Knitted fabrics
Part of the Textiles & Clothing sector
Knitted fabrics are made from interlocking loops of yarn, giving the stretch and recovery used in t-shirts, sportswear, underwear and soft home goods. This hub explains the main types and how to find and compare verified knitted fabric suppliers on Digibition.
Looking to source in this sector, or want your company to appear here? Browse the directory or list your company.
Overview
A knitted fabric is formed by looping yarn through itself rather than interlacing straight threads. That loop structure is what gives knits their stretch, drape and comfort. The two broad families are weft knits, where one yarn forms a course of loops across the fabric — single jersey, rib, interlan and fleece are examples — and warp knits such as tricot and raschel, where many yarns loop lengthways for a more stable, ladder-resistant cloth.
Knits are described by structure, by weight in grams per square metre, by width (tubular or open), and often by added elastane for stretch. Fibre choice — cotton, polyester, viscose, wool, nylon and blends — steers breathability, moisture handling and care. The same yarn can produce a light single jersey or a dense interlock depending on machine gauge and setting.
On Digibition, circular and flat knitters, warp-knit mills and fabric traders publish verified profiles, so garment makers, sportswear brands and home-textile buyers can discover and compare them by specialization and country.
What to check when sourcing
When you source knitted fabric, define the structure, weight and fibre together, then pay close attention to stretch and recovery, because a knit that grows out of shape in wear will fail even if the colour and hand are right. If the fabric carries elastane, confirm the percentage and that it is evenly distributed.
Request a swatch or hanger and agree the tests that matter — dimensional stability and shrinkage after washing, spirality (twisting of the loops), pilling, colour fastness and, for performance knits, moisture or stretch-recovery figures. Clarify tubular versus open width, roll weight, minimum order per colour and lead time.
Use the directory to shortlist suppliers by specialization and country, then contact several, request samples and compare their responses before you commit.
What to check when sourcing knitted fabrics
| Criterion | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Structure | Single jersey, rib, interlock, fleece, tricot or raschel for the product |
| Fibre & elastane | Composition and elastane percentage for the stretch you need |
| Weight & width | Grams per square metre and tubular versus open width |
| Stretch & recovery | How far it stretches and how well it returns to shape |
| Stability | Shrinkage, spirality and pilling after washing |
| MOQ & lead time | Minimum order per colour, roll weight and realistic lead time |
Frequently asked questions
- What is a knitted fabric?
- A knitted fabric is cloth made by forming yarn into interlocking loops rather than interlacing straight threads. The loop structure gives knits their characteristic stretch, recovery and soft drape, which is why they are used for t-shirts, underwear, sportswear and many comfort-led products.
- What is the difference between weft knit and warp knit?
- In a weft knit, loops are formed across the fabric from a single yarn, as in jersey, rib and interlock; these knits stretch well but can ladder. In a warp knit, such as tricot or raschel, many yarns loop lengthways at once, giving a more stable, run-resistant fabric used in lingerie, linings, sportswear and technical textiles.
- How do I find knitted fabric suppliers?
- Use the Digibition directory to filter by this specialization and by country, then open each company profile to review its products, certifications and specializations. You can message suppliers directly, or add several to a quote list and request quotes from all of them at once.
- Why does elastane content matter in a knit?
- Elastane (also known by brand names such as spandex) adds stretch and recovery beyond the natural give of the loop structure. A small percentage changes how a garment fits, moves and holds its shape. Confirm the exact percentage and that it is evenly knitted in, because uneven elastane causes fit and shrinkage problems.
- What should I check before placing a large order?
- Confirm structure, fibre, weight and elastane, approve colour against a lab dip, and agree shrinkage, spirality, pilling and stretch-recovery tests. Clarify tubular or open width, roll weight, MOQ per colour and lead time. Request a sample and agree quality terms in writing before committing. This is general information, not legal or technical advice.
Looking to source in this sector, or want your company to appear here? Browse the directory or list your company.
Important notice
This page is general industry information published by Digibition for educational purposes only. It is not legal, financial, tax, customs, regulatory, or other professional advice, and it is not a substitute for advice from a qualified professional. Standards, certifications, duties, taxes, and regulatory requirements differ between countries and markets and change over time; nothing here is guaranteed to be accurate, complete, or current. Verify any requirement independently with a qualified adviser and the relevant competent authority before you act. Digibition is an online company directory and digital-fair platform; it is not a party to any transaction between users and does not endorse, guarantee, or accept responsibility for any third-party company, product, claim, or certification. A company being reviewed or approved for listing refers only to Digibition's internal listing review and is not a warranty of that company's quality, legality, solvency, or performance. Any mention of specific standards or certifications is illustrative and is not an endorsement or a statement of compliance. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Digibition accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this page; any reliance is at your own risk.