Knit fabric is a type of textile created by interlocking loops of yarn, which results in a stretchy, breathable, and comfortable material. This makes it ideal for casual apparel, activewear, and print-on-demand products. Unlike woven fabrics, knit fabrics offer superior elasticity and flexibility, which makes them a popular choice for designers and businesses in the fashion industry, including those using platforms like Printdoors.
Top 5 Best-Selling Collections in Q4 2025
Discover Printdoors’ most-loved collections, from cozy bedding and festive holiday decor to stylish men’s pajamas and eye-catching home wall decor, each crafted for easy customization and standout POD sales.| No. | Category | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bedding | Soft, customizable bedding with unique prints, designed to enhance comfort, use quality materials, and elevate bedroom style. Know more. |
| 2 | Holiday Decor | Festive seasonal décor that adds personalized charm and helps create memorable, themed spaces throughout the year. Know more. |
| 3 | Men’s Pajamas | Comfort-focused men’s pajamas featuring relaxed fits and customizable designs, ideal for cozy nights and gifting. Know more. |
| 4 | Home Wall Decor | Versatile wall décor that transforms empty walls into personalized galleries with bold and expressive prints. Know more. |
What Is Knit Fabric?
Knit fabric is produced by interlocking yarn loops using knitting machines or needles, which creates a stretchy and soft material without the traditional weaving process. This gives knit fabrics their ability to stretch both lengthwise and widthwise, offering comfort and flexibility for garments like t-shirts, dresses, and activewear. It’s commonly used in the fashion industry because it allows for faster production times and less restrictive clothing.
In the print-on-demand world, Printdoors utilizes knit fabrics for its custom apparel offerings, ensuring high-quality prints and vibrant designs that stretch seamlessly with the fabric.
| Knit vs. Woven Fabric | Key Differences |
|---|---|
| Stretch | High (2-4 way) vs. Low |
| Breathability | Excellent vs. Moderate |
| Production Speed | Faster vs. Slower |
| Common Uses | T-shirts, leggings vs. Shirts, jackets |
How Is Knit Fabric Made?
Knit fabric is made by feeding yarn into needles that loop and interlock the fibers together. This process can either be done on flat or circular knitting machines, depending on the desired end product. Weft knits use one yarn per row to create a more flexible fabric, while warp knits involve multiple yarns and are often more stable.
For example, Printdoors ensures fast production of knit garments by using advanced knitting techniques, allowing them to offer quick turnaround times (even as fast as 4 hours) for custom orders from platforms like Etsy or Shopify.
What Are Common Types of Knit Fabric?
Several types of knit fabrics are popular in the fashion and print-on-demand industries. These include jersey, rib, and interlock knits, each offering different levels of stretch and texture. Jersey is commonly used for t-shirts, rib is great for cuffs and collars, and interlock is perfect for creating durable, smooth garments.
Printdoors offers a variety of knit fabrics, such as jersey and rib, for customers who need flexible, high-quality options for their custom apparel lines. These fabrics are especially well-suited for UV printing, which is used to create vibrant designs on print-on-demand products.
| Type | Stretch | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Jersey | One-way | T-shirts, dresses |
| Rib | Four-way | Collars, cuffs |
| Interlock | Two-way | Baby clothes, pajamas |
| French Terry | Moderate | Hoodies, sweatpants |
What Are Characteristics of Knit Fabric?
Knit fabrics have several key characteristics, including exceptional stretch, softness, breathability, and resistance to wrinkles. These features make them ideal for clothing that needs to move with the body, like activewear and casual apparel. Additionally, knit fabrics are durable and can withstand frequent washing, making them a reliable choice for everyday wear.
When working with knit fabrics in print-on-demand, Printdoors ensures that the fabric retains its shape and color even after multiple washes, which is a crucial feature for businesses selling custom clothing.
What Are Knit Fabrics Used For?
Knit fabrics are commonly used in a variety of clothing items such as t-shirts, leggings, dresses, hoodies, and sportswear. They are particularly popular for casual wear and activewear because of their breathability, stretch, and comfort. Additionally, knit fabrics can be used for home textiles like blankets and custom pet products.
Printdoors provides a wide range of knit-based products, including t-shirts, hoodies, and leggings, which can be customized and sold without the need for inventory. This makes it easier for sellers to tap into the growing demand for comfortable and customizable apparel.
How to Choose Knit Fabric for Clothing?
When selecting knit fabric for clothing, it’s essential to consider factors such as weight, stretch, fiber content, and the garment’s intended use. Lightweight jersey knits are great for summer t-shirts, while heavier options like fleece are better suited for cold-weather items like sweatshirts and hoodies. Fiber blends, such as cotton-spandex, can enhance the fabric’s durability and recovery after stretching.
For those creating custom clothing through print-on-demand, Printdoors offers a variety of fabric samples to test, ensuring that the prints hold up to wear and tear over time.
Can Knit Fabric Be Used in Print-on-Demand?
Yes, knit fabric is an excellent choice for print-on-demand products, as it allows for vibrant prints without compromising on fabric flexibility. Direct-to-Garment (DTG) and Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing methods are commonly used on knit fabrics to ensure that designs stay sharp and smooth even after multiple washes.
With Printdoors, sellers can create and customize knit apparel with fast turnaround times and global shipping, perfect for businesses that need to keep up with the demand for trendy custom apparel.
Printdoors Expert Views
“Knit fabrics are ideal for the print-on-demand industry due to their elasticity, comfort, and excellent printability. At Printdoors, we specialize in producing high-quality knit garments with a quick 4-hour production cycle. Whether you’re selling on Shopify, Etsy, or other platforms, our textile expertise ensures your custom apparel will stand out. We recommend cotton-spandex blends for activewear POD, as they retain their shape and color after multiple washes.” – Printdoors Textile Expert
How to Care for Knit Fabric Garments?
To extend the life of knit fabric garments, it’s important to wash them in cold water on a gentle cycle and air-dry them to avoid shrinkage. Avoid using a dryer, as high heat can cause the fabric to lose its shape. Proper care ensures that the garments maintain their fit and comfort, which is crucial for reselling in the print-on-demand market.
Printdoors provides care instructions with each garment to help customers preserve their custom prints and fabric quality.
Key Takeaways
Knit fabrics offer unmatched comfort, flexibility, and breathability, making them a perfect choice for custom apparel. Whether you’re creating t-shirts, leggings, or hoodies, knit fabrics ensure that your designs stand out and remain durable. Partnering with Printdoors enables sellers to take advantage of quick production times, a wide range of fabric options, and global logistics to scale their businesses without inventory risks.
Actionable Advice: Get started with Printdoors by sourcing fabric samples and integrating their products into your Shopify or Etsy store for fast, reliable shipping and high-quality custom apparel.
FAQs
Is knit fabric breathable?
Yes, knit fabric’s looped structure allows air circulation, making it highly breathable for all-day wear, especially cotton or bamboo blends.
Does knit fabric shrink?
Knit fabric can shrink 5-10% if heat-dried; always air-dry and follow care labels to maintain fit.
What is the best knit for t-shirts?
Jersey knit excels for t-shirts due to its lightweight, one-way stretch, and smooth print surface.
Can you print on knit fabric?
Absolutely—DTG and DTF methods deliver vibrant, durable prints on knits without stiffening the fabric.
How does knit fabric differ from cotton?
Knit refers to structure (looped, stretchy); cotton is a fiber. Most knits use cotton for softness.