fabrics are machine washable at 30–40°C. Washing at higher temperatures can cause additional shrinkage and colour loss. Hang jersey garments to dry – the tumble dryer can cause shrinkage and damage fibres, particularly with viscose and bamboo jersey.

Which needle do I use for jersey and knit fabric?

Always use a jersey needle or stretch needle with a rounded ballpoint tip. Standard universal needles can damage the knitted structure of jersey, skip stitches or cause the thread to break. Choose needle size 75 for lightweight jersey, 80–90 for medium-weight knit and 90–100 for heavy jogging or sweatshirt fabrics.

Does jersey fabric shrink after washing?

Yes, jersey typically shrinks 3–10% on the first wash, depending on the fibre composition. Cotton shrinks more than polyester blends. Pre-washing before cutting is essential for garments that require a precise fit. Wash at the same temperature you intend to use for the finished garment.

What is French terry and when should I use it?

French terry is a jersey variant with a smooth outer surface and small loops on the inside. It is heavier than standard jersey but lighter than jogging fabric, making it ideal for sweatshirts, hoodies, cardigans and loungewear. It is warm but not overly so – perfect for spring and autumn.

What is the difference between single jersey and interlock?

Single jersey is single-knit: one smooth and one textured side, lightweight and flexible but prone to curling at the edges. Interlock is double-knit: two smooth sides, more stable, does not curl and is easier to handle. Interlock is ideal for beginners or for garments that need extra body.

Do you offer wholesale prices for jersey fabrics?

Yes. Wholesale prices are available from 6 metres per product and are displayed directly on the product pages. For larger production orders or roll purchases, contact us for custom pricing and availability.

Are your jersey fabrics OEKO-TEX certified?

The majority of our jersey range is OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified. This means the fabrics have been tested and found free from harmful chemicals and dyes. Products carrying this certification are safe for all skin types, including baby skin.

Can I order fabric samples before buying?

Yes. Fabric samples are available for most jersey fabrics via the "Fabric sample (€0.50)" button on each product page. This allows you to assess colour, softness, weight and stretch before ordering larger quantities.

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Discover our jersey fabrics by the meter – stretchy, soft and versatile: from cotton jersey and viscose jersey to French terry, jogging fabric and bamboo jersey. Order by the meter or in bulk for clothing, sportswear and children's wear that fits comfortably and drapes beautifully.

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Model: R2207102 Stock: In Stock

Rib Knit Jersey Fabric - Ducks

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Rib Knit Jersey Fabric - DucksOn a soft Ivory background, little wild ducks swim happily scattered across the fabric, rendered in warm earth tones with a fresh green accent on the heads of the drakes. The fine rib structure gives the fabric those recognizable vertical lines and a pleasant firmness t..

€ 16.95

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