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French Terry Navy Jersey Fabric With A Looped Back Scale Fabric Close Up Photo

French Terry Fabric

French terry is a comfortable knit fabric with smooth jersey on one side and soft looped terry on the other. It's a go-to for sweatshirts, joggers, hoodies, sweater dresses and relaxed everyday clothes.

Our range covers cotton, organic GOTS cotton and softer modal French terry, in plains and prints, plus heavier brushed styles. For more cosy knits, see our sweatshirt fabrics collection. Order a sample to check the weight and stretch.

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French terry is a knitted fabric defined by its construction: a smooth knit face with loops of yarn on the reverse. Those unbrushed loops give it a comfortable weight and a little stretch while keeping it more stable than fine jersey, which makes it one of the easier knits to sew and a favourite for casual, cosy garments.

Types of French terry in this collection

  • Cotton French terry: the everyday option, soft, breathable and easy to wear.
  • Organic GOTS cotton: certified organic cotton for those who want a more considered choice.
  • Modal French terry: softer with more drape, lovely for sweater dresses and relaxed tops.
  • Brushed French terry: the loops are brushed for extra softness and warmth, closer to a light sweatshirting.

French terry, sweatshirting and fleece

French terry has soft loops on the reverse but isn't brushed, so it's lighter and works across the seasons. Brushed sweatshirting has those loops brushed into a soft fuzzy surface for more warmth, and fleece is warmer still. If you want a lighter make or a sweater dress, French terry is usually the better pick; for a cosy winter sweatshirt, a brushed sweatshirting may suit better.

Sewing with French terry

Use a ballpoint or stretch needle so the machine moves between the knitted loops rather than piercing them, and a stretch or zig-zag stitch on seams that need to give. The smooth side is usually the right side, though the looped side can be used as a feature. As a knit it can shrink on the first wash, so pre-wash and dry it the way you'll treat the garment before cutting, unless the care label states otherwise. Ribbing at cuffs, hems and necklines gives a neat, hard-wearing finish.

What is French terry and how is it different from sweatshirt fleece?

French terry is a knit with a smooth face and unbrushed loops on the reverse, which keeps it lighter and usable year-round. Sweatshirt fleece has those loops brushed into a soft, warm pile. French terry suits tops, dresses and lighter joggers, while fleece is warmer and better for cosy winter sweatshirts.

Is French terry stretchy?

It has a moderate amount of stretch, mostly across the width, thanks to its knitted construction. It's more stable than fine jersey, which makes it easier to sew, but it still has enough give for comfortable, relaxed garments. Check the product page if a pattern specifies a particular stretch percentage.

What weight of French terry should I use for a sweatshirt versus a dress?

Heavier and brushed French terry gives the body and warmth you want in a sweatshirt or hoodie, while lighter cotton or drapier modal terry is better for sweater dresses, tops and tunics. Order a sample if you're unsure, as feeling the weight is the best guide.

Which side of French terry is the right side?

The smooth knit side is usually used as the right side, with the looped side worn against the skin for comfort. That said, the looped side can be used as the right side for a more casual, textured look. It's your choice, just keep it consistent across all your pieces.

Does French terry shrink, and should I pre-wash it?

As a knit, French terry can shrink on its first wash, particularly cotton and organic cotton. Pre-wash and dry it the same way you plan to care for the finished garment before cutting, unless the care label advises otherwise, so the fit stays true afterwards.

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