When you're ready to start sourcing fabric for your next project, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, it's essential to understand the different types of fabrics. There are natural fibers like cotton and linen and synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon. Each type of fabric has its unique benefits and drawbacks, so it's essential to choose the right one for your project.

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You need to know where to look for the best deals on fabric. Local fabric stores can be a great resource, but you can also find good deals online. It is also important to ask yourself some key questions before you start sourcing fabric. What's your budget? What's the turnaround time for your project? How many yards do you need?

Answering these questions will help you source suitable fabric for your needs.

In this blog post, we'll explore the ins and outs of fabric sourcing, from where to find the best materials to how to negotiate prices. By the end, you'll be equipped with the knowledge you need to make smart choices when it comes time to source fabrics for your next collection.

What is fabric sourcing?

Fabric sourcing" is a term thrown around a lot in the fashion industry, but what does it mean? To put it simply, fabric sourcing is finding and selecting the fabrics used to create a garment or product.

For those new to fashion fabrics, sourcing fabric and trims can be daunting. However, it is an obtainable goal with the proper education and guidance. When you have confidence in what you are talking about when it comes to sourcing fabrics for clothing production, you will offer more value to your clients.

Furthermore, you'll avoid headaches during production by saving time and money. By knowing what you're doing when speaking with suppliers and factories, they will take you seriously!

There are many factors to consider when sourcing fabrics, including quality, durability, cost, and environmental impact. The goal is to find the perfect balance of all these factors to create a product that looks great and will stand the test of time.

If you're interested in learning more about fabric sourcing, keep reading!

We'll cover everything from where to find fabrics to how to evaluate their quality.

Before you start your fabric search, ask yourself these questions.

If you're thinking of sourcing your fabrics, there are a few questions you need to ask yourself before you start. First, by addressing these questions, you'll save a lot of time and trouble.

1. What do I want to make?

2. Who am I designing it for?

3. What type of fabrics do I need?

4. How much fabric do I need?

5. What is my budget?

6. Where can I find the fabrics I need?

7. How can I be sure I'm getting the best deal on fabric?

8. How will I transport the fabric once I've sourced it?

What do I want to make?

The first question you should ask yourself when planning to source the fabric is, "What do I want to make?". This will help you determine the fabric you need and where to look for it.

If you know what you want to make, you're halfway there! The first step to sourcing fabric is deciding what kind of garment or project you want to create. Once you have a general idea, you can start brainstorming which fabrics will work best.

Who am I making this for?

Now that you are clear about the clothing brand or the type of clothes, you must consider who you are making this for. It can be for men, women, or children, everyday wear, or special occasions. This will help you decide on the fabric's style, weight, and texture.

Different types of fabrics are available in the market, each with unique properties. Therefore, selecting the right fabric according to your needs and requirements is important.

What Fabrics do I need for my Clothing Line?

The best way to source fabric is to have a plan and design sketches of the garments you want to produce. This allows you to see what materials will work best for each garment and avoid wasting time and money ordering fabric you won't use.

When sourcing fabric for your clothing line, it's essential to consider the fabric type and quality. The fabric you choose will depend on the garment you're making and the look you want to achieve. The quality of the fabric is just as important, especially if you're planning on selling your garments. No one wants to buy a poorly made garment that falls apart after one wash!

The basics of fabric construction

To start, "fabric" is a material created by joining fibers together. In most cases, a fabric is named after the fiber used to make it; some fabrics use different types of fibers.

The fabric can then be classified based on the fiber(s) used, its pattern and texture, and the production process employed. Another factor that comes into play for some fabrics is where the fibers originated from.

There are two main categories of fabrics: those made with natural fibers and those made with synthetic fibers. Within each category, there are further subcategories depending on how the fabric was produced (woven vs. knitted fabric).

Each construction has characteristics that make it suitable for specific applications.

Knit fabrics

Knit fabrics are produced by interlocking loops of yarn, which allows the fabric to stretch, making knit garments more comfortable to wear. Additionally, breathability is increased in knit fabrics since their construction allows air to circulate more quickly than other types of fabric. The trade-off for these properties is that knit fabric is more prone to snagging and running than other materials.

Woven fabrics

Woven fabrics are created by passing warp and weft yarns over and under at right angles. The weave pattern used will affect the properties of the fabric. For example, a twill weave is stronger and more resistant to tearing, while a satin weave has a smoother surface with a lustrous sheen. Woven fabrics don't usually stretch, so they might not be as comfortable to wear as knit fabrics. On the plus side, wovens don't snag or run efficiently either.

How to source fabric and types of fabric suppliers

Fabric sourcing is finding and selecting fabrics for use in a product. It involves research, sourcing, and choosing fabrics based on quality, price, style, and lead time. In addition, fabric sourcing is a critical part of the garment manufacturing process, as the fabric is one of the essential components of a garment.

There are two main types of fabric suppliers:

Fabric Mills

Companies that produce fabric from natural fibers like cotton and wool or synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon are called mills. They can be located worldwide, sometimes specializing in one type of fabric only.

Traders

Traders are companies that act as a go-between, purchasing fabrics from mills to sell them to garment manufacturers. They're often located in countries where a lot of garment manufacturing occurs, like China, Bangladesh, and India.Retail stores

Wholesaler

The wholesalers are the ones who buy from the manufacturers in bulk and sell them to the retailers. They have a wide range of products and sell them at a lower price than the retail stores.

Jobber

Typically, these fabric suppliers only carry a limited stock of leftover fabric from converters and fabric mills. They may sell it at reduced prices but won't usually restock once that specific fabric, print, or color is sold out. So if you're interested in a particular product, don't hesitate to purchase it then, as you most likely won't be able to find it again.

Fabric sourcing agent

Agents typically work with a large number of fabric suppliers and may be able to offer better deals because of their leverage with a fabric mill. Some agents work on commission, which gives them an incentive to find the best possible prices for their clients.

Trade Shows

Another great way to source the fabric you need is by attending trade shows. These events are where fabric suppliers from all over the world showcase their latest products. You'll be able to see and feel the fabrics in person, which can help you decide. Plus, you'll be able to negotiate prices and terms with the suppliers directly.

Referrals

If you know anyone in the garment manufacturing industry, they may be able to give you some good referrals for fabric suppliers. So it's always helpful to get recommendations from people you trust. From our years of experience, we put together a fabric sourcing guide available for purchase for $119.

Online

The easiest way to start your search for fabric suppliers is online. A quick Google search will reveal a long list of options, which can be overwhelming. Narrow your search by looking for suppliers specializing in the fabric you need. You can them asking for samples and more information about their products.

Important Points to Remember in Sourcing your Fabric

You Get What You Pay For

The adage "you get what you pay for" is especially true regarding fabric sourcing. In general, the lower the price, the lower the quality. When sourcing fabric for your garments, it's essential to remember that fabric is often the most expensive part of the garment. It's worth investing in a higher-quality fabric that will look better and last longer.

There is No Standardization

Unlike other garment components such as zippers or buttons, there is no standardization in the world of fabrics. This can make it challenging to compare prices and quality between different vendors. So when you're sourcing fabric, be sure to ask lots of questions to ensure you're getting what you expect.

Fabric Sourcing Takes Time

Fabric sourcing is not a quick process. It can take months to find the right vendor and the right fabric for your garment. Be patient, and don't compromise on quality to save time.

Know Your Vendors

When sourcing fabric, it's crucial to establish relationships with your vendors. Get to know them and their products so you can be confident that you're getting what you need.

Availability

It is also important to ask the vendor about the availability of the fabric. Depending on the time of year and the fabric's popularity, it may not be readily available. If you need a large fabric, ask the vendor if they can accommodate your order.

Affordability

If you have got the right fabric supplier with the desired fabric, affordability is something you can not compromise on. With the market being highly competitive, there are chances that you may get the same fabric at a lower price from another vendor. Hence, it is essential to compare prices before finalizing a deal.

Terms You Need to Know Before Sourcing Fabric

Before you acquire fabric for your business or clients, here are some preliminary points you should know.

End Use

What is the fabric going to be utilized for? Figure this out by your reference samples and what you want to design. This will help narrow down which suppliers you approach.

Content

The fabrics used in this garment are essential to its final quality if you have a similar item to compare it to, great! If not, see what other garments of this type are made of and use that foundation for your research.

Fabric Weight

GSM is the metric used to measure a fabric's weight by determining how many grams per square meter it weighs. You don't need to calculate this, but knowing what it means will help you communicate better with vendors.

Fabric Construction

We can breakdown the construction of fabric into two categories: knits and wovens. Knits are created with a single interwoven yarn to create the desired material. On the other hand, Wovens use many different yarns running in both directions - top to bottom (known as weft) and right to left (known as warp). These yarns weave over and under each other until the final product is achieved. If you're unsure of what type of fabric you need for your project, don't fret! Most vendors will first ask whether you need a knit or woven fabric.

Special Finishes / Treatments

After the fabric is manufactured, additional treatments or finishes are often applied to achieve a particular look or feel. If you're looking for a specific finish, mention it to your vendor so they can direct you to the right product. Some standard finishes include:

• Waterproofing

• Fire retardant

• Stain resistant

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• 
  How to Choose the Right Hi-Vis Safety Vests for Your Job?

  Wrinkle free

• UV protection

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)

This is the minimum amount of fabric manufacturers will sell you. It's usually measured in yards or meters. Remember that the MOQ will generally be higher for less common fabrics, so if you're working with a tight budget, you may need to compromise on your fabric choice.

Fabric delivery lead time

This is the time it will take for your fabric to be delivered from the fabric manufacturer when you place your order. This can vary greatly depending on the vendor, the type of fabric, and the quantity you need. Ask your vendor about their lead time before placing your order.

Wrapping it up

As you better understand what to look for when sourcing fabric, keep these critical points in mind as you begin your search so you can find the perfect fabric for your project! Alternatively, if you&#;d like help sourcing, you can purchase a block of fabric sourcing hours and our team can assist you!

Knit Fabric &#; Characteristics and Designs

Knit fabric is an elastic material, made by yarns initially formed into loops and then interconnected in order to produce a textile structure. Knit fabrics do not have a weave. However, the system of weft and warp threads, traditional for other fabric types, is preserved. The feature of knitwear is that it can stretch as you like due to the loops, which can change the size and shape.

The main raw materials for knit fabrics are silk, linen, cotton, wool, viscose, rayon and more. Manufacturers add various synthetic materials to achieve the best combination of quality and durability.

Let&#;s talk about types and uses of knit fabrics, pros and cons, trends and life hacks which help you make a dress or sweater you long dreamed of.

What Are the Types of Knit Fabrics?

There are two main ways of manufacturing of knit fabrics: warp knitting (vertical set of yarns) and weft knitting (horizontal set of yarns).

The ways differ with the process of knitting. In warp knitting, each thread has its needle and the fabric is knitted in the lengthwise direction (vertically). Weft knitted fabrics are made of one thread interlocked horizontally.

Here are the most popular types of knitted fabrics:

Warp knitted fabrics:

1. Raschel. The fabric has an openwork pattern and three-dimensional surface effect.
2. Tricot. The fabric is a mix of natural and synthetic materials. It features lengthwise ribs on the right side and crosswise ribs on the wrong side. Tricot knit fabric is soft and has good drapability.
3. Milanese knit. The fabric is knitted diagonally from two sets of yarns. It is soft, lightweight and run-resistant.

Weft knitted fabrics:

1. Jersey or plain stitch. It has two different sides with vertical ribs on the right one and horizontal ribs on the wrong side. The fabric curls towards the right side. Jersey is the most popular type of knit fabrics due to a variety of colors, patterns and useful consumer properties &#; it is comfy, soft and stretchy.
2. Interlock. Unlike jersey, both sides of interlock knit are with lengthwise ribs and look the same way. The fabric features good shape retention, medium or heavy weight, smooth texture.
3. Rib. It has visible vertical ribs on both sides. The fabric features a perfect crosswise stretch and a soft feel.
4. Purl. The fabric is double-faced and has 2-way stretch (crosswise, lengthwise). It features knit and purl stitches which form columns, going along the length of the fabric.

Table 1. Knit fabric types and applications Type of knit Name Uses

Raschel

warp

dresses, blouses, underwear, coats, finishing

Tricot

warp

lingerie, swimwear, lining, sleepwear

Milanese knit

warp

scarfs, sweaters, cardigans

Jersey

weft

dresses, skirts, tops, underwear, pajamas, t-shirts

Interlock

weft

fitting dresses, leggings, cardigans, shirts

Rib

weft

turtlenecks, cuffs, cardigans, sweaters, neckbands

Purl

weft

outerwear, sweaters

Jersey Knit Fabric

Jersey knit fabric is a single knit fabric, made of natural (cotton, wool, viscose, linen, silk) or synthetic fibers. The main advantages of jersey knit fabric are versatility, wrinkle resistance, durability, softness and elasticity. That&#;s why jersey is an extremely popular cloth for men, women and child&#;s wear.

Jersey knits boast a wide range of colors. Here is our top fashion color guide for this season. Ultra-violet is a must-have; it is the color of the year. The classic palette includes navy, grey, beige and white colors. Festive hues include juicy yellow, rich red, emerald green, sky blue, pink lavender, beige-pink, and hocolate brown.

&#;otton Knit Fabric vs Viscose Knit Fabric

Cotton knit fabric is one of the types of knit fabrics. With a flexible drape and soft feel, it is a perfect material for sewing dresses, wide trousers and kilts. Among the pros of cotton knits are breathability, absorbency and versatility &#; it is an all-season material. However, cotton knit fabric does not keep the shape well and is able to overstretch.

Viscose knit fabric is a material knitted from viscose fibers. Longwearing and breathable, this fabric retains the shape well at the expense of its weight. With a great drapability and considerable stretch effect, viscose knit fabric is perfect for dresses and skirts, as well as for jackets and trousers.

Pros and Cons of Knit Fabrics

Knit fabrics have gained wide popularity due to their advantages, as well as attractive price and simple care requirements. Let's name the basic pros of knit fabrics:

Pros:

• Comfortable to wear. Knit fabrics have a soft texture and great breathability. In the hot season, knitted garments allow the body to breathe, in cold weather, on the contrary, keep you warm.
• Fabulous stretch. Knitwear can stretch in all four directions. You can create a form-fitting wear, which does not constrain movement. Knitted garments take the shape of a human body.
• Versatility is the main reason that this fabric is in great demand. Manufacturers use various types of knitting to create underwear, T-shirts, dresses, tunics, trousers, shirts, dressing gowns and more. Products made from knit fabric can be thin, airy, warm and cozy.
• Easy to care. Knitwear is wrinkle-resistant and durable, it does not lose the shape and color for a long time.

However, there are some cons:

• Prone to pilling. The best way to keep original appearance of garments is dry-cleaning. Knit fabrics with synthetic fibers are the most resistant to pilling and have a sufficiently dense and elastic structure.
• Not easy to sew. Knitted fabrics have a raveling edge; it is hard to work with seams.
• Choose silhouette properly. It is very topical for close-fitting dresses and skirts. Be careful, choose garments which suit you and emphasize advantages of your figure.

5 Tips for Sewing with Knit Fabric

Here are the life hacks how to sew a garment from knit fabric with a regular sewing machine.

1. Needles. First of all, you will need a special needle &#; ballpoint. The problem is that if you use a regular needle, it will make holes in your knit fabric. Double or twin needle will be an ideal choice for sewing with knit fabrics.
2. Use a Walking Foot. Without this device, the sewing machine pulls only the bottom layer of fabric. The Walking Foot pulls the top layer of fabric with the bottom either.
3. Cut on a Surface. All the fabrics should be cut on a table or floor, without hanging edges. Remember, knit fabrics have a stretch. With edges hanging you can make a mistake while cutting.
4. Zig-Zag Stitch. It is highly recommended for knitwear when sewing seams, because a zig-zag stitch stretches along with the fabric, unlike a straight stitch.
5. Tissue Paper. Use it to connect the edges when sewing them up to prevent the fabric from stretching. Tissue paper is applied underneath the seam (or on the top) when sewing two layers of knit fabric and removed after finishing the process.

Knitwear Trends /

&#; Knitwear can play a vital part in layering. The simplicity of a lightweight cardigan makes it one of the best ways to layer outfits. I love granddad cardis for winter, worn over a vintage lace shirt, waistcoat and full skirt with slouchy boots.&#; &#; legendary model Twiggy gave a fashion advice how to combine knitwear with your wardrobe.

Knit fabric garments have long been a part of our everyday life. Fashion designers tend to add knitted wear to their collections.

Here are the top-5 fashion trends in the / season.

1. Colors: the main colors are classic black, grey, beige, brown which supplement juicy colors (red, purple, neon hues).
2. Accessories: knitted scarfs and large shawls.
3. Style: loop stitch cardigans and jackets, faux fur, knitted dresses and skirts.
4. Oversize silhouettes: volumetric sweaters, turtlenecks, coats.
5. Patterns: geometric patterns, ethnic prints, art-inspired motifs.

Tissura Collection

In our store, you can buy online knit fabrics made of wool, silk, cotton, cashmere, perfect for a stunning dress, cardigan and more. There is an impressive collection of jersey knits &#; from medium weight to heavy, from solid to sophisticated patterns, from classic to juicy shades.

Tissura offers high quality knit fabrics from leading European manufacturers such as:

• Guigou (France)
• Carnet (Italy)
• Mario Boselli (Italy)
• Loro Piana (Italy)
• Liberty (Great Britain)
• Hausammann (Switzerland)
• Etro (Italy)
• Binda (Italy)

You can buy online exclusive knit fabrics in a wide range of colors and prints to make a trendy addition to your wardrobe.

Knitted Fabric, 38 &#; (47 US$) per one running metre;

Wool Jersey Knit Fabric, 86 &#; (106 US$) per one running metre;

Wool Jersey Knit Fabric, 86 &#; (55 US$) per one running metre;

Stretch Jersey Knit Fabric, 47 &#; (58 US$) per one running metre

Are you interested in learning more about knitting fabric manufacturer? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!