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Jersey Fabric

Jersey Fabric

Jersey fabric is a knitted dressmaking fabric valued for its softness, comfort and natural stretch. Unlike woven fabrics, jersey stretches as you move, making it ideal for garments that need flexibility and ease of wear. From everyday t-shirts and relaxed dresses to leggings, loungewear and more structured knit garments, jersey is one of the most versatile fabrics for dressmaking.

Our jersey fabric collection includes cotton jersey, viscose jersey, ponte roma, scuba, French terry and printed jersey fabrics in a wide range of colours and designs. Lightweight jerseys offer a fluid drape that works beautifully for dresses, tops and blouses, while more substantial jerseys such as ponte roma provide extra stability and structure for trousers, skirts and jackets.

Use the filters to refine your search by fibre content, colour, stretch and design. If you're matching fabric to a sewing pattern, pay particular attention to the stretch requirements, as different jersey fabrics can behave very differently depending on their composition and construction.

Jersey fabric types explained

Jersey fabric covers a wide range of knitted textiles, from fine single-knit t-shirting to stable double-knit ponte. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right fabric for your pattern.

Single knit (standard jersey) is made from one layer of yarn knitted in one direction. It's lightweight and has good stretch, making it ideal for t-shirts, casual tops and summer dresses. It can curl at the edges when cut, so handling with care during construction is recommended.

Interlock knit is a double-sided knit with two interlocked layers. It's more stable than single knit, doesn't curl at the edges, and is easier to sew - making it a popular choice for beginners. Works well for dresses, skirts, leggings and children's wear.

Rib knit has alternating vertical ribs on both sides and greater elasticity than standard jersey. It's most commonly used for cuffs, neckbands and waistbands rather than the main body of a garment, though it works well for fitted tops and dresses too.

Ponte Roma and Scuba are heavyweight double-knit fabrics with minimal stretch and excellent structure. They behave more like a woven fabric during construction and are ideal for tailored trousers, structured dresses and skirts.

Viscose jersey has superior drape and breathability - it's one of the most comfortable jerseys to wear, particularly for wrap dresses, draped blouses and flowing skirts. It can be slippery to cut, so using pattern weights and cutting one layer at a time is advised.

What is jersey fabric and how is it different from woven fabric?

Jersey is a knitted fabric rather than a woven one. The loops that make up the knit structure give jersey its natural stretch and recovery, making it comfortable to wear and ideal for close-fitting garments. Woven fabrics such as cotton poplin and linen generally have little or no stretch, so patterns designed for jersey rely on that stretch to achieve the correct fit and shape.

Which jersey fabric is easiest for beginners to sew?

If you're new to sewing with knits, ponte roma and scuba are often good places to start. They are stable, hold their shape well and are less likely to curl at the edges than lighter jersey fabrics. Cotton jersey is also a popular beginner-friendly option. Softer jerseys, such as viscose jersey, can require a little more care because of their fluid drape and stretch.

Do I need a special needle to sew jersey fabric?

We would recommend using a ballpoint or stretch needle when sewing jersey fabrics. These needles are designed to move between the knitted loops rather than piercing them, helping to prevent skipped stitches and unnecessary damage to the fabric. The best needle size will depend on the weight of the jersey you're using, but a medium-sized ballpoint needle is suitable for many projects.

What can I make with jersey fabric?

Jersey is one of the most versatile dressmaking fabrics available. Cotton jersey is perfect for t-shirts, tops, children's clothing and casual dresses. Viscose jersey is often chosen for draped dresses, skirts and blouses, while ponte roma and scuba are popular for trousers, jackets, skirts and more structured garments. French terry works particularly well for sweatshirts, joggers and comfortable everyday wear.