Jersey: description, composition, advantages and disadvantages

Modern technology has created a large number of diverse fabrics that are widely used for the manufacture of necessary human products. However, there are old, time-tested types of fabrics that are relevant and fashionable today. Jersey is a universal fabric and is one of them.

Jersey is a knitted fabric created on a small island of Jersey (hence the name), which is part of the Channel Islands. Wool of a special breed of sheep of this island, which has an increased ability to retain heat, served as a material for making jersey. Warm knitwear was used for sewing underwear and it was indispensable in the harsh climatic conditions of the island.

Subsequently, knitwear was repeatedly tried to be used for making clothes, but it was not in demand. Only the famous Coco Chanel introduced this knitwear to the category of fashionable fabric after the presentation of the “little” jersey dress. at the next Paris fashion show, which was a huge success. Since then, jersey knitwear has gained wide popularity. The production technology of the jersey has changed, and now the fabric is significantly different from the original version. Modern jersey jersey is a machine knitted fabric.

Jersey is primarily knitwear, the threads are knitted, intertwined in a special way. The jersey production method is single row weaving. Facial and purl drawings differ from each other. On the front surface are clearly visible "pigtails", which are typical for knitted linen, they are rows of vertical loops. On the seamy side horizontal stripes stand out well.

Due to this method of manufacturing jersey stretches well across, but does not stretch, and after stretching the cross-section is immediately rolled up. This characteristic feature of the jersey is its hallmark and distinguishes among other fabrics. The original jersey was made of pure wool, and the fabric was very dense. The development of industry and advanced technologies allow the use of other raw materials. The composition of the jersey can be from wool, silk, cotton, linen, viscose and synthetic fibers.

Knitted wool fabrics are usually made from sheep wool (breed merino or angora). But nowadays, besides sheep wool, alpaca and even vicuna are often used. Viscose used for the manufacture of jersey, too, is different. Regular viscose is often replaced by bamboo and eucalyptus. From synthetic materials use polyester, elastane and lycra.

In addition, there is a combination of knitwear. In this case, it consists of several components. It can be a combination of natural fibers, viscose and synthetic. As a result, the fabric acquires the qualities of all components: natural, synthetic and viscose. The latest technology allows you to create knitwear, the fibers of which are enriched with additives such as aloe vera extract, silver ions and a metallic spray. As a result, the fabric acquires additional specific properties: antibacterial, dielectric capacity, frost resistance.

Fabric properties depend primarily on the raw materials that were used for its manufacture. The more in the composition of synthetics, the less knitwear is crumpled. Jersey from fibers of natural origin retains heat well, provides hygroscopicity and air access. Jersey has high strength when combining natural yarn with viscose, but becomes less hygroscopic. When added to the natural composition of elastane knitwear is made more elastic, well stretched, while retaining the shape.

Depending on the raw material, jersey can be heavy, moderate, light. Knitwear does not wrinkle at all. Products from it always look neat, as they are practically not deformed and retain their original shape. The decorative properties of the fabric make it possible to drape it into volume soft folds. The texture of knitwear makes it possible to emphasize the figure, as the fabric easily fits the silhouette.

The composition of knitwear affects some of its properties, and hence the advantages and disadvantages. However, there are advantages that all types of jersey have:

• the fabric passes air well, regulates heat exchange, allowing the skin to "breathe", is hygroscopic due to a specific way of interlacing the fibers;
• All jersey are soft, which makes it possible to sew from them even underwear;
• knitwear is distinguished by its simplicity and ease of care; it tolerates hand and machine washing well;
• Jersey has excellent draping ability, easily forms soft voluminous folds;
• the fabric is almost not wrinkled, does not form folds, creases even when folded during storage;

• knitwear has a high degree of resistance to wear, it retains its appearance and properties after prolonged use, it withstands numerous washes;
• has versatility in use - it can be used for sewing any type of clothing;
• lightness is inherent in every knitwear, even natural wool;
• the fabric has good elasticity, it is tightly stretched and quickly returns to its original shape;
• knitwear dyes well and keeps its color for a long time.

An important advantage of all jersey is the ability to stretch: almost 25% of the original form. Natural jersey is environmentally friendly and safe, they do not cause allergic reactions and skin irritations. Artificial and synthetic fabrics almost never sit down when washed. Jersey from natural fibers are not deformed when pushing up, ironing and steaming. Knitwear with the addition of linen or synthetic fibers has a high strength.

Jersey drawbacks Its properties include:

• after washing it dries for a long time, as it retains moisture well;
• wide stretches better than long;
• does not withstand high temperatures during washing, which leads to deformation of products;
• requires compliance with the rules of care indicated on the product label;
• woolen jersey can form pellets;
• synthetic knitwear can electrify and "stick" to stockings and pantyhose;
• Viscose and synthetic jersey require low temperatures during ironing and do not tolerate steam well: the product loses its original density and changes shape somewhat.

Like many other fabrics, such as crepe, jersey, depending on the production of raw materials, is divided into the following types:

• natural;
• artificial;
• synthetic

Natural jersey is made from natural fibers. In addition to wool, they also use silk, cotton flax. Wool jersey is pure wool and with the addition of viscose or synthetic fibers. This is a very warm, and at the same time allowing the skin to breathe, fabric. Cotton jersey is made either from pure cotton, or from its mixture with other fibers. This knit is also distinguished by softness, durability and opaque texture, high air permeability and good hygroscopicity.Despite its low drapability, it guarantees a wide variety of cut items.

Elastane or lycra are often added to cotton, which add an even higher degree of strength and wear resistance to the overall properties of jersey, which prolongs the service life of products. Silk jersey stands out among other types of the highest level of softness and smoothness. Its texture is thin, translucent, casting a beautiful velvety sheen. This type of knitwear is well stretched, and the added lycra further enhances this ability.

As raw materials for artificial jersey serves a different type viscose. The main feature of viscose knitwear is the softness and smoothness of its surface. Knitwear is very obedient to sewing, well draped. It is often added lycra, elastane, spandex. These synthetic fibers increase the degree of stretching and rapid recovery of the initial shape of the product. For the production of synthetic jersey used fibers from lycra, polyester, elastane, spandex. Synthetic jersey is distinguished by increased strength and durability. In terms of wear resistance, lightness and durability, synthetic knitwear is not inferior even to nylon.

One of the characteristic properties of a jersey is its versatility. This is what explains the wide range of its application. From jersey you can sew a huge variety of products. Since this knitwear can consist of both expensive natural fibers and cheaper artificial and synthetic fibers, its scope is very wide: from expensive evening dresses to casual wear, from underwear to jackets.

Jersey jersey is used for sewing:

• underwear for women and men - underwear, nightgowns T-shirts, pajamas, bodices;
• dresses for women;
• T-shirts and trousers;
• clothes for children;
• top women's and men's clothing - jackets, coats, jackets and jackets;
• clothes for the house - bathrobes.

For underwear used thin viscose, cotton or more expensive silk knitwear. Elegant evening dresses for women are made from cotton jersey, while casual suits for office work, both for men and women, are made from woolen or cotton jersey. Warm wool knitwear is also used to make outerwear: coats, jackets, as well as beautiful elegant cardigans, tunics, ponchos, jackets. Men's and women's sweaters and pullovers made of wool knitwear look very nice.

Due to the properties of the jersey from it you can sew a dress of any style: sheath dress or straight cut, flared dress from the waist or chest, with drapery. Lightweight viscose and cotton knitwear are made for summer dresses, blouses, tops. A separate place is occupied by sportswear (t-shirts, shorts, and windbreakers), as well as clothing for children (dresses, blouses, sweatshirts, pants, sweaters).

Knitwear can be worn for a long time and in any weather, and they will retain their appearance, if you follow some simple rules of care.

• It is permissible to wash clothes from a jersey both with hands and in a washing machine with the use of soft washing products. The washing mode depends on the type of knitwear: for cotton it will be slightly different than for silk or synthetic. In any case, knitwear tolerates washing in a gentle manner and at a water temperature not higher than 40 degrees.
• Rinse things after washing is required not in cold water, but in warm (about 20 degrees). Under this condition, the fabric maintains the saturation of its color.
• You can not wash white knitwear with things painted in other colors, as this may lead to the color of jersey.
• In the case of machine wash, during spinning, the light mode is also set with low revs.

• It is recommended to dry products in the straightened form on a horizontal flat surface. It is forbidden to dry them near or on appliances heating.
• The jersey is ironed at the lowest temperature of the iron, using a damp thin cloth (cotton or gauze). You can also use the steamer on the iron: in this case, the product must be ironed from the inside, this will help to avoid shiny prints from the iron.
• You need to store things neatly folded or on a hanger in a ventilated room, to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, which can lead to fading of the fabric.
• Slightly wrinkled knitwear can be straightened without an iron. To do this, you need to hang it on a hanger above the hot water tank. From a pair of folds quickly straighten. Also come after long-term storage of things and with some loss of its appearance.

As shown by numerous reviews, jersey fabric is very popular and in demand. Consumers particularly note the long service life of knitwear while maintaining the appearance and its original color. Women like that jersey favorably emphasizes the figure. As indicated by consumers, suits from woolen jersey are well warmed in cold weather. Many parents prefer to buy underwear and outerwear made of cotton knitwear for their children, as it allows the skin to breathe and does not cause skin irritations. People especially like the convenience of wearing knitwear: it does not crease, does not lose its initial shape, the fabric “breathes” and also requires only minimal care.

A large assortment of jersey clothing allows you to combine and combine things and look different every day. It is also noted that the fabric is easily cleaned from small local dirt. Consumers who sew things themselves, indicate that the fabric is very comfortable in sewing, from it you can sew clothes of any style. I also like home variations of jersey - bathrobes, pajamas - for the convenience and comfort of wearing.

For information on how to choose a jersey knit fabric, see the next video.