Interlock jersey suits create articles with a fuller feel, a smoother feel on both sides as well as dimensional stability and more suitable for lightweight casual wear, whereas interlock suits are more appropriate for lightweight everyday T-shirts. Which garment is for which fabric isn’t necessarily the right choice just because one has more GSM.
What Is the main Difference Between Single Jersey and Interlock?
Single jersey
Interlock Fabric
Basically there are two different differences in knitting the yarn together.
Single Jersey Type is made with just one layer of knitting. The front has the characteristic V shaped loops, and the reverse is different. Job: It is made into a flexible fabric which has a natural drape and cut edges tend to roll.
Double-knit, in which two needle beds are used. The two surfaces appear quite similar and the well balanced arrangement of it makes it hold flat. Interlock is fuller and stabler than similar yarn in like fashion.
The distinction matters in garment manufacturing because fabric construction affects cutting, sewing, fit, and the final appearance of a garment. Source: Clothing Manufacturer Bangladesh
Difference between Single Jersey vs Interlock Fabric
| Property | Single jersey | Interlock |
| Knitting structure | Single knit | Double knit |
| Front and back | Visibly different | Similar appearance |
| Thickness | Usually thinner at comparable specifications | Usually fuller |
| GSM | Available in light to heavier weights | Available in light to heavier weights |
| Stretch | Flexible, with extension depending on construction | Stretch and recovery depend on construction |
| Edge curling | Tends to curl | Generally lies flat |
| Breathability | Often suitable for lightweight, breathable garments | Denser versions can feel warmer |
| Dimensional stability | More prone to curling and spirality | Generally more stable |
| Fabric cost | Usually lower for comparable basic applications | Often higher to produce |
| Common uses | Basic T-shirts, lightweight tops, underwear | Babywear, structured tops, premium T-shirts |
These are common personality traits and not guarantees. There are many factors that will impact the end product, such as yarn, fiber content, stitch length, finishing, and density. Source: Topade Textile
How to do Their GSM and Thickness Compare?
gms per metre square or GSM. This device is used to determine fabric weight, not the actual fabric/structure or thickness of the fabric.
This is because, when knitted under similar conditions using similar yarns, interlock feels thicker than single jersey. It is double knitted, which means that more yarn is required for an equal area and thus results in a fuller hand and more coverage.
There isn’t a general GSM limit between the two fabrics but it does exist. The single jersey (heavyweight) may be thicker, heavier than the lightweight interlock. The range in their weights overlap.
When comparing fabrics, factors to consider are finished GSM, fibre composition, and actual thickness. Don’t automatically rule out a fabric for its weight if you found it in a general textile guide.
what is smv in garment industry
Which of the fabrics is more stretch and breathable?
Single jersey is the most recommended for enjoying lightweight garments and silky movements with the body. This fabric is flexible, particularly with regards to the width of the garment, due to it being looped.
Interlock will offer a more substantial feel and may be able to hold its shape better. But don’t take it for granted that every one of the interlocks extends less than every single jersey. Recovery and stretch varies with the yarn, stitch geometry, percentage of elastane and finishing.
The same care and attention is necessary. Single jersey can be lighter, and be used for warmer weather clothing as it may allow more air flow. A thick interlocked will feel warmer.
Fibre matters, too. Cotton, polyester and mixed fabrics wick water differently. When choosing sportswear ensure that the knit structure is assessed, as well as moisture management and drying.
What fabric is more suitable for t-shirts?
If you are wearing a regular everyday T-shirt, you’ll just be fine with single jersey. It gives the soft and flections characteristics one would expect from a simple round-necked shirt.
For a smoother surface (either side), more body, and higher opacity, interlock is the answer. This design works well for larger T-shirts and those that demand a more refined look.
Take fit into account when selecting:
- Casual Lightweight T-shirts: Do it with T-shirt single jersey.
- Structured or premium feel T-shirts: When comparing interlock with single jersey, take care to find them at the same finished GSM.
- When printing large printed designs, test both fabrics for surface quality, print adhesion and distortion.
- Sportswear: Select by stretch, recovery, breath-ability and moisture management and not by the name of the fabric.
The higher the GSM number, the better the fabric quality isn’t necessarily. The fabric should be able to do the job it is put to.
What’s the best application of each fabric?
Single jersey suitings are popular for basic t-shirts, informal tops, lightweight dresses, and other clothing items where comfort and movement play a crucial role.
Interlock pieces are appropriate for baby bodysuits, sleepsuits, smooth Polo (top) style pieces, structured casual wear and certain sportswear items. For both sides to appear similar and constructed in a stable fashion, it can easily be utilized in this way.
When it comes to clothes for babies, softness and material are just two considerations. Inspect the completed garment, seams, skin-to-skin comfort and garment safety pieces as outlined under regulations.
Both types of construction do not promise durability. The finished garments’ quality depends on the quality of the yarn, pilling, colourfastness, colour will remain even and sedentary; shrinkage, and craftsmanship.
The mismatch in stitch style between the two sides of a jersey often leads to problems. Single jersey and Interlock Fabric identification is a problem.
A swatch of fabric will come in handy for a first approximation.
STEP 1 – Examine both sides. The stitch face of single jersey tends to be more smooth, shaped like a ‘V’ and the back is slightly different in character. Typically the interlock is more or less the same on both sides.
STEP 2: Investigate a cut edge. Single Jersey is likely to roll or curl around the edges. Normally, interlock is laid flatter since it is built more evenly.
Step Three: Tighten the cloth in a relaxed manner. Look at the ease of extension and its recovery after extension. This is a practical comparison, and is not a replacement for doing a stretch and recover test.
Step 4:Verify the specification. Request from the supplier the knit structure, fibre characteristics, and end product GSM, as well as the various shrinkage and end product characteristics.
While visual inspection can help to restrict the alternatives, it does not allow you to hold every fabric specification.
What are the extra costs for interlock—ahead of single jersey?
Interlock is more expensive to make as it is a double knitting technique that used more yarn and extra knitting efforts. The actual price difference varies from machine to machine, gauge to gauge, yarn to yarn, and finishing to finishing, order size to order size and supplier to supplier.
There is another aspect to keep in mind – “fabric rate per kg” and “fabric cost per number of garments”. When there is a heavier fabric the way it uses the fabric is by weight, while cutting yield, marker efficiency, and sewing requirements are all factors in determining how much it uses.
Prior to ordering in bulk, ensure that you check that the samples and quotations have the same fibre composition, finish GSM target, quality criteria and garment design.
Which Should You Choose?
Opt for single jersey for a lightweight and flexible natural drape T-shirt. Use interlock where more fullness, more similar faces, or more dimensional stability is required.
Before making the final decision, request samples of both constructions and compare their finished GSM, thickness, stretch, recovery, and performance after washing. That small check is more useful than choosing a fabric based on its name or weight alone.
Leave a Reply