Knit Fabrics vs Woven Fabrics

@juliedemaggio NTK: Knits vs Wovens #knowyourfabrics #studyfashion #greenscreen #themoreyouknow ♬ Astringent and nimble electric piano jazz (1017112) - Doggie Jazz

Hey clothing resellers, future fashion designers, and clothing enthusiasts!

The #1 thing you need to know about fabrics is the difference between a knit and a woven.

Maybe when you were young you learned a little something about weaving by making a potholder on a plastic loom? Maybe at some point in your life someone has tried to teach you how to knit?

Woven fabrics are made by weaving yarns over and under each other in patterns (see video at 00:23). Knitted fabrics are constructed using one continuous yard in a series of loops (see video at 00:28).

Generally speaking, knits are stretchy. For example, a T-shirt. Woven fabrics are rigid (not stretchy)  as in a pair of twill pants. But that's not always the case because there are fabrics we call "stretch wovens." The best example of a stretch woven is denim jeans that have spendex, for stretch.

If you look at your own clothing closely you'll start to recognize the patterns, the stretch, and the feel of what is a knit and what is a woven.

If it still seems a bit confusing, that's okay. Just remember, the more textiles you touch, feel, manipulate, wear, and examine closely the better. It will come with experience!

Know your fabrics! Want to know more? I gotchu! My Basics of Fashion Fabrics mini-course is available now! Sign up below for more info: