Jersey fabric is a soft, stretchy knit material that is comfortable to wear and easy to sew, and this jersey fabric buying guide is here to help you choose the right one. Unlike woven cloth, jersey is knitted, so it has natural give, a smooth handle and a gentle drape that suits everyday clothing.

From our experience supplying fabrics, jersey is one of the most useful materials a maker can keep to hand. It works for t-shirts, dresses, loungewear, leggings, baby clothes and activewear, as well as relaxed home pieces where softness and stretch matter.

It also comes in a wide range of fibres and weights, from light cotton for summer tops to heavier double knits for structure, so choosing can feel tricky. In this guide we will explain what jersey is, what it is made from, the types available, whether it stretches, and how to sew, hem, dye and care for it, then help you decide if it is right for your next project.

 

What This Jersey Fabric Buying Guide Covers

1. What Is Jersey Fabric?

2. What Is Jersey Fabric Made From?

3. Types of Jersey Fabric

4. Jersey vs Interlock vs Ponte

5. Our Best-Selling Jersey Fabrics

6. Is Jersey Fabric Stretchy?

7. Jersey Fabric Characteristics and Common Uses

8. Is Jersey Fabric Good for Summer?

9. How to Sew with Jersey Fabric

10. How to Hem Jersey and Stop the Edges Curling

11. Can You Dye Jersey Fabric?

12. How to Wash and Care for Jersey

13. Fabrics Similar to Jersey

14. Where to Buy Cheap Jersey Fabric

15. Jersey Fabric FAQs

What Is Jersey Fabric?

Jersey fabric is a knitted material, which is the single thing that sets it apart from woven cloth like cotton poplin or chiffon. Because the yarn is looped together rather than crossed over and under, it can stretch and move with the body, which gives it that familiar soft, flexible feel.

The right side is usually smooth, often with a fine single rib, while the reverse is looped, though this varies by knit. Most jersey is light to medium in weight, with heavier versions used for warmer, more structured garments.

The name comes from the island of Jersey, where the cloth was first made, originally from wool. Today wool versions are far less common, and most jersey is made from cotton, cotton blends or synthetic fibres.

In short, it is prized for being comfortable, easy to wear and forgiving to fit, which is why it is a staple for beginners and experienced dressmakers alike.

 

What Is Jersey Fabric Made From?

Jersey can be made from several fibres, and the fibre has a big effect on how it feels, drapes and performs. Cotton jersey is the most popular, but it is far from the only option. The most common choices are below.

• Cotton is soft, breathable and kind to skin, which makes cotton jersey ideal for t-shirts, baby clothes and everyday wear. Many versions add a little elastane for recovery.

• Viscose gives a cooler, more fluid drape and a slightly silky handle, so it suits dresses and draped tops.

• Modal is a smooth, soft fibre often blended with cotton for a luxurious feel and good colour retention.

• Polyester is durable, holds prints well and is easy to care for, which is why it is popular for printed and activewear knits.

• Blends with elastane, spandex or lycra add stretch and help garments keep their shape.

The right fibre comes down to the project. Natural fibres offer breathability and comfort, while synthetic and blended knits offer durability, stretch recovery and vivid prints.

 

Types of Jersey Fabric

There are several types of jersey, and most of the differences come down to how the cloth is knitted. Knowing the main ones makes choosing far easier.

• Single jersey (plain knit) is the classic lightweight knit, made on one set of needles, so it is smooth on the front and looped on the back. It is soft and drapey, and it is the type most people picture as a t-shirt fabric.

• Double knit (interlock) is two layers of single knit joined together, so it is smooth on both sides, more stable and a little heavier. It holds its shape well and suits structured tops and children's wear.

• Ponte (ponte de roma) is a firm double knit with good recovery and a thicker handle, ideal for dresses, skirts and trousers that need some body.

• Scuba is a smooth, dense knit with a slight sponge to it, holding structured shapes well.

• Slub, brushed and foil are finishes rather than knits: slub has a subtle texture, brushed has a soft fleecy back for warmth, and foil adds a metallic shine for standout pieces.

 

Jersey Fabric Weights (GSM) Explained

Jersey is measured by weight in GSM (grams per square metre), and weight is often a better guide to a project than fibre alone. As a rough reference:

• Lightweight, around 120 to 180 GSM: airy and drapey, best for t-shirts, summer tops and linings.

• Mid-weight, around 180 to 280 GSM: the everyday all-rounder for dresses and loungewear.

• Heavyweight, 280 GSM and above: firmer and warmer, suited to joggers, sweatshirts and structured pieces.

If a listing gives a GSM figure, use it to picture how the finished garment will hang before you buy.

 

Jersey vs Interlock vs Ponte

If you are weighing up similar knits, this quick comparison shows how the three most common ones differ.

In short, choose single jersey for softness and drape, interlock for a tidy, stable finish, and ponte when you want structure that still moves.

 

Our Best-Selling Jersey Fabrics

If you are not sure where to start, these are some of our most popular jersey fabrics, chosen to cover everyday makes, dressmaking and bolder projects.

Browse the full range in our jersey fabric collection.

Is Jersey Fabric Stretchy?

Yes, jersey fabric is stretchy, and that stretch is one of its biggest selling points. Because it is knitted rather than woven, the looped yarns extend and recover, so the cloth moves with you and feels comfortable.

How much it stretches depends on the knit and the fibre. Most plain knits have two-way stretch, meaning they give mainly across the width (selvedge to selvedge). Knits with elastane, spandex or lycra often have four-way stretch, giving both across and along the fabric, which is ideal for fitted garments, leggings and activewear.

This matters when you buy and cut. A pattern designed for knits relies on that give for fit, so check the recommended stretch percentage before you start.

 

Jersey Fabric Characteristics and Common Uses

Beyond stretch, jersey has a few qualities that explain its popularity. It has a soft handle and a smooth surface, it drapes comfortably, and it resists creasing far better than most woven cloth, so it is easy to wear and easy to pack.

These qualities make it a favourite for relaxed, wearable makes. In terms of what jersey fabric is used for, think everyday tops and dresses, joggers and loungewear, leggings and activewear, plus baby and children's clothing, with lighter weights also working well as linings.

 

Is Jersey Fabric Good for Summer?

Jersey can be an excellent choice for summer, as long as you pick the right type. A lightweight cotton or viscose knit is breathable and soft against the skin, helping you stay cool, and its drape suits floaty summer dresses and relaxed tops.

For warm weather, look for lighter weights and natural or natural-blend fibres, as these breathe best. Heavier double knits and brushed finishes are better saved for cooler months, where their warmth is a bonus rather than a drawback.

 

How to Sew with Jersey Fabric

Sewing jersey is very manageable once you know a few basics, even on a standard sewing machine. The main thing to remember is that the cloth stretches, so your stitches need to stretch with it.

• Use a ballpoint or jersey needle. Its rounded tip slips between the knitted loops instead of piercing them, which helps prevent skipped stitches and small holes.

• Choose a stretch stitch. A narrow zigzag or a dedicated stretch stitch lets the seam give without the thread snapping. An overlocker creates a neat finish but is not essential.

• Try a twin needle for hems. Two parallel rows on top with a zigzag underneath give a tidy, ready-to-wear hem that still stretches.

• Reduce stretching as you sew. Let the fabric feed naturally rather than pulling it, and a walking foot helps keep the layers even.

You will also want good quality thread and sharp shears or a rotary cutter, plus the right sewing machine needles, as clean cutting and the correct needle make jersey far easier to handle.

 

How to Hem Jersey and Stop the Edges Curling

Hemming jersey is straightforward with the right approach. The most reliable method is a twin needle, which sews two neat rows on the right side while letting the hem stretch. A narrow zigzag, or an overlocked then folded hem, also works well.

One common frustration is that cut edges tend to curl, especially with lightweight single jersey. The good news is that jersey does not fray like woven cloth, so a raw edge will not unravel. To tame curling, press the edge gently, add a strip of fusible stretch interfacing along the hem, or simply overlock the edge before you fold and stitch.

 

Can You Dye Jersey Fabric?

Yes, you can dye jersey, though results depend on the fibre. Natural fibres such as cotton and viscose take dye well and give rich, even colour. Synthetic fibres like polyester are far harder to dye at home and usually need specialist products, so they often come out paler or patchy.

If you want to dye jersey, check the fibre content first, pick a dye suited to that fibre, and always test a small offcut before committing. You can find suitable fabric dyes for natural-fibre knits.

 

How to Wash and Care for Jersey

Jersey is generally easy to care for, which adds to its appeal. As a rule, wash it cool or warm (around 30 degrees) to protect the colour and the fibres, and avoid very hot washes, which can shrink cotton.

It is best to wash a new piece before you cut and sew, so any shrinkage happens before the garment is made up. Air drying is gentler than tumble drying and helps keep the shape, and most jersey needs only a cool iron, if any, thanks to its crease resistance. Always follow the care advice for the specific fibre, as blends vary.

 

Fabrics Similar to Jersey

If jersey is not quite right, a few related fabrics are worth a look. Interlock and ponte are firmer, more stable knits for structure. Scuba gives a smooth, sculptural feel. For a wider choice of stretchy options, our stretch fabric collection includes spandex and lycra blends for activewear and fitted garments.

If you are comparing knits with woven cloth, our viscose buying guide and crepe buying guide help explain the difference in drape and handling.

 

Where to Buy Cheap Jersey Fabric

If you are looking for where to buy cheap jersey fabric, you can shop our full jersey fabric collection online, with plain and printed knits in different weights and fibres. Despite the name, the only thing low about our fabric is the price: every jersey is quality checked and sold by the metre, so you only pay for what you need. If you want to feel the quality first, you can order a sample before you commit.

Jersey Fabric FAQs

Is jersey fabric stretchy?

Yes. Because it is knitted, jersey stretches and recovers. Plain knits usually have two-way stretch, while blends with elastane can have four-way stretch.

What is jersey fabric made of?

Most jersey is made from cotton, viscose, modal, polyester or blends of these, often with a little elastane added for stretch and recovery.

Does jersey fabric shrink?

It can, especially cotton jersey on a hot wash. Washing a new piece before cutting lets any shrinkage happen first.

Does jersey fabric fray?

No. As a knit, jersey does not fray, so raw edges will not unravel, though lightweight single jersey can curl at the edges.

What is the difference between single and double jersey?

Single jersey is a lighter, one-needle knit that is smooth on the front and looped on the back. Double knit (interlock) is two layers joined together, so it is smooth on both sides, heavier and more stable.

Is jersey good for beginners?

Yes. With a ballpoint needle and a stretch stitch, jersey is forgiving to fit and very beginner-friendly.