Understanding Interlock Knitted Fabric
Interlock fabric, also known as double-knit fabric, is a type of fabric that is made using two sets of needles. This unique knitting process creates a thicker material with identical sides. The layers are tightly connected by interlocking stitches, making the fabric stronger, more durable, and thicker than single-knit jerseys.
Interlock knit fabric stands apart from other textiles due to its unique construction, which is a variation of rib knitting. This special technique results in a material that offers excellent stretch and drapes well over the body. Unlike traditional options, it has a smooth surface on both the front and back, creating the illusion of two layers that remain firmly connected. This seamless structure makes it a double-knit fabric, ensuring durability and a soft, uniform feel. The way it is knitted on a machine interlocks the fibers tightly, producing a thicker, more structured fabric with a tightest weave.
How Interlock Fabric is Produced
Structure of Interlock Knit
Interlock fabric is crafted through a precise knitting process where woven loops are intertwined using warp and weft threads. Unlike traditional methods, this fabric is formed through a looping technique rather than perpendicular thread intersections. The balanced structure of interlock gives it an excellent stretch and recovery, ensuring durability and long-lasting wear. Manufactured using a circular knitting machine, the interlock formation provides a soft and smooth finish, making it a top choice for garments requiring both comfort and resilience. Its advanced manufacturing process keeps it ahead of other similar fabrics in terms of stability and strength.
Composition of Interlock Fabric
Made from a blend of materials such as polyester, wool, bamboo, rayon, silk, and cotton, interlock fabric offers a combination of elasticity and stability. Some variations are composed of 100% polyester, while others include blended cotton and wool, along with chemical fibers. Chlorine-treated fibers, acrylic, and spandex are also used to enhance the fabric’s elasticity and surface clarity. The fabric’s clear lines and smooth cloth surface make it suitable for sweaters, outerwear, briefs, and vests. Due to its well-balanced composition, interlock fabric provides superior durability while maintaining a soft and breathable texture.
Types of interlock fabric
Exploring Cotton Interlock Fabric
Cotton interlock fabric is widely chosen for its soft texture and breathable nature. Made from 100% cotton, this fabric ensures excellent moisture absorption and promotes air circulation, keeping the wearer comfortable throughout the day. It is a strong and durable material that withstands frequent washing while maintaining its quality. Commonly used in casual clothing, cotton interlock is perfect for t-shirts, dresses, baby clothes, and undergarments, making it a staple in everyday wear.
The Strength of Polyester Interlock Fabric
Polyester interlock fabric is a synthetic option known for its resilience and ability to resist stretching and shrinking. Sourced from petroleum-based fibers, it has a quick-drying property due to its low water absorbency. This fabric is ideal for sportswear such as leggings and athletic tops, where moisture-wicking features are crucial. The durable construction ensures long-lasting performance, making it a preferred choice for activewear.
Nylon and Spandex: A Perfect Blend
Nylon/spandex blend interlock fabric combines the strength of nylon with the elasticity of spandex, resulting in a flexible yet durable textile. This fabric offers excellent shape retention, allowing garments to maintain their structure even after repeated wear. Commonly used in activewear, it provides support and compression while ensuring maximum comfort and stretchability. Its flexible nature makes it ideal for sports and fitness apparel.
Bamboo Rayon-Based Interlock: A Sustainable Choice
Bamboo rayon-based interlock fabric has gained popularity due to its eco-friendly production process. Bamboo requires less water to grow, making it a sustainable resource for textiles. This fabric offers superior breathability and natural antibacterial properties, preventing odor-causing bacteria from thriving. Often used for intimate apparel like underwear and sleepwear, it provides a soft and comfortable feel, perfect for sensitive skin.
Luxurious Feel of Modal Interlock Fabric
Modal interlock fabric is a premium textile crafted from beech tree cellulose fibers. Known for its silk-like softness, this fabric is commonly used in high-end fashion garments such as dresses and tops. It drapes beautifully and retains color well, making it a stylish yet functional choice. With excellent moisture absorption and a luxurious texture, modal interlock stands out for its elegance and comfort.
Characteristic of interlock fabric
Compact and Breathable Design
Interlock fabric stands out for its compact structure, which is an unusual feature in knitted textiles. The fibers are tightly arranged, trapping air within the fabric. This creates an insulant effect, making it breathable and ideal for various sporting activities. The balance between insulation and airflow ensures comfort, whether in warm or cool conditions.
Versatile for Different Uses
This fabric is widely used across different products, especially in underwear and winter garments. Its soft and warm texture makes it perfect for cotton-made pajamas and other everyday essentials. Due to its adaptability, it is a preferred choice for both casual wear and performance-based apparel.
Unique Structure and Durability
With an air layer structure, interlock fabric maintains a heavier weight ranging from 150 to 450 GSM. Despite its thickness, the fabric has a smooth and polished finish on both sides, eliminating the need for additional lining. This feature makes it highly durable while retaining a sleek appearance.
Anti-Pilling Properties for Long-Lasting Wear
One of the advantages of interlock fabric is its resistance to pilling. Its anti-pilling properties range between grades 3 and 4, ensuring that garments made from this fabric maintain a clean and fresh look even after multiple washes.
Pleasant to Touch and Comfortable
The fabric is appreciated for its airy texture and soft feel, making it highly pleasant to touch. It is commonly used in high-quality clothing for everyday comfort, providing a smooth and breathable experience, especially during summer days.
Moisture-Wicking and Quick Drying
Interlock fabric has excellent moisture-wicking capabilities, allowing it to absorb sweat efficiently. With the help of a weft knitting machine, it enhances breathability while remaining customizable to different requirements. Its anti-bacterial properties and quick drying mechanism make it a great choice for activewear and sportswear.
Stretch and Recovery for Flexibility
This fabric offers excellent stretch and recovery, ensuring flexibility in movement. Whether used in casual or performance wear, it allows unrestricted motion while maintaining its original shape. The balance of comfort and elasticity makes it ideal for all-day wear.
Application of Interlock fabrics
- Interlock fabric is commonly used in activewear and sportswear manufacturing due to its excellent flexibility and comfort.
- It is a top choice for printing services, especially sublimation, which allows vibrant designs to be transferred onto the fabric.
- Wool, acrylic, and polyester yarns are often used to make dress wear and skirts from interlock fabric.
- Cotton and the blend of cotton and polyester are ideal for making underwear fabric, ensuring both comfort and durability.
- There is a growing market for children’s clothing, especially t-shirts, made from interlock fabric.
- Interlock fabric is a staple in apparel for various items such as short and long sleeves, sports shorts, and jerseys, including basketball and 7 on 7 jerseys.
- The fabric is also widely used for comfortable wear like tops, dresses, and t-shirts, offering softness and breathability.
- Baby clothing also benefits from the softness and comfort of interlock fabric, making it a preferred choice for baby garments.
- It is used in fitness clothing for its moisture-wicking properties, providing comfort during workouts.