Jersey: description, composition, advantages and disadvantages

Modern technologies have created a wide variety of fabrics that are widely used to make products necessary for a person. However, there are also old, time-tested types of fabrics that are relevant and fashionable now. Jersey is a versatile fabric and is one of them.

Jersey is a knitted fabric that is created on a small islet of Jersey (hence the name), which is part of the Channel Islands. The wool of a special breed of sheep on 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 was indispensable in the harsh climatic conditions of the island.

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

Jersey is, first of all, knitwear, the threads are knitted, weaving in a special way. Jersey production method is single-row weaving. The front and back patterns are different from each other.On the front surface, there are clearly visible "pigtails", which are characteristic of knitted fabric, they are rows of vertical loops. Horizontal stripes stand out well on the seamy side.

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

Knitted wool fabrics are usually made from sheep wool. (breed of merino or angora). But now, in addition to sheep wool, alpaca and even vicuna wool are often used. The viscose used to make jersey is also different. Regular viscose is often replaced by bamboo and eucalyptus. Polyester, elastane and lycra are used from synthetic raw materials.

In addition, there is knitwear with a combined composition. 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 technologies make it possible to create knitwear, the fibers of which are enriched with additives such as aloe extract, silver ions and metal dusting. As a result, the fabric acquires additional specific properties: antibacteriality, dielectric capacity, frost resistance.

The properties of the fabric depend primarily on the raw materials that were used for its manufacture. The more synthetics in the composition, the less the jersey wrinkles. Jersey made of natural fibers retains heat well, provides hygroscopicity and air access. Jersey has high strength when combined with natural yarns with viscose, but becomes less hygroscopic. When added to the natural composition of elastane, the knitwear becomes more elastic, stretches well, while retaining its shape.

Depending on the raw material, jersey can be heavy, medium-heavy, light. The jersey almost does not wrinkle. Products made from it always look neat, as they practically do not deform and retain their original shape. The decorative properties of the fabric make it possible to drape it into voluminous soft folds. The texture of the jersey allows you to emphasize the figure, as the fabric easily fits the silhouette.

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

• the fabric allows air to pass through well, regulates heat exchange, allowing the skin to "breathe", is hygroscopic due to the specific way of weaving of fibers;
• all jersey is soft, which makes it possible to sew even underwear from them;
• knitwear is distinguished by simplicity and ease of care; it tolerates both hand and machine wash;
• jersey has excellent drapery ability, easily forms soft voluminous folds;
• the fabric almost does not wrinkle, during storage it does not form folds, creases, even when folded;

• knitwear has a high degree of wear resistance, it retains its appearance and properties after prolonged use, withstands multiple washings;
• has versatility in application - it can be used for sewing any type of clothing;
• every jersey, even natural woolen, is characterized by lightness;
• the fabric has good elasticity, it stretches tightly and quickly returns to its original shape;
• jersey dyes well and retains 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, it does not cause allergic reactions and skin irritation. Artificial and synthetic fabrics hardly shrink during washing. Jersey made of natural fibers does not deform during wringing out, ironing and steaming. Knitted fabrics with the addition of linen or synthetic fibers are highly durable.

Disadvantages of jersey its properties can be attributed:

• dries for a long time after washing, as it retains moisture well;
• stretches better in width than in length;
• 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 pills;
• synthetic knitwear is capable of electrifying and "sticking" to stockings and tights;
• viscose and synthetic jersey requires low temperatures during ironing and does not tolerate steam well: the product loses its original density and slightly changes its shape.

Like many other fabrics such as crepe, jersey, depending on the raw material of manufacture, it is subdivided into the following types:

• natural;
• artificial;
• synthetic.

Natural jersey is made from natural fibers. In addition to wool, silk, cotton and linen are also used. Wool jersey is available in pure wool and with the addition of viscose or synthetic fibers. It is a very warm, yet breathable fabric. Cotton jersey is made either from pure cotton or from a mixture with other fibers. This jersey is also characterized by softness, strength and opaque texture, high air permeability and good hygroscopicity. Despite its low drapery, it guarantees a wide variety of cuts.

Elastane or lycra is often added to cotton, which add to the general properties of jersey an even higher degree of strength, durability, which prolongs the service life of the products. Silk jersey stands out among other types for the highest level of softness and smoothness. Its texture is thin, translucent, shining with a beautiful velvety sheen. This kind of knitwear stretches well, and the added lycra enhances this ability even more.

The raw materials for artificial jersey are different types of viscose. The main distinguishing feature of viscose jersey is the softness and smoothness of its surface. Knitwear is very docile in sewing, drapes well. Lycra, elastane, spandex are often added to it. These synthetic fibers increase the stretch and quickly re-shape the product. For the production of synthetic jersey, fibers are used from lycra, polyester, elastane, spandex. Synthetic jersey features increased strength and durability. In terms of wear resistance, lightness and strength, synthetic knitwear is not inferior even to nylon.

One of the characteristic features of jersey is its versatility. This explains the wide range of its applications. A huge variety of products can be sewn from jersey. Since this jersey can consist of both expensive natural fibers and cheaper artificial and synthetic fibers, the scope of its application is very wide: from expensive evening dresses to casual wear, from underwear to jackets.

Jersey knitwear is used for sewing:

• underwear for women and men - underpants, undershirts, nightgowns, pajamas, bodices;
• dresses for women;
• T-shirts and trousers;
• clothes for children;
• outerwear for women and men - jackets, coats, jackets and jackets;
• home clothes - bathrobes.

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

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

Knitted fabrics can be worn for a long time and in any weather, and they will retain their appearance if you adhere to some simple care rules.

• It is permissible to wash jersey clothes both by hand and in a washing machine using mild detergents. The washing mode depends on the type of knitwear: for cotton it will be slightly different than for silk or synthetic. In any case, jersey tolerates washing well in a gentle mode and at a water temperature of no higher than 40 degrees.
• It is not required to rinse things after washing in cold water, but in warm (about 20 degrees). Under this condition, the fabric retains the saturation of its color.
• White jersey should not be washed together with items dyed in other colors, as this may cause dyeing of the jersey.
• With a machine wash, a light cycle with low revolutions is also set.

• It is recommended to dry the products in a flattened form on a horizontal flat surface. Do not dry them near or on heating appliances.
• Iron the jersey at the lowest iron temperature, using a damp, thin cloth (cotton or cheesecloth). You can also use the steamer on your iron: in this case, iron the garment inside out to avoid shiny iron marks.
• You need to store things neatly folded or on a hanger in a ventilated area, do not allow 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, hang it on a hanger over a container of hot water. Steam will quickly straighten the folds. They also do after long-term storage of things and with some loss of their appearance.

As shown by numerous reviews, jersey fabric is very popular and in demand. Consumers especially note the long service life of the knitwear while maintaining the appearance and its original color. Women love the jersey to flatter the figure. According to consumers, woolen jersey suits keep you warm in cold weather. Many parents choose to buy cotton jersey underwear and outerwear for their children because it allows the skin to breathe and does not cause skin irritation. People especially like the convenience of wearing knitted clothes: they do not wrinkle, do not lose their initial shape, the fabric "breathes" and, moreover, requires only minimal maintenance.

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

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