Knitting is one of the two main ways fabric is made — and it's what gives T-shirts, sweatshirts, and most loungewear their signature stretch and softness.
At HEM APPAREL, most of our blankwear and basics are made from knitted fabrics, especially single jersey, interlock, and rib.
🧵 What Is Knitting in Fabric Production?
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Knitting is the process of looping yarns together to form fabric
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Unlike weaving (which interlaces two sets of yarns), knitting uses one continuous yarn
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Creates stretchy, flexible fabrics perfect for activewear and casualwear
✅ All fabrics are either knit or woven — knowing the difference helps when choosing the right base
🧶 Types of Knit Structures
| Knit Type | Structure | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Single Jersey | One layer of loops | T-shirts, dresses, basics |
| Interlock | Two layers interlocked | Premium tees, babywear |
| Rib Knit | Vertical rib lines | Collars, cuffs, fitted tops |
| Purl Knit | Reversible texture | Scarves, sweaters |
| Waffle Knit | Grid texture | Thermals, loungewear |
| Fleece (brushed) | Soft inside surface | Hoodies, sweatpants |
🌬️ Why Brands Choose Knits
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Naturally stretchy — often without needing spandex
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Soft and breathable
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Comfortable to wear for long hours
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Great for draping or body-hugging designs
At HEM APPAREL: Our clients love cotton jersey for everyday tees, while French terry and fleece are top picks for hoodie lines.
🧪 What Impacts Knit Fabric Quality?
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Yarn count & twist → Affects softness and thickness
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Gauge (number of needles) → Controls how fine or open the knit is
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Finishing → Brushing, washing, or enzyme treatment changes feel and look
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Blends → Cotton-poly for durability, modal for softness, spandex for stretch
⚠️ What to Keep in Mind
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Knit fabric can shrink more than woven → pre-shrink is key
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May curl at the edges during cutting → needs skilled handling
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Stretch % should match your intended fit (fitted vs relaxed)
🧠 HEM APPAREL’s Tip:
Choosing the right knit depends on your product:
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Single jersey for lightweight tees
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Interlock for clean premium basics
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French terry or fleece for sweat sets
MOQ from 300 pcs/style, and we can help you swatch by weight, texture, or blend.
