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Everything you need to know About: French Terry Fabric

What is French Terry Fabric? French Terry fabric is cotton fabric that has soft piles (a looped back). The loops form small channels that allow air to circulate, making it a perfect choice for activewear and other breathable clothing.

French Terry fabric is appreciated for its strength, durability, longevity, and flexibility. It is a versatile material suitable for various garments like sweatshirts, shirts, and sweaters.

It is slightly heavier than sweatshirt fleece, but still very soft and comfortable to wear.

 

 

The difference between french terry and fleece fabric

Fleece fabric is commonly used for winter clothing, such as track pants and jumpers. The fabric's exterior displays a smooth surface, while the interior showcases a 'brushed' (almost fluffy) appearance. Fleece fabric typically has a higher fabric weight, measured in grams per square meter (gsm), and is available in various fiber compositions, including:

- 100% cotton
- Cotton-rich blends
- Cotton-polyester blends

This range of fiber compositions offers varying levels of softness, warmth, and durability, making fleece fabric suitable for a wide range of applications.

 

French terry fabric offers versatility in both fabric composition and weight, making it an ideal choice for loungewear and various sewing projects. Unlike fleece fabric, French terry is characterized by its unbrushed surface and soft piles, featuring distinctive loops on the inner side. As a comfortable, easy-to-sew knit fabric, French terry is perfect for creating a range of casual garments and home textiles, offering a unique texture and durability that sets it apart from other fabrics. 

Difference between French Terry and Fleece Moisture-Wicking Ability?

A result of the different manufacturing methods, fleeces are less breathable than French Terry. Fleece also lacks the high absorbance and humidity-wicking qualities in the French Terry, meaning they don’t stay dry and warm. Contrary to fleeces, French terry is designed to keep the wearer dry and comfortable. Hence it is an important fabric for versatile comfort. All types of materials are, however, varying in their weight. You may also discover French Terry clothing with heavier weights and lighter fleece. French Terry is a flexible fabric compared to fleece.

French terry cotton good quality? Let's find Out.

French Terry fabrics are renowned for their exceptional softness and comfort, primarily crafted from cotton. They fall into the medium-weight category, making them thicker than the cotton typically used in everyday shirts.

Finding the Right Cotton French Terry Fabric for Your Fashion Production Needs

When sourcing French terry fabric for your sewing projects, consider key factors to ensure a seamless experience. These include fabric composition, weight (gsm), width, stretch percentage, and availability of matching rib knit or thread from the supplier. By knowing these essential details upfront, you'll enjoy a smoother sewing process and craft high-quality French terry garments with confidence.

I have explained GSM here on another blog you can have a look.

Fabric compositions

Fabric composition is the make-up of a fabric, typically described by the percentage of fibres used. For cotton french terry, the most common composition is 100% cotton, a cotton spandex blend, or a polyester blend.

Cotton French Terry Fabric

Opt for 100% cotton French terry fabric when creating loose-fitting garments, but be aware of its limited natural stretch due to the absence of elastane or spandex. This consideration is crucial when selecting a sewing project. Cotton, a natural and breathable fiber, excels in durability and moisture-wicking properties, making it an ideal choice for young children's clothing. As kids struggle to regulate their body temperature, cotton's ability to keep them cool and comfortable makes it a top pick for parents seeking safe and practical fabric options

Cotton Elastane French Terry Fabric

French terry fabric also comes in a versatile cotton and elastane/spandex blend, offering the best of both worlds. The addition of elastane fibers provides exceptional stretch and recovery properties, allowing garments to retain their shape and resist fatigue even after repeated wear. This blend combines the benefits of cotton, such as breathability and natural comfort, with the flexibility of elastane. French terry fabric is a mid-weight material ideal for cooler climates, praised for its exceptional comfort and low-maintenance care. It can be easily laundered in a regular washing machine, making it a practical choice for everyday garments.

Polyester French terry Fabric

Polyester fabric, made from plastic, offers durability and wrinkle resistance, making it a popular choice for clothing. However, its limited breathability can lead to discomfort in warm weather, and its poor stretchability can restrict movement. While polyester is often more affordable than natural fibers like cotton, its tendency to pill (develop rough, fiber-covered patches) when exposed to incorrect washing or excessive heat can impact its appearance. Despite these drawbacks, polyester remains a budget-friendly option for those seeking durable, easy-care clothing. To minimize pilling, it's essential to follow proper care instructions.

What is French Terry made of?

French Terry fabric emerged in the textile industry in the 1980s, revolutionizing comfort wear. This innovative fabric features wool knitted into loops with soft yarns on the inner edges and interior, creating a smooth outer surface. The result is a supremely soft, absorbent, and versatile fabric suitable for year-round wear. Characterized by a relaxed fit, French Terry is often roomier than traditional t-shirts, yet surprisingly lightweight compared to sweaters and jackets. Its comfort and breathability make it perfect for lounging alone or layering under similar pieces, offering effortless style and practicality.

 

What is French Terry Aftercare and Laundry?

To keep your French Terry fabric in top condition and maintain its durability, follow these simple care tips. French Terry textiles are renowned for their low-maintenance requirements, making them a practical choice. Unlike other fabrics, French Terry is highly resistant to wrinkling, thanks to its knit construction, which allows for flexibility and stretch. To preserve its quality and color, machine wash your French Terry clothing in cold water on a low setting. This gentle approach ensures optimal results and long-term preservation of your fabric's vibrancy and texture. Plus, air drying or tumble drying on a low setting eliminates the need for ironing, saving you time and effort.

Is French Terry Fabric for Summer or Winter?

French Terry fabric is a versatile and adaptable material suitable for both summer and winter clothing, depending on its composition, weight, and sewing pattern. In winter, French Terry excels in garments like sweaters, jackets, and pants, offering softness, stretch, and breathability for ultimate comfort. Its moisture-wicking properties prevent overheating, making it ideal for cold-weather wear.

In summer, French Terry is perfect for sewing shorts, dresses, and skirts. Its durability and resistance to wear and tear make it an excellent choice for children's clothing, especially shorts. 

Personally, I love working with French Terry to create knit dresses and pencil skirts. Its softness and versatility make it a joy to sew with, and I'm confident you'll want to incorporate it into your entire wardrobe once you start using it. French Terry truly is the perfect fabric for any season, offering comfort and practicality in equal measure.

Is French terry fabric thick?

No, french terry is not thick. It is a cotton fabric with loops that allow air to circulate. The loops form small channels that allow air to circulate, making it a perfect choice for activewear and other breathable clothing. When purchasing fabric is it always important to know the gsm, as that will determine the fabric thickness.

GSM is explained here --> BLOG

What does GSM mean?

GSM stands for grams per square meter, and it is a measure of the weight of a fabric. The higher the GSM, the heavier the fabric will be. GSM is often used to compare the thickness and durability of different fabrics. For more information on GSM's check out this article "Understanding GSM"

What is a double knit fabric?

Double knit fabrics are crafted using two needles, resulting in a thicker, more durable material ideal for winter clothing. This construction traps warm air, keeping you cozy and insulated. Typically made from wool or cotton, double knit fabrics also come in synthetic versions, offering versatility in textile choices.

In contrast, single knit fabrics are created using one needle, producing a thinner, less durable material perfect for summer garments. Single knit fabrics excel in breathability, keeping you cool and dry in warmer weather. While often made from cotton or synthetic materials, wool versions are also available, providing options for diverse seasonal needs.

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Email: info@kingbirdclothing.com
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