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Sweatshirt Fabric

Everything you need for a cosy make in one place. Our sweatshirt fabric collection covers brushed sweatshirting, French terry, fleece, ponte roma and quilted jersey, in plains and prints, for hoodies, joggers, sweater dresses and loungewear.

Because the range spans several knit types, it's worth choosing by warmth and weight. Order a sample to feel the fabric and check the stretch before you buy.

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Sweatshirt fabric is a broad family of comfortable knits used for relaxed, casual clothing. Rather than a single cloth, this collection brings together several knit types so you can pick the right warmth and weight for your project, from light sweater dresses to cosy winter hoodies.

Types of fabric in this collection

  • Brushed sweatshirting: looped on the reverse and brushed soft, the classic warm choice for hoodies and sweatshirts.
  • French terry: smooth face with unbrushed loops, lighter and good across the seasons.
  • Fleece: the warmest option, soft and insulating for winter layers.
  • Ponte roma: a stable double knit with structure, ideal for sweater dresses, skirts and relaxed tailoring.
  • Quilted and double knit: textured, weightier knits for statement tops and jackets.

Sweatshirting or French terry?

The two overlap, so the difference is mostly warmth. Brushed sweatshirting has a soft, fuzzy reverse that traps heat, which suits cosy hoodies and winter joggers. French terry has unbrushed loops, so it's lighter and works for sweater dresses, tops and lighter joggers worn through milder weather. If in doubt, order a sample of each and compare the weight.

Sewing with sweatshirt fabrics

Use a ballpoint or stretch needle and a stretch stitch on seams that need to give. Heavier knits like fleece and ponte are stable and beginner-friendly, while ribbing at the cuffs, hem and neckline gives a professional, hard-wearing finish. As knits can shrink on the first wash, pre-wash and dry the fabric the way you'll care for the garment before cutting, unless the care label states otherwise.

What is the difference between sweatshirt fabric and French terry?

Brushed sweatshirting has soft, fuzzy loops on the reverse that make it warmer, ideal for hoodies and winter joggers. French terry has the same loops but unbrushed, so it's lighter and works across the seasons for tops and sweater dresses. This collection includes both, so you can choose by warmth.

Is sweatshirt fabric warm enough for winter?

Yes, particularly the brushed sweatshirting and fleece, which trap warmth well. For the cosiest results choose a heavier brushed knit or fleece. Lighter French terry is better for milder weather or layering. Feeling the weight via a sample is the best way to judge.

How much fabric do I need for a sweatshirt?

It varies with size and style, so check your pattern's requirements first. As a rough guide, an adult sweatshirt often needs around 1.5 to 2 metres, plus a little ribbing for the cuffs, hem and neckband. Buy a little extra to allow for matching prints.

Do I need matching ribbing for cuffs and hems?

Ribbing isn't essential, but it gives the neat, stretchy, hard-wearing finish associated with sweatshirts and joggers at the cuffs, hem and neckline. Choose a ribbing that suits the weight and stretch of your main fabric, and a colour that either matches or deliberately contrasts.

What needle should I use for sweatshirt fabric?

Use a ballpoint or stretch needle, which slips between the knitted loops rather than piercing them, helping to avoid skipped stitches and damage. Pair it with a stretch or narrow zig-zag stitch on seams that need to give, and choose the needle size to suit the weight of the knit.

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