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The Ultimate Guide to Natural Knit Fabrics: Jersey, Rib, Interlock & Beyond

Why Knit Fabrics Deserve Their Own Guide

Walk into any fabric store (or browse any online shop) and you'll find knit fabrics grouped together as if they're all the same thing. They're not. Jersey, rib knit, interlock, fleece, and french terry each have distinct structures, stretch characteristics, weights, and best uses. Choosing the wrong knit for a project can mean a garment that doesn't hold its shape, a seam that pops, or a fabric that's too heavy or too sheer for what you had in mind.

This guide covers every major natural knit fabric we carry at Nature's Fabrics, what makes each one unique, and exactly which projects each one is best suited for.

A Quick Note on Knit Fabric Basics

Before diving in, a few terms worth knowing:

  • Two-way stretch: The fabric stretches in one direction, typically crosswise (side to side).
  • Four-way stretch: The fabric stretches in both directions, crosswise and lengthwise. Usually achieved by adding spandex or elastane.
  • Recovery: How well the fabric springs back to its original shape after being stretched. Good recovery is essential for fitted garments.
  • GSM (grams per square meter): A measure of fabric weight. Lower GSM means lighter and more drapey; higher GSM means heavier and more structured.

Jersey Knit

Jersey is the most common and versatile knit fabric. It has a smooth face and a slightly textured back, with a natural two-way stretch (crosswise). When spandex is added, it becomes four-way stretch jersey, which is ideal for fitted garments and activewear.

Jersey is lightweight, drapey, and comfortable against the skin. It's the fabric used for most t-shirts, casual dresses, and lightweight tops. The edges of jersey curl when cut, which is a quirk to plan for when sewing.

Types of Jersey at Nature's Fabrics

  • Organic Cotton Jersey: Soft, breathable, and GOTS-certified. Ideal for everyday garments, children's clothing, and anything worn close to the skin.
  • Cotton Jersey: A reliable workhorse for t-shirts, casual tops, and lightweight dresses. Available in solid colors and prints.
  • Cotton/Spandex Jersey: Adds four-way stretch and excellent recovery. Great for fitted tops, leggings, and activewear.
  • Bamboo/Spandex Jersey: Silky soft with moisture-wicking properties. A top choice for loungewear, activewear, and baby clothing. Available in solids and prints.
  • Wool Jersey: Warm, breathable, and naturally moisture-managing. Excellent for transitional-season garments and layering pieces. Also available as a wool jersey blend.

Best Projects for Jersey

T-shirts, casual dresses, lightweight tops, leggings, baby bodysuits, and any garment where drape and comfort are the priority.

Rib Knit

Rib knit has a distinctive vertical ribbed texture created by alternating knit and purl columns. It has excellent stretch in both directions and outstanding recovery, meaning it snaps back to shape reliably after being stretched. This makes it one of the most functional knit fabrics available.

Rib knit is commonly used as a trim fabric (cuffs, neckbands, waistbands) because it hugs the body and holds its shape. But it's also a great main fabric for fitted tops, tank tops, and form-fitting dresses where you want the fabric to move with the body.

Types of Rib Knit at Nature's Fabrics

  • Organic Cotton Rib Knit: Clean, certified, and soft. Perfect for baby clothing trims, fitted tops, and eco-conscious projects.
  • Cotton Rib Knit: Durable and versatile. A go-to for neckbands, cuffs, and waistbands on t-shirts and sweatshirts.
  • Bamboo Rib Knit: Exceptionally soft with a beautiful drape. Ideal for fitted tops and garments where comfort against the skin matters most.
  • Wool Rib Knit: Warm and structured. Great for cold-weather garments, sweater-style tops, and outerwear trims.
  • Wholesale Bamboo Interlock and Rib Knit Rolls: For studios and production runs buying in volume.

Best Projects for Rib Knit

Neckbands, cuffs, and waistbands on sweatshirts and t-shirts; fitted tank tops and bodysuits; form-fitting dresses; cold-weather base layers.

Interlock Knit

Interlock is essentially two layers of jersey knit joined together, which gives it a smooth face on both sides, more body and stability than single jersey, and less tendency to curl at the edges. It's heavier and more opaque than jersey, making it a better choice when you need a fabric with more structure or coverage.

Interlock has a moderate two-way stretch and good recovery. It's easier to sew than jersey because it doesn't curl, and it holds its shape well in finished garments. It's a favorite for baby clothing because of its smooth, soft surface and durability.

Types of Interlock at Nature's Fabrics

Best Projects for Interlock

Baby clothing (rompers, sleepers, hats), children's garments, fitted tops and dresses, activewear, and any project where you need a knit with more body and opacity than jersey.

Fleece

Fleece is a thick, brushed knit fabric with a soft, napped surface on one or both sides. It's warm, lightweight for its insulating ability, and very easy to sew because it doesn't fray. Natural fiber fleece (bamboo, cotton, or wool) offers the warmth of synthetic fleece with better breathability and a more sustainable profile.

Fleece has moderate stretch and is typically used for outerwear, cold-weather garments, and cozy home textiles.

Types of Fleece at Nature's Fabrics

  • Bamboo Fleece: Incredibly soft with natural temperature regulation. A premium choice for baby blankets, hoodies, and loungewear. Available in wholesale rolls for volume buyers.
  • Cotton Thermal and Fleece: Warm, breathable, and durable. Great for cold-weather garments and layering pieces.
  • Wool Fleece, Interlock, and Terry: Natural insulation with excellent moisture management. Ideal for outerwear, cold-weather base layers, and structured warm garments.

Best Projects for Fleece

Hoodies and sweatshirts, baby blankets, outerwear linings, cold-weather hats and mittens, and cozy home textiles like throw blankets and pillow covers.

French Terry

French terry is a knit fabric with a smooth face and looped texture on the back. It's lighter than fleece but warmer than jersey, sitting comfortably in the middle of the weight range. The looped back is absorbent and soft against the skin, while the smooth face gives garments a clean, polished appearance.

French terry is the fabric behind most quality sweatshirts and casual joggers. It has good stretch and recovery and is easy to sew.

French Terry at Nature's Fabrics

  • Bamboo Stretch French Terry: The softness of bamboo combined with the comfortable weight of french terry. Excellent for loungewear, casual tops, and lightweight sweatshirts.

Best Projects for French Terry

Sweatshirts, hoodies, joggers, casual dresses, and relaxed tops where you want more weight than jersey but less bulk than fleece.

Wool Knits

Wool knit fabrics deserve special mention because they offer properties that plant-based fibers can't replicate: natural insulation, moisture management, odor resistance, and warmth even when wet. Modern wool knits are far softer than the scratchy wool of decades past, especially when blended with other fibers.

Wool Knits at Nature's Fabrics

Best Projects for Wool Knits

Cold-weather base layers, transitional-season tops and dresses, outerwear, and any garment where natural insulation and moisture management are priorities.

Quick Reference: Which Knit for Which Project?

Tips for Sewing Any Knit Fabric

  • Use the right needle. A ballpoint or stretch needle prevents skipped stitches and snags on knit loops. Size 75/11 for lightweight knits, 90/14 for heavier ones.
  • Use a stretch stitch. A narrow zigzag, lightning bolt stitch, or serger seam will stretch with the fabric. A straight stitch alone will pop.
  • Pre-wash before cutting. Most natural knits will shrink on the first wash. Pre-wash in the same conditions you plan to launder the finished garment.
  • Don't stretch as you sew. Let the fabric feed naturally through the machine. Stretching while sewing causes wavy seams.
  • Use a walking foot for heavier knits. It feeds the top and bottom layers evenly, which prevents shifting on fleece and interlock.
  • Stabilize necklines and shoulder seams. Use clear elastic or stay tape to prevent these seams from stretching out over time.

Ready to Shop?

Whether you're a seasoned sewist or just getting started with knits, Nature's Fabrics has the natural fiber options you need. Browse by fabric type to find exactly what your next project calls for, and don't hesitate to order a swatch if you're unsure about weight or hand feel before committing to yardage.

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