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The island of Jersey in the English Channel is where the term “jersey” first appeared in reference to a type of pullover jumper worn by fisherman. Originally, knit sweaters were worn by fisherman to keep them warm while out on the water. The fabric’s popularity grew over time, and it was soon being used for everything from t-shirts to bed linens in addition to sweaters.
Understanding The Jersey Weave
Jersey is a knit fabric that is both soft and stretchy; it was traditionally produced from wool. Cotton, cotton blends, and synthetic fibers are now commonly used in its production as well. Jersey knit fabric has a smooth, slightly ribbed right side and a pile of loops on the wrong side. The fabric can be used for a wide variety of garments and home decor items due to its light to medium weight.
Jersey Fabric and Its Varieties
Jersey comes in two distinct varieties: single knit (also known as plain knit) and interlock jersey (sometimes called double-knit jersey). The one-needle construction of a single-knit jersey results in a fabric that is flat on one side and textured on the other. However, two sections of single knit jersey are knitted together to make interlock jersey, which is smooth on both sides.
Jersey fabric has come a long way from its woolen roots, thanks to improved production techniques. These days, a blend of synthetic and cotton fibers is employed to make a fabric that is stronger, cheaper, and more practical. Cotton and synthetic fiber blends are used in today’s jersey production.
Examining Jersey’s Unique Characteristics
Jersey fabric is widely used because of its adaptability and other desirable qualities. Among its many features are:
Jersey fabric is great for activewear because of its stretchiness and knitted construction. Adding spandex can further improve this feature.
Smoothness and softness make this cloth very pleasant to wear.
Jersey fabric is opaque because the knitting process draws the fibers together, closing off any potential light gaps.
T-shirts and other pieces of apparel that see frequent wear benefit greatly from the absorbency and breathability of cotton jersey fabric.
Jersey textiles typically have a structured drape because of the fiber makeup. Jersey made from viscose or silk drapes more smoothly than jersey made from cotton, which is more rigid.
Jersey Fabric: 5 Versatile Applications
Jersey is a versatile and widely used fabric that can be found in many commonplace objects. The following are some of the most common applications of jersey:
T-Shirts and tank tops are commonly made from knit fabrics like jersey because of these garments’ elastic, absorbent, and opaque qualities.
Jersey fabric, known for its softness, absorbency, and flexibility, is commonly used to construct sweatshirts and sweatpants.
Jersey sheets are popular because they are soft and absorbent, two qualities that people value in their bedding.
Jersey fabric is ideal for underwear because of its elasticity and absorbency, making it a great choice for lingerie.
Jersey, with to its elasticity and absorbency, is an excellent choice for activewear and sportswear. Team jerseys aren’t always constructed of jersey material, despite the name. Their original jersey construction is the inspiration for their moniker.
How to Sew Jersey Fabric Tips
Jersey Fabric is great for a wide variety of projects due to its softness and adaptability. If you’ve never sewn with knits before, Jersey may seem intimidating. Using jersey fabric can be challenging, so here are some helpful hints.
Sewing with a Ballpoint Needle Although a sharp standard needle can be used to sew knits, it often results in microscopic tears. Therefore, a ballpoint needle is preferable since it penetrates the fabric without tearing the fibers.
Sewing machines can benefit from a walking foot. While a conventional foot can be used for sewing, a walking foot is recommended if you are concerned about the cloth being stretched as it is fed into the machine. So that the final result doesn’t have any weird stretches.
You can use a serger or a zigzag stitch. Using a straight stitch when sewing knit fabric might cause the seams to be too tight and the cloth to stretch out of shape. Therefore, while seaming, use a zigzag stitch, as this stitch provides some stretch. If you have access to a serger, you can use that to simultaneously cut and finish your seams.
For Hems, a Twin Needle Is Necessary Always use a twin needle when finishing a hem, since this creates a more professional look and also allows for more give in the cloth.
Try It Out on a Sample Size First Make sure the length and stretch of your stitches are just correct by practicing on a scrap swatch if you’re apprehensive about sewing with your cloth.