4 way stretch knit fabric is very popular as a versatile material. It gives the garment elasticity and good recovery. So it’s very suitable for active wear, gym wear, swimsuits and other close-fitting apparel. It offers beauty and comfort at the same time.
When coming up with a knit fabric, you might stretch it and think it’s 4 way stretch knit fabric. But is it really 4 way stretch? What 4 way stretch refer to? How to choose the right one?
As the name suggested, 4 way stretch knit fabric is flexible both width and length. Furthermore, it’s also stretchy in other directions. Besides, it keeps shape no matter how you stretch. So it’s durable and long-lasting for sportswear, swimsuits. Now let’s explore how 4 way stretch knit fabric work, which fabric is 4 way stretch and other related issues.
What is 4 way stretch knit fabric?
According to knitting type, 4 way stretch knit fabric is warp knitting, also called tricot knitting. It’s very tight knitting and not easy to loose yarn, perfect for swimsuit. So we also call 4 way stretch fabric swimwear fabric. It stretches in 4 direction and keeps retention. That’s very important for swimsuit, bathing suit, diving suit and board shorts. Furthermore, 4 way stretch knit fabric lengthwise is more stretchy than widthwise. So it can reduce resistance when swimming.
How to measure the fabric stretch degree?
When it comes to stretch fabric, what’s the measure? It’s the modulus. It means the strength you need when stretching fabrics. Different fabric has different modulus. It depends on the fabric density. The denser the fabric, the higher the modulus. Usually, lightweight fabric has good elasticity and recovery. While heavyweight fabric is less elastic and resilient.
So how to define fabric weight? There’s a range. Below 150gsm is light and beyond 200gsm is heavy. So you will find the swimsuit fabric is common in 150gsm-200gsm.
How to judge the fabric is 4 way stretch?
Here’s a quick and easy way for you. When you get the fabric sample, take 10 cm in the middle and stretch the part in length and width. If the 10 cm can be stretched to 15cm when lateral stretching, and the vertical modulus is less than the horizontal’s. It proves to be 4 way stretch. While 1.5 times length is the basic, most 4 way stretch knit fabric can stretch twice.
However, you may consider about one issue: If the fabric is not on my hand, how to confirm? Here are two specs you can pay attention to. One is composition, the other is knitting type. Usually, 4 way stretch knit fabric has 10%-20% elastic fiber, including spandex and lycra yarn. Lycra is excellent but expensive. And spandex is cost-effective and ordinary. While another obvious key point is choosing warp knitting fabric. So, when you are looking for 4 way stretch knit fabric, think of the two elements. If the fabric meets the two conditions, you will not waste time and money.
Which type of fabric is 4 way stretch knit?
4 way stretch knit fabric is usually made from synthetic fibers like nylon(polyamide), polyester, spandex, and lycra. These fibers can work together to achieve a flexible and durable material. Polyester and nylon are popular because they are stretchy, breathable, andn quick dry, which is ideal for activewear. Plus, blending with spandex or lycra is to reach higher stretch and recovery, allowing the fabric to keep the original shape and support body hug over time.
What’s the stretch degree of 4 way stretch knit fabric?
It deserves to say 4 way stretch knit fabric is high stretch. Depending on the materials and process, it can stretch up to 400% of its original size. It suggests that the fabric can be easy to stretch and recover quickly. Whether pulled in any direction, it will bounce back to its original size and form.
The stretch degree of 4 way stretch knit fabric depends on the fabric purpose. For example, fabrics for sportswear usually have more stretch than those for casual wear. When choosing a 4 way stretch fabric, it’s essential to consider the stretch level for the specific purpose. This helps ensure the fabric to be comfortable and suitable for its application.
What’s the purpose of 4 way stretch knit fabric?
4 way stretch knit fabric is usually for garments on exercise or activity, especially for high strength. It’s perfect for items like swimsuits, yoga leggings, gymnastic leotards, dance costume and athletic wear. These clothes are designed to fit snugly, providing support while ensuring the wearer can move freely without any limitations.
Most people wear stretch fabric leggings for exercise. It’s also common to see the leggings under sports skirt, dress, running shorts for extra warm. Since they are body fit. It’s important for you to move easily. That’s why most leggings are made of 4-way stretch knit fabric, allowing comfort and flexibility.
4 way stretch knit fabric is also a good material for dress and skirt. It can be sewed to loose or fitted, like A shaped dress or bodycon dress. With stretch fabric, they both offer good elasticity when moving here and there, achieving beauty and comfort.
Which place to find 4 way stretch knit fabric?
If you’re searching for a place with a variety of fabrics, including 4 way stretch materials, check out Natudon! Natudon is top 10 online fabric supplier known for its large collection of high-quality fabrics at reasonable price.
One of the advantages of Natudon is its wide range of 4 way stretch knit fabrics. These fabrics are really four way stretch, ensuring a comfortable and flexible fit. They’re ideal for swimwear, yoga wear, gym wear, dancewear, and other types of activewear where freedom of movement is a must.
Besides their 4 way stretch knit fabrics, Natudon also offers different types of knitted fabrics like stretch satin, power mesh, jacquard mesh, interlock and single jersey. They are most suitable for any sports occasion, also for daily wear. It embrace the idea of “Athleisure”.
Purchase on Natudon is simple and convenient, you can send inquiry in several places on the page. They also provide great customer service, ensuring you get help in time and finish your project with confidence.
FAQ
What is 4 way strech knit fabric best for?
The best usage of 4 way stretch knit fabric is for clothing that needs flexibility and comfort, such as athletic wear, fitness wear, swimwear, and performance outfits. It is ideal for garments that require freedom of movement and a snug fit.
Is 4 way stretch knit fabric good for summer?
Some 4 way stretch knit fabrics are lightweight and breathable, which is cool for summer, while others might be thicker and less breathable, which is not suitable for hot weather. It’s important to choose the right stretch fabric based on the season and usage.
