Fabric 101: Sweater Knits 

Sweater knit refers to a general category of fabric that is stretchy, cozy, and a good choice for (you guessed it) sweaters. Many sweater knit fabrics are constructed to try to mimic the appearance and texture of a hand-knitted sweater, but sweater knits come in various patterns and textures, from chunky cable knits to fine jersey knits.

While this category of fabric is defined more by the look and feel of the fabric than anything else, some of the common types of material that are included in the sweater knit category are: novelty ribbed knits, french terry, and knitted boucle fabrics.

Fabric	Sweater knits
Texture?	Generally soft and plush
Stretch?	Usually a moderate amount of stretch
Weight?	Medium to heavy weight
Stiff or flowy drape?	Varies depending on the fabric
Nap?	Sometimes has a brushed texture
Typical fiber content?	Can be any fiber (wool, cotton, and synthetic are most common)
Opaque or sheer?	Typically opaque
Shiny?	Matte fabric
Fraying?	Knit fabrics don’t fray
Pilling?	Often prone to pilling
Cool or warm weather?	Better for cold weather
What to make?	Sweaters, jackets, cardigans, hats, dresses, some skirts, blankets
What needle to use?	Use a jersey or ball point needle

What kind of fabric is sweater knit?

Sweater knits are a general category of knit fabrics that are soft, often cozy, and designed to provide warmth and comfort. This fabric is typically made from wool or blends meant to mimic the appearance of wool or hand-knitted sweaters, which can also include cotton and synthetic fibers.

Sweater knit fabrics are known for their varied and fuzzy textures. They can use fine or chunky yarns, but they will have some kind of textured surface, offering different tactile experiences. Sweater knits also usually have some level of stretch, making them highly comfortable to wear.

What types of fabric are considered sweater knits

There are many different types of sweater knit fabrics. They can be made from a variety of fibers, and come in many different styles and textures. 

Some common types of sweater knit fabrics include:

• Chunky jersey: Jersey knit is a single-knit fabric known for its stretch, softness, and versatility. Some heavier jersey fabrics are made to be more chunky and sweater-like.
• Rib Knit: Rib knits feature alternating knit and purl stitches that create vertical ribs. This type is sought after for its elasticity and is frequently used to make sweaters and cardigans. (Ribbing, a subcategory of rib knits, is used to make cuffs, collars, and waistbands and is generally not sweater knit material)
• Cable Knit: The cable knit is distinguished by its textured, twisted patterns resembling cables. Its raised cords offer a chunky, warm fabric that’s perfect for cold weather.
• French Terry: French terry is a knit fabric with a looped pile back and a smooth front. It is known for its comfort and moisture-wicking properties, which make it a cozy choice for relaxed garments.
• Bouclé: Boucle is a knit made with chunky boucle yarns, creating a textured and nubby feel. Your boucle sweaters will be especially warm and have a distinctive, visual interest due to this texture.
• Fleece: there are many types of fleece fabric and they all have a fuzzy cozy surface that makes them great for sweatshirt material.

What can you make with sweater knit fabric?

As you might have guessed, this fabric is most often used to make sweaters, cardigans, scarves, and other types of winter accessories. But, you can also use this type of fabric for other types of garments, like dresses and sweatpants. They are also great for blankets, ponchos, and baby clothes.

Properties of sweater knit fabric

• Texture: Most sweater knits try to feel like wool, with a textured, slightly fuzzy surface. The texture can range from just slightly fuzzy to highly chunky and textured, depending on the type of yarn used and the knit pattern.  
• Stretch: Sweater knit fabrics are typically fairly stretchy or at least have a comfortable give, which allows for ease of movement. This does depend on the type of sweater knit. For example, rib knit fabric is often extremely elastic crosswise, while not very stretchy lengthwise. Likewise, I’ve come across some French Terry fabric that had barely any stretch at all.
• Weight: Most sweater knit fabrics will be medium to heavy weight. This will, of course, vary depending on the weave and the yarn’s thickness and knit pattern density. 
• Drape: Since sweater knits tend to be chunkier and heavier than many other knit fabrics, they also have a heavier, less flowy drape.
• Fiber composition: Sweater knits can be made from just about any fiber. Okay, I would be surprised to see one made out of silk (even that probably exists), but there aren’t any real limitations when it comes to fiber content. Wool is the most traditional fiber used for sweater knits, but it’s just as common to find cotton, polyester, and fiber blends in the fabric composition.
• Opacity: Most sweater knits will be more-or-less opaque. Some will have designs that include holes in the fabric or thinner sections that are semi-sheer.
• Shine: Sweater knits are associated with a soft, matte appearance. However, certain sweater knit fabrics can have a shiny or lustrous quality depending on the materials used and the finish applied to the fabric. For instance, sweater knits that incorporate synthetic fibers like lurex or certain types of rayon can give a subtle sheen to it’s appearance. Nonetheless, the traditional look of sweater knits is more subdued and not at all shiny.
• Durability: Sweater knit fabric is often prone to snagging and pilling due to its textured, knitted construction. Otherwise, the longevity of the fabric just depends on the overall quality of the fabric and how it was made.
• Wrinkling: For the most part, sweater knit fabrics are wrinkle-resistant due to their elasticity and the nature of knit construction. The looped structure of knits allows them to spring back into shape after being stretched or folded, which helps prevent the formation of creases.