Jersey is a knit fabric characterized by exceptional softness and delicacy. Thanks to its high cotton content, it is breathable and efficiently wicks moisture from the skin. It is also very versatile and universal. It is perfect for making various dresses, skirts, blouses, as well as children's clothing. Jersey fabrics are also used for lingerie and bedding.
Jersey - How Did It All Start?
Cotton jersey was popularized by Coco Chanel, for whom the practicality of an outfit was just as important as its appearance. She used it in her iconic dresses, which became a true breakthrough in the fashion world. However, before jersey became popular in the fashion world of Paris, it was primarily used for much more mundane purposes.
Although today we most commonly encounter cotton jersey, it was originally made from wool. It is worth mentioning that the wool jersey fabric had excellent hygroscopic properties and was also very stretchy and comfortable. For this reason, jersey was mainly used for making underwear and clothing for fishermen. It was also frequently used for making soft and pleasant-to-touch lingerie and bedding. Chanel’s idea of creating elegant dresses from jersey seemed quite unusual at first, but it only took a few seasons for jersey to become loved by women all over the world.
What Makes Single Jersey Fabric So Special?
Although we often refer to it as a fabric, jersey is actually a knit. It is usually made from cotton fibers, but versions with wool or silk are also available. To enhance its flexibility, small amounts of elastane are sometimes added. There are also blends with viscose or polyester available on the market. Jersey is produced by linking loops into rows or columns. When buying this type of knit, we can easily recognize it by its characteristic rolled edges.
What sets single jersey apart from other knits is its weight. It belongs to the category of very thin and lightweight materials, but it is not see-through, which is a big advantage. Cotton single jersey works well for both summer and winter outfits.
What Are Its Advantages?
Cotton fabric undoubtedly has many advantages. It is highly elastic, making clothes made from it exceptionally comfortable. Furthermore, it drapes well on the body and doesn't wrinkle. Cotton single jersey is also a very durable fabric. The elastic knit structure makes it resistant to damage, so garments made from it will last for many years.
Single jersey is very lightweight, elastic, and drapes well. Compared to sweat fabrics and other materials, it stands out mainly due to its weight. For this reason, it is ideal for making year-round clothing.
Single Jersey – What Can You Sew with This Fabric?
Cotton single jersey is a fabric often used in both professional and amateur sewing. This is because jersey is an easy-to-handle fabric that is perfect for designing various types of clothing. What can be made from it? For example:
- T-shirts for children and adults,
- Promotional t-shirts,
- Lightweight cotton shorts,
- Sweatshirts and long-sleeve tops.
