Fashion Meets Function Fabric When you’re sewing something that is meant to stretch and move with you comfortably, you naturally reach for stretch fabric. But not all stretch fabric is made equally. For athleisure, you also need to keep in mind function in terms of durability, performance and stretch-ability. Luckily there are many fabrics out there that embody all of these characteristics... and are very fashionable.
to its original shape, making it ideal for athletic apparel. Spandex cannot stand alone and must be blended with other fibers. Host fibers such as cotton, rayon, wool or bamboo allow the spandex fiber to create stable, resilient, versatile fabrics with excellent shape retention. (Used for the silver Woodbine Joggers and Sherwood Top tank version.)
Palette For a capsule wardrobe, you may want to take into consideration a color story or theme – we love using basics like black and white, but with colorful accent pieces with sheen! If you are consistent in the fabric and color/print choices, these garments can all work together so when you are heading out the door to the gym or errands, just grabbing two pieces will result in a matched outfit.
JERSEY: This thin, lightweight and stretchy fabric has a great drape. Jersey has a very smooth, flowing fit and comfy feel ideal for looser fitting garments. Spandex can also be added to jersey fabric, increasing its stretchiness. (Used for the Bennett Tank.)
FABRIC CONSIDERATIONS FRENCH TERRY: This soft and luxurious knit fabric features a smooth and soft face with stretch across the grain for added comfort or ease. With a soft face and looped back, French terry fabric is perfect for sportswear and casual apparel as it is both absorbent and lightweight. (Used for the Sherwood Top and Olympia Skirt.)
Sometimes you have to go unconventional. Sporty silhouettes in fashion fabrics can be a winning combination for style – and the iridescence and durability of taffeta, paired with knit ribbing, is perfect in our Woodbine Joggers. (Used for the Woodbine Joggers.) TAFFETA:
RIBBING: This fabric either comes in tubular form or as yardage and is perfect for finishing hems, necklines and edges of both knit and woven fabrics. Ribbing has a stable stretch that doesn’t ripple when sewn in stretched. It can also be used as an accent or pop of contrast in garments. (Used in the Carlton Cropped Hoodie, Woodbine Joggers, and Leaside Sweater Dress.)
This knit fabric features a brushed back that creates a smooth knitted side and a cozy fleece side with a stretch across the grain. This fabric is the most popular choice for cozy sportswear pieces including hoodies, sweatshirts and tracksuits. (Used for the Carlton Cropped Hoodie and Leaside Sweater Dress.) SWEATSHIRT FLEECE:
SPANDEX: Not your typical ’80s workout fabric, spandex actually refers to the elastic fiber knit or woven into a fabric that makes it stretch. Modern spandex-blend fabrics bring today’s knit garment patterns to their full potential. Spandex’s most significant characteristic is its ability to stretch up to 500 times its length and continually recover
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