Collection: Sweat

Material Science - Sweat

What is sweat and what properties do sweat fabrics have?

Sweat is a knitted fabric. Sweat fabric is therefore not woven but knitted, which is why the material is so stretchy and elastic. As a knitted fabric, sweat is characterized by the small loops that are intertwined with one another. The stitch runs parallel to the selvedge. In comparison to other knitted fabrics, such as jersey, sweat fabric has an additional knitted lining thread on the back, which is roughened depending on the way it is made, which gives the textile a wonderfully fluffy feel on the back. Due to the manufacturing process, sweat is usually a little heavier and less elastic than other knitted fabrics. Cotton is usually used as the raw material in production. This natural fiber gives the textile its stability, while being breathable, skin-friendly and absorbent. To ensure additional elasticity, so-called blended fabrics made of cotton and elastane are produced. This has the advantage that the material returns to its original shape after the stretching process. Sweat fabrics thus offer the high degree of freedom of movement that is so highly valued in sports and leisure activities. The roughened back not only makes the material feel thicker, but also keeps the heat well inside the textile.

Which DIY sewing projects is sweat fabric suitable for?

Sweat fabrics are particularly suitable for making warm and cozy sports and leisure clothing. The most popular DIY sewing projects with this material include:

• Collage Jackets
• jogging suits
• hoodies
• Dresses
• sweatshirts
• sweatshirts
• sweatpants
• tracksuit pants
• tracksuit jackets
• children's clothing

What types of sweat fabric are there?

There are differences in the processing of sweat fabrics, which is why the following types of sweat can generally be distinguished:

summer sweat

Summer sweat or French terry is the name given to light sweat fabric. Due to its thinner and lighter construction, it is also suitable for summer, as it absorbs moisture well, is breathable and only retains moderate heat. This type of sweat is therefore also suitable for summer and is super wearable.

winter sweat

Winter sweat, or normal sweat fabric, is heavier than summer sweat because it is much thicker and cozier. It is ideal for autumn, winter and feel-good clothing because it is so comfortable and feels wonderfully soft.

Alpine fleece

In this variation, the sweat fabric has been supplemented with fleece on the inside. This makes this sweat fabric much warmer, cozier and also softer than normal sweat. Alpine fleece is ideal for sofa blankets, cardigans, hats, scarves and hoodies, for example.

How is sweat fabric cared for and processed?

What needs to be taken into account when sewing with sweat fabric by the meter?

It is important to pre-wash the fabric before processing it, as the high cotton content can cause some shrinkage, which is why the first wash before sewing is very important. When sewing, as is usual with knitwear, it is recommended that you use a jersey or stretch needle, even for sweat fabrics by the meter. Otherwise, unsightly holes can appear in the fabric if the small stitches are damaged or, in the worst case, cut by a sharp needle without a specially rounded head. If you use a needle with a ball tip or rounded tip, the stitches are only displaced or moved and not damaged or destroyed. The right needle size depends on the thickness of the sweat fabric. The material is stretchable or elastic, which means that a seam that can cope with this is required, otherwise, in the worst case, the seam could tear. If the sewing machine does not offer the option of selecting an elastic stitch, such as the triple straight stitch, the best option is a short zigzag stitch with, for example, 1.5mm to 2mm or a straight stitch with a low upper thread tension such as 2 or 3. An elastic stitch should therefore be used for sewing, such as the zigzag or pseudo-overlock stitch, if available, or ideally you should sew with an overlock machine. When it comes to finishing the edges, sweat fabric does not fray particularly badly. However, for a great look, a nice feel and an industrial-looking finish, the hems can also be edged with a twin needle so that they no longer roll up so much. In general, when sewing with this material, it is a good idea to reduce the presser foot pressure on the sewing machine.

What should be taken into account when caring for sweat?

When washing, it is recommended to wash at 30°C to protect the material and colors and to avoid using bleach. Sweat fabrics can be ironed at low heat and preferably without steam. Due to the high cotton content, drying in the dryer should not be done. Ideally, drying should be done lying down so that nothing gets distorted and everything stays in its shape.

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