When designing an outfit, selecting the right fabric is crucial. The fabric will determine the fit and appearance of the garment. Fabrics come in different varieties and are categorized into two: Woven and
Knitted fabrics.
To know whether a fabric is knit or woven, simply scrunch it up in your hand. Woven fabrics maintain their shape from the scrunch while knit fabrics collapse.
Cables are expressively textured motifs that look like raised columns twisting and criss-crossing across planes of fabric. At their most fundamental level, they are simply groups of stitches knitted out of order. This is a simple technique to work, but there are many clever interpretations and variations that can make beautiful fabrics with interesting surface textures.
When working cables, stitches are transferred to a special needle known as the cable needle while others remain on the circular needle. The stitches on the cable needle are then either knitted or purled, depending on whether a Left or Right cable was worked in the previous row. In a 3-over-2 cable, the first set of stitches held on the cable needle are knitted while the last are purled.
Birds eye fabric is a type of knit fabric that is made on a dobby loom. It features a pattern that resembles diamond shapes or birds’ eyes. It’s often used for suits and other formal clothing. The pattern also makes it more breathable than other fabrics.
The fabric’s name comes from its small, evenly spaced “birds-eye” holes, which are reminiscent of bird’s eyes. These holes help to wick away perspiration, which makes the fabric ideal for sportswear.
Polyester bird’s eye mesh fabric is available in a wide variety of colors and textures. Some options are even eco-friendly, as they’re crafted from recycled polyester fibers. Other benefits of this fabric include its high elasticity, wrinkle resistance, and color fastness. It’s also a great choice for activewear, garment lining, and gussets.
Pointelle Fabric
Besides being lightweight and breathable, pointelle fabric also has a delicate and lacy appearance. It is popular for creating summer clothing and decorative accents. It is also resistant to wrinkles, which makes it easier to take care of.
Knit fabrics are usually made from cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers. They are also much cheaper to produce than woven fabrics, making them an affordable option for creating a wide variety of clothing items. Knitted fabrics are also elastic, which makes them comfortable to wear during physical activities.
Pointelle fabric is similar to lace fabric, but it is made using a different technique. It is often used in T-shirts, pyjamas and children’s clothing. It can also be woven on jacquard looms to create patterned fabrics. The woven pattern on these fabrics is visible through small geometric holes in the fabric.
When it comes to knitting, intarsia is a great option for transforming complicated designs into knit fabric. This technique uses different colors of yarn to create a patterned single knit fabric. It looks identical on the front side and backside of the fabric. It also eliminates the floats found on traditional Fair Isle designs.
It is important to choose the right yarns for intarsia projects. Try to use yarns with a bit of fuzz, which will hide any uneven stitches or gaps at the color changes. You should also avoid yarns with too much tension or a tight gauge.
Another problem with intarsia colorwork is the forest of yarn tails left on the wrong side. You can solve this by threading the tail onto a tapestry needle and weaving it in along the edges of the color section.
FabThe Fabric
Knitted fabrics are a great choice for making form-fitting clothing. They provide comfort and flexibility to your outfit, and they are more cost-effective than woven fabrics. They also come in different textures, allowing you to choose the right fabric for your needs.
A textured knit fabric has vertical ridges that can be stretched crosswise and is commonly used in cuffs and necklines. Its texture is reminiscent of corduroy and has a soft, lustrous finish.
A double-knit fabric made with patterned loop transfer techniques has a distinctive look and is called a pointelle or lace knit. Its patterned miss stitches create surface textures that look like braiding and are perfect for feminine dresses and blouses. It is lightweight and drapes well. Moreover, it is wrinkle-resistant and does not require ironing.