jersey

🧵 Jersey Information Page – Properties, Processing, and Tips

What is jersey?

Jersey is a soft, stretchy knit fabric that hugs the body comfortably and is versatile. It is usually made of cotton with a small amount of elastane, but can also be made of viscose, wool, or silk.

By the way: For a long time, jersey was only used for underwear and nightwear until Coco Chanel made the fabric acceptable for women's fashion in the 1920s. She appreciated its comfort and freedom of movement – a small revolution in the fashion world.

Properties of jersey fabrics:

• Elastic and stretchy (due to the knitted fabric, not synthetic)
• Soft and cuddly
• Easy-care and wrinkle-resistant
• Ideal for everyday wear, leisure wear, and children's clothing

Jersey fabrics are suitable for:

• T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, dresses
• Leggings, bloomers, skirts
• Comfortable casual wear and underwear
• Especially popular for children's patterns

Working tips for jersey fabrics:

• Use a stretch needle or a ball-point jersey needle, e.g., size 70–80
• Sew with a stretchy stitch, e.g., zigzag or overlock
• Do not pull while sewing, otherwise the fabric will feed unevenly
• Rolled hem or twin needle for beautiful hems
• If necessary, stabilize edges with interfacing H609 or a thin seam tape

Jersey fabric care instructions:

• Machine wash at 30–40 °C
• Use a mild detergent
• No tumble drying recommended, it will retain elasticity better
• Iron only at a moderate temperature (if necessary)

My tip for jersey fabrics:

Jersey tends to curl, but this can be easily controlled with spray starch or pins along the edge. Alternatively, weigh down the fabric or iron it on a damp cloth before sewing.