Introduction: Knit Fabrics - What You Need To Know About French Terry and Fleecy

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We've talked about jersey, interlock, and rib so it's now time to dive a bit deeper and learn about french terry and fleecy (also known as jogging). So what do you need to know about them?

What is French Terry?

French terry is a type of fabric that has been around for a long time; however, it's been gaining popularity with home sewers over the years. It is a versatile fabric that can be used for various purposes, from clothing to home decor. In this blog post, we will explore what french terry is, it's properties, and how it can be used to make various items.

The collection I stock at Wicked Fabrics is made from a blend of cotton and elastane; however, you can find it in almost every combination from 100% natural fibre to 100% synthetic and various cross blends. One side of the fabric has visible loops, while the other side is flat. The loops are made by using a specific knitting technique, which gives the fabric its distinct texture.

French terry is also known as loopback jersey, loopback cotton, or terry cotton. It is called french terry because it was first produced in France and comes in many different colours and prints. This base is popular for casual wear, sportswear, and loungewear. It is comfortable, breathable, and can be worn in any season.

It has several properties that make it a popular choice for clothing and home decor. Here are some of the properties of french terry:

• Soft and comfortable: It is known for its softness and comfort. It is gentle on the skin and does not cause irritation or itchiness.
• Breathable: It is a breathable fabric that allows air to circulate, keeping the wearer cool and comfortable.
• Moisture-Wicking: It is a moisture-wicking fabric, which means it absorbs sweat and moisture, keeping the wearer dry.
• Stretchy: It has varying percentage of stretch, which makes it easy to move in and comfortable to wear.
• Durable: It is a durable fabric that can withstand many washes and wears without losing its shape or texture.

What is Fleecy Knit?

Fleecy also known as jogging knit is a popular fabric in the fashion industry particularly when it comes to lounge and athletic wear. The fabric is soft, cosy, and lightweight, and is designed to keep you warm and comfortable.

The collection I stock is a blend of cotton and elastane; and like french terry, it is available in various compositions to cater to different requirements. Fleecy is characterised by a brushed surface - this is created by brushing the loops to create a fleece like appearance. While it's common to find fleecy to have one flat and one brushed side, you can find fleecy that is brushed on both sides and more commonly known as polar fleece.

This fabric base is easy to care for, is machine washable, and relatively affordable.

There are different types of fleecy jogging knit fabric, each with its unique characteristics and uses. The most common types of fleecy jogging knit fabric include:

• Sweatshirt fleece: This is a medium to heavyweight knit fabric with a brushed backside, making it soft and warm. It is perfect for sweatshirts, hoodies, and jackets.
• French terry: Yep, its actually part of the fleecy family! This is a lightweight knit fabric with a looped backside, making it soft and absorbent. It is perfect for t-shirts, tank tops, and shorts.
• Polar fleece: These days most polar fleece is made from a synthetic base, this fabric has a napped surface that is soft and warm. It is perfect for jackets, vests, and blankets.

Sewing French Terry and Fleecy

Sewing french terry or fleecy fabric can be challenging, especially for beginner sewers. The following are some tips to help you sew fleecy jogging knit fabric like a pro:

• Use a stretch stitch or zigzag stitch to allow the fabric to stretch without breaking the stitches.
• Use a walking foot to feed the fabric evenly through the sewing machine and prevent stretching and distortion.
• Use a ballpoint or stretch needle to prevent damage to the fabric.
• Use a rotary cutter or sharp scissors to cut the fabric to get a clean cut
• Use a overlocker to finish the edges of the fabric for a professional-looking finish.

When sewing knit fabrics, it is important to use a ballpoint or stretch needle in your sewing machine or overlocker and it is popular for this fabric to be paired with ribbing. If you need to iron your fabric for any reason make sure to use a pressing cloth.

Care for French Terry and Fleecy Knit

The following are some tips to help you care for and maintain your french terry and fleecy fabric:

• Wash the fabric in cold water on a gentle cycle for longevity.
• Use a mild detergent to prevent damage to the fabric.
• Avoid using fabric softeners and bleach, which can damage the fabric's fibres and colour
• Tumble dry the fabric on low heat or hang it to dry.
• Iron the fabric on low heat or use a pressing cloth to prevent damage to the fabric.

French terry and fleecy knit are two types of knit fabrics that are perfect for different sewing projects and all ages. When buying french terry or fleecy take the time to research and buy certified to support businesses that are passionate about ensuring fabrics is produced to the highest standards while adhering to ethical and sustainable measures.

Happy sewing!