Single Jersey, Interlock, Punto Di Roma, Rib, Cardigan, Pique, Two-Thread Fleece, Three-Thread Fleece, Denier, Selanik, Polar Fleece

Single Jersey, Interlock, Punto Di Roma, Rib, Cardigan, Pique, Two-Thread Fleece, Three-Thread Fleece, Denier, Selanik, Polar Fleece

Knitted Fabric Types

What is Single Jersey (Süprem) Fabric?

Single jersey fabric is a type of knitted fabric produced on single-bed circular knitting machines using cotton or cotton-heavy yarns with a plain knit technique. It is commonly used in the production of t-shirts, sleeveless undershirts, vests, and underwear.

Technical Characteristics

• Surface structure: The front side has a smooth, plain knit appearance, while the back side shows purl loops.

• Weight: Typically produced in the range of 100–130 g/m².

• Width: Wider compared to rib and interlock fabrics.

• Stretch: Stretches both in width and length directions.

• Wrinkle resistance: Resistant to wrinkling and easy to iron.

• Cutting behavior: Edges tend to curl when cut.

• Production technique: Produced using plain (RL) knit technique.

• Twisting risk: Risk of fabric twisting (skewing) due to unbalanced loop structure.

• Sewing sensitivity: May tear if not sewn with fine-point needles.

Yarn and Blend Based Single Jersey Varieties

The following single jersey fabric types are produced with different yarn types and blends, using yarn counts (Ne) ranging from 10/1 to 60/1:

• Plain Single Jersey

• Open-End Grindle Plain Single Jersey

• Open-End Grindle Lycra Single Jersey

• Lycra Single Jersey

• Combed Plain Single Jersey

• Ring Grindle Plain Single Jersey

• Ring Grindle Lycra Single Jersey

• Combed Lycra Single Jersey

• Cotton Polyester Full Lycra Single Jersey

• Open-End Single Jersey

• Carded Single Jersey

Variations and Special Types

• Lycra Single Jersey: High stretchability, preferred for underwear and activewear.

• Jacquard Single Jersey: Patterned using weft knitting and different knitting techniques.

• Metallic Single Jersey: Produced with metallic yarns for visual effects.

• Ring/Boucle Single Jersey: Variations with differentiated surface texture.

• Medical and Sportswear Use: Used for summer outerwear and medical textiles.

Application Areas

• T-shirts

• Underwear

• Baby clothing

• Vests, sleeveless undershirts

• Medical garments

• Sportswear outerwear

Interlock Fabric

Interlock fabric is produced on double-bed circular knitting machines. It has a double-layered structure, the same appearance on both front and back sides, and a tight, firm texture.

Technical Characteristics

• Surface appearance: Front and back sides are identical.

• Texture: Tight and firm.

• Stretch: Stretches only in the horizontal direction.

• Shape retention: Excellent shape retention.

• Air gap: An air gap exists between front and back layers, providing insulation.

• Applications: Used in medical garments, sportswear, baby clothing, blouses, sweatpants.

• Difference from rib fabric: When stretched widthwise, loops interlock with each other – this distinguishes interlock from rib.

Interlock with Float Stitch (Punto Di Roma)

Punto di Roma is a fabric type based on interlock but with a different knitting technique, also known as "çelikli interlok" in Turkish.

Technical Characteristics

• Surface appearance: Front and back sides are identical.

• Knitting technique: Knitted using a combination of knit and float (skip) stitches.

• Moisture management: High moisture absorption and wicking ability.

• Run risk: Loops may run (ladder) when stretched.

• Pattern and surface variety: Limited pattern and surface variations.

• Variations: Available in PES (polyester), ring-spun, yarn-dyed, etc.

Rib Fabric

Rib fabric is produced on double-bed circular knitting machines. It has a ribbed, elastic appearance and is known for its high widthwise stretchability.

Technical Characteristics

• Surface appearance: Front and back sides are similar, typically showing vertical stripes.

• Widthwise stretch: Very high.

• Lengthwise stretch: Some lengthwise stretch exists.

• Thermal balance: Helps regulate body temperature and traps air for insulation.

• Cutting behavior: Edges do not curl when cut.

• Needle test: Knit structure can be verified with a needle test due to the RL loop structure.

• Applications: Used in collars, cuffs, bodysuits, etc.

• Lycra addition: Stretch can be further enhanced with Lycra.

Cardigan (Kaşkorse) Fabric

Cardigan fabric is similar to rib fabric in structure, with vertical stripes. It is knitted with a three-needle configuration and is mainly used in women’s wear and underwear.

Technical Characteristics

• Surface appearance: Both front and back are striped and similar to each other.

• Stretch: Stretches both widthwise and lengthwise.

• Knit structure: Similar to rib but with a different needle arrangement.

• Applications: Women’s clothing, nightgowns, belts, sweaters, underwear.

• Flame resistance: High resistance to burning.

• Finish varieties: Available in shiny and matte versions.

• Dirt resistance: Does not hold dirt easily.

• Shape retention: Shape is not easily distorted.

• Print suitability: Suitable for patterns and prints.

• Variations: Microfiber blends are available.

Pique (Lacoste) Fabric

Pique fabric is known for its honeycomb-like back surface and smooth front surface, especially used in polo shirts.

Technical Characteristics

• Applications: Polo shirts, sweatpants, dresses.

• Surface structure: Back surface has a honeycomb appearance; front surface is smooth.

• Production variants: Can be produced with single, double, or triple yarn systems.

• Ease of sewing: Easy to sew; has a crisp, slightly stiff hand feel.

• Other applications: Used in home textiles and formal wear.

• Expansion behavior: Tends to relax and expand, allowing body conformity.

Two-Thread Fleece (Two Thread Fleece)

Two-thread fleece is a fabric type used mainly in sweatshirts and tracksuits, knitted with two different yarns: a ground yarn and a backing yarn.

Technical Characteristics

• Applications: Sweatshirts, hoodies, tracksuits.

• Production machine: Produced on single-bed circular knitting machines (plain/RL).

• Yarn combination: Uses two distinct yarns – ground and backing.

• Surface difference: Front and back surfaces are different.

• Brushed finish: Available in brushed (napped) and unbrushed versions.

• Variations: Lycra, grindle, printed, denier yarn, cotton-polyester blends.

Three-Thread Fleece (Three Ply Fleece)

Three-thread fleece is a heavy, thick fabric used in bulky sportswear, knitted with three separate yarns: ground, surface, and binding yarns.

Technical Characteristics

• Applications: Heavy tracksuits, sportswear, tablecloths.

• Yarn structure: Three different yarns – ground, surface, and binding.

• Production technique: Knitted on plain (RL) machines using a combination of knit, tuck, and float stitches.

• Wrinkle resistance: Does not wrinkle.

• Tear resistance: Not easily torn.

• Shape retention: Holds its shape well.

• Variations: Brushed, printed, batik, ring-spun, polyester blends.

• Yarn combination ratios: Examples: 30/70/10 or 30/90/30 (ground/backing/binding ratios).

Denier Fabric

Denier fabric is classified by fiber fineness and is generally used in technical textiles and accessories.

Technical Characteristics

• Applications: Backpacks, technical textiles.

• Fiber fineness: Produced in a range from 50 denier to 600 denier. Lower denier means finer yarn, higher denier means thicker yarn.

• Abrasion resistance: Very high resistance to abrasion.

• Thickness adjustment: Yarn fineness can be adjusted according to the required thickness and durability of the final product.

Selanik (Thessaloniki) Fabric

Selanik fabric is knitted on double-bed machines, with a rib-like front surface and an interlock-like back surface. It is used in sweatshirts and sweaters.

Technical Characteristics

• Applications: Sweatshirts, sweaters, cardigans, jackets.

• Production machine: Double-bed circular knitting machines.

• Surface structure: Front has a rib (vertical stripe) appearance; back is smooth like interlock.

• Variations: Two main variants – full Selanik and half Selanik.

• Thermal behavior: Shows relaxation under high heat, improving shapeability and stretch.

• User range: Used for both baby and adult outerwear.

Polar Fleece Fabric

Polar fleece is a fabric whose knit structure is not visible; its surface is mechanically or chemically softened to create a plush-like texture. It is commonly used as a lining or mid-layer.

Technical Characteristics

• Applications: Baby clothing, lining for coats and jackets.

• Surface characteristics: Knit structure is not visible; the surface is napped and softened.

• Thermal insulation: Very high heat retention.

• Tactile feel: Soft, plush-like texture that feels comfortable against the skin.