Fabric 101: Nylon
Nylon is a type of synthetic fiber known for its exceptional durability and resistance to various chemicals. At its core, nylon is a material that’s lightweight yet strong enough to take on everyday wear and tear with ease. It can be used to create a wide variety of materials, and in many cases, it is combined with other fibers to create a blend. For example, a blend of nylon and cotton or nylon and polyester are more common than 100% nylon material.
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| Fabric | Nylon |
| Texture? | A smooth and plastic-like texture |
| Stretch? | Nylon usually offers a high level of elasticity |
| Weight? | It depends entirely on the type of fabric |
| Stiff or flowy drape? | Nylon tends to give fabrics a somewhat flowy drape, but it also depends on the specific weave of the fabric |
| Opaque or sheer? | This depends entirely on the fabric (e.g. swimwear is opaque, while stockings are semi-sheer) |
| Shiny? | Nylon fabrics often have a slight sheen |
| Fraying? | It depends on whether the fabric is woven or knitted (knit fabrics don’t fray), but overall nylon is somewhat resistant to pilling |
| Pilling? | Nylon is resistant to pilling |
| Other identifying properties? | Nylon is highly durable, and is often found in blends with other fibers, such as polyester or cotton. |
| Cool or warm weather? | Varies depending on how heavy the fabric is, but since nylon is not breathable, it tends to be better for cooler weather |
| What to make? | Used to make stockings and socks, windproof outerwear, sportswear, tutus and petticoats, yoga pants, and elastic form-fitting clothing. Nylon also has many uses outside of the clothing and fabric industry (e.g. nylon toothbrushes, fishing nets, umbrellas, etc.) |
| What needle to use? | Us a stretch needle when sewing with nylon |
What kind of fabric is nylon?
Nylon is a synthetic fiber renowned for its strength, elasticity, and durability. First introduced at the 1939 New York World’s Fair, it quickly became a staple in the textile industry. This material has a high capacity for recovery from stretching, allowing it to maintain its shape and not become stretched out over time.
With its unique combination of flexibility and strength, nylon provides a wide range of uses, from everyday attire to safety equipment. The high tensile strength of nylon fibers is due to the crystalline structures within the polymer, contributing to the material’s practical value.
Nylon is also quick-drying, resistant to abrasion, and easy to wash. It is commonly used in a variety of applications, including clothing like hosiery and swimsuits, outdoor gear such as tents and ropes, and everyday items like carpets and toothbrush bristles.
While 100% nylon fabric is still used (especially for highly elastic material), it’s more common to find fabrics that have a percentage of nylon fibers incorporated in the material alongside other fibers.
Nylon fabric versus spandex
Nylon and spandex are very similar fibers with equally similar uses within fabrics. The main differences are in their durability and flexibility. You’ll choose nylon if your priority is durability and longevity, and opt for spandex where extreme flexibility is necessary.
| Nylon | Spandex |
| • Offers moderate stretch due to its capability to regain shape after stretching. • Extremely durable, resistant to tears and abrasions. Well-suited for items needing to withstand stress, like outdoor gear. • Quick-drying and manages sweat effectively. Ideal for sportswear and activewear. • Easy to wash and maintain, less prone to wrinkling. | • Highly elastic, can expand up to five times its length and bounce back. • Often blended with other fabrics to provide stretch while maintaining strength. • Also wicks moisture away but not as quickly as nylon. • Commonly used in form-fitting clothes due to its stretchability. • Requires careful handling; heat can damage its elasticity. • Susceptible to oils and lotions, which can break down fibers. |
What can you make with nylon fabric?
Nylon is extensively used in the production of sportswear due to its moisture-wicking and fast-drying properties. You’ll also find nylon in swimwear because of its resistance to water. Nylon’s stretchability also makes it an ideal material for hosiery and undergarments.
Nylon is also commonly found in material used for tents, backpacks, and other outdoor equipment. This fabric’s lightweight and waterproof characteristics ensure that gear withstands various environmental conditions.
Properties of nylon fabric
- Texture:
- Nylon fabric is smooth and often described as slick
- Stretch: Nylon is frequently used in applications requiring a high degree of stretch. While not as elastic as spandex, it is still an extremely stretchable type of fiber with great streatch recovery. Nylon can also be used in small percentages in materials to give a small amount of elasticity to an otherwise non-stretch fabric.
- Weight: Nylon fabric generally ranges from lightweight to medium-weight, but it can be used in a wide range of materials.
- Drape: Typically nylon will have good drape, but this can vary dramatically depending on the type of material it’s used for. For example, a nylon swimsuit will have much more drape than the nylon material used to make an umbrella.
- Shine: Nylon fibers tend to have a distinctive sheen due to nylon’s smooth fiber structure, which reflects light. However, the degree of shininess can vary depending on the textile finish and the percentage of nylon fibers used in the composition of the fabric.
- Does nylon fray? Nylon fibers are resistant to fraying, but if they are used in a woven material, there will still be some amount of fraying.
- Durability: Nylon fabric can be prone to snagging due to the nature of the fibers (think about how easy it is to accidentally cause a run in a pair of tights from a small snag). However, medium and heavier weight materials, are more durable, making it difficult to cause the same type of run in the fabric.
- Wrinkling: Nylon is known for its wrinkle resistance characteristics. Its synthetic fibers have a ‘memory’ that allows for it to return to its original shape after bending or creasing.
How easy is nylon to sew?
Nylon’s smooth, slippery texture can make it slightly tricky to handle, especially if you’re a beginner. But don’t let this deter you—nylon is quite manageable with the right techniques and tools.
- Use sharp stretch needles to prevent snagging and skipped stitches.
- Baste pattern pieces together first to keep the fabric from slipping while you work.
- Stitch length: Set your machine on a longer stitch to avoid bunching the fabric.
- Tension: Lower the tension slightly for a smoother seam.
- Dealing with stretch: you may want to switch to a walking foot or use a serger to keep the fabric from stretching out while you sew.
If you’re working with a heavier nylon, like that used for outerwear, it behaves more stably under the sewing machine but requires a stronger needle—a denim or heavy duty needle might be appropriate. Remember to do a test run with scraps of your nylon fabric to perfect your settings and technique. This will save you from potential frustration when working on your actual project.
