Interlock Fabric: The Smooth Surfaced Knit Fabric for Sportswear

All season-friendly fabrics are hard to find. Even a single-sided cloth sometimes falls behind in choice when another material appears with better thickness. Interlock is similar to the thick one. 

It is a double-sided woven patterned fabric with transparent color options. Any fabric that comes in great use for apparel and sportswear is favored by all. Let us hear the smooth textured fabric’s description with overall manufacturing details. 

What is Interlock Fabric?

Interlock Fabric refers to the knitted reversible fabric. It has a smooth appearance. The appearance is there on each side of the fabric. At the edges, this fabric hardly curls. As a fabric, it is thick, strong, and has a moderate level of elasticity. 

This fabric has a resemblance to the honeycomb. It is also called a micro fabric with smooth texture and breathable properties. This fabric is well-treated with chemicals that resist pilling. 

Interlock Knit Fabric 

Interlock fabric itself is a knitted fabric. It is double-knitted in nature. The upper part and lower parts of the fabric tend to be the same. The fabric looks like a layer of cloth. Yet the fabric feels like a layered one. 

Interlock knit fabric has other names. They are Double knit fabric and Interlock Jersey Fabric. The yarn fiber types of interlock fabric are versatile. They are cotton, polyester, and viscose. These yarns are used 100 percent. The fabric comes a great use in skirts, polo shirts, dresses, t-shirts, outer and sportswear.

100% cotton-made interlock fabric is eco-friendly, soft, breathable, and stretchy. Summertime clothing is the warmest quality one. Cotton makes the fabric warm and cold weather-based clothing. 

The Knitting Process of Interlock Knit

Woven fabrics are created via the intertwined warp and weft threads. These warp and weft threads have another name, it is called perpendicular. This interlock knit gets into the formation by the interlocking loops.

The loops of only an individual thread. The process of looping creates a balanced stretch fabric with excellent recovery. The loops move with the movement of the fabric. The circular knitting machine plays a crucial role. The fabric has an interlock structure.  There are comfort, durability, and unique manufacturing processes. All these keep the interlock knit ahead of many similar ranges of garments. 

What is Interlock Fabric composed of?

Polyester, wool, bamboo, rayon, silk, and cotton these materials compose the interlock fabric. In some cases, this fabric comes in 100% polyester. This fabric involves blended cotton wool and chemical fibers. There is the use of blended cotton wool and chlorine cotton. The blend comes in dimension and chlorine cotton. Chemical fiber fabrics require these materials. There are 3 types of cotton wool- acrylic, polyester, and spandex.

The interlock is a thick fabric. It consists of two rib structures. Features of the fabric are soft hand touch, good range of elasticity, clear lines, and cloth surface. The fabric is soft to the touch, good on the surface, clear textile, and has better stability. This fabric helps in sewing cotton sweaters, outerwear, briefs, and vests. 

Interlock is also popularly known as having a double jersey structure. It goes through the production of a cylinder. Besides, it goes through the cylinder and dial-shaped circular weft knitting machine. The rib structure is interlocked with two 1X1 ribs. The fabric has a face wale of 1 and is directly in the reverse wale of 2. It is near to the woven structure where cutting and sewing operations are easier. 

Manufacturing Process

Interlock fabric goes through a needlework- Stainless steel needles. These needles cross each other and work alternatively. The production of interlock fabric creates a fabric with double knit. It makes the fabric soft. Each side of the fabric is the same color and patterned.

Brushing: Cotton-made interlock fabric goes through a brushing process by the manufacturers. Manufacturers brush the inner part to make the fabric warm and comfortable. Creating warm cotton is possible only by this technique. The brushing technique does not apply to the woolen fibers. This is because the wool has an intrinsic characteristic.

Ironing: Interlock fabric can be a stable option if it is correctly going through iron. Knitting tensions go through the process of ironing. Ironing is possible with steam. The fabric also passes through two hot metal cylinders. 

Interlock Machine

Interlock fabric requires the circular knit manufacturing process. 100% polyester interlock comes in 145 GSM. An interlocking machine has an interlocking gate. In this interlock gating, needles try to remain opposite of each other. It means any of the two needles can knit at any feeder. 

Interlock machine tends to be high-speed. There are multi-feeders with machines of closed cam track. Common gauges for this fabric is 20-24 npi. It uses 1/48 Nm worsted.

Types of Interlock Fabric

Interlock offers around 5 different types of fabric. Some of the types are described in the following:

Cotton Interlock: Cotton interlock is one of the common types. of interlock fabric. The name says it all. It features 100% soft and breathable features. This 100% cotton-made fabric is all set to use for everyday wear. 

The cotton interlock also comes with excellent moisture absorption ability. The fabric allows proper air circulation. Because of this air circulation, the wearer feels comfortable. Also, the fabric is strong and washable in warm temperatures. 

Apart from regular wear, the cotton interlock is suitable for other ranges of clothing. Other clothing are casual items. Some of the casual items are baby clothes, undergarments, and t-shirts. 

Polyester Interlock: Another variation of interlock fabric is polyester interlock. The polyester interlock is a synthetic fiber. The source is petroleum. Since polyester features synthetic materials, it possesses the desired attributes. Some of them are High resilience.

Polyester interlock is stretching resistance. That means it does not shrink after being washed. The fabric dries so quickly. The low rate of water absorbency is ideal for sportswear. Sportswear for example athletic tops, and leggings have crucial moistur-wicking properties.

Nylon Interlock: Nylon interlock does not always offer nylon as a primary material. Sometimes, this fabric comes in a blended version with spandex. It is another interlock variant and type. 

Nylon has strength. This strength combines with the elasticity of the spandex fabric to create a durable feature. The fabric is flexible. It is used in activewear garments. The fabric features support and stretchability. This blended interlock offers exceptional shape retention. 

After repeated uses, this fabric hardly shrinks. Besides, adequate compression is there in this nylon or spandex blend interlock fabric. There is no sacrificing material in terms of comfort. 

Bamboo-Rayon Interlock: Interlocks come with bamboo and rayon fiber as well. They have gained massive popularity last 2-3 years. The most important feature is that bamboo rayon is eco-friendly.

Bamboo plants only require a little water. In textile production, crops are also compared. Besides, bamboo rayon production requires only fewer resources overall. The fabric type features excellent breathability. Also, the fabric is natural and anti-bacterial. 

These properties inhibit the odor-causing growth of bacteria. Intimate apparel is now a new edition of the application area of bamboo rayon fabric. This apparel includes underwear and sleepwear. 

Modal Interlock: Modal Interlock fabric is another fabric type of interlock. It is luxurious compared to other types. Modal interlock has the source of making from beech trees cellulose. These fibers are also exceptional in terms of softness.

Also, the fabric has a texture similar to silk. It has gained favor in the high-end fashion industry for its excellent features. Dresses are tops, the apparel sector is covered already. This interlock offers excellent drape ability. Also, the fabric holds color very well. 

It has moisture absorption ability. All these properties make a comfortable and elegant look on behalf of the luxurious interlocks. 

Interlock Fabric Properties

In the following chart, we have covered the significant properties that make interlock an absolute delight in terms of chemical and physical attributes. The fabric is durable and it is visible in this chart. Besides, the wear and tear resistance, and stretchability all these features have been explained with quality as well. 

Fabric Composition	Polyester, wool, silk, and cotton.
Fabric Durability	More durable
Fabric Pilling Resistance	High
Fabric Breathability	Excellent
Moisture Absorption Ability	Good
Sweat Volatility	Good
Fabric Elasticity	Good
Wear and Tear Resistance	Strong
Color Fastness	High. Interlock fabric makes bright colors.
Fabric Stretch	Slightly Stretch
Prone to Tear	Fewer
Fabric Uses for	Apparel, Sportswear, and Children's clothes

Characteristics of Interlock Fabric

• Compact: Interlock fabric has a positive quality which is unusual. This quality makes the fabric a compact one. Fibers get trapped in a lot of air. That is why, these fibers make the fabric insulant, breathable, and quality. Besides, the fabric is an ideal choice for sporting activities.
• Versatile: Interlock fabric is perfect for products, underwear especially. This fabric is suitable for winter garments. Because of the quality of this fabric being soft as well as warm. The cotton-made fabric has been used in making pajamas. 
• Structure: The interlock fabric has an air layer structure. However, the weight of the fabric is between 150 to 450 GSM. It means the fabric is much heavier compared to a similar kind of fabric. The smooth finish of the fabric appears polished on both sides of the fabric. Also, it eliminates the requirement for a lining. 
• Anti-Pilling Properties: The anti-pilling feature's properties are within the interlock fabric. But these properties reach 3 to 4 grades. 
• Pleasant to Touch: Interlock asa fabric is appreciated for its soft and airy texture. This texture makes the fabric perfect for clothes. High-quality cotton-made interlock comes in everyday wear. It also provides you the extreme comfort during summer days. 
• Moisture Wicking: The interlock has moisture-wicking ability. The weft knitting machine makes the most use of the moisture-wicking properties of interlock fabric. This fabric is high quality because of this property. It is also customizable as per the requirement because of the moisture and sweat absorption ability. Besides, the fabric has anti-bacterial properties and a quick drying mechanism. 
• Fabric Stretch and Recovery: Interlock knit usually tends to have excellent stretch properties. This feature makes it comfortable to wear all day long. It allows the garments with flexible movement,. 

Interlock Fabric Applications

Interlock fabric has the best uses in activewear and printing services. Printing here means sublimation printing. Wool, acrylic, and polyester-made yarns come greatly in use for making dress wear and skirts. 

Meanwhile, cotton and the blend of cotton and polyester contribute to underwear fabric production. Besides, there is a growing market for children’s clothing and t-shirts. They are also a part of interlock fabric application areas. 

• Apparel: Short and long sleeves, neck short and long sleeves, longjohns, sports shorts, sports jerseys, basketball jerseys.
• Comfortable Wear: Tops, T-shirts, dresses
• Activewear: Sports and apparel for fitness
• Baby Clothing

FAQs:

What are the benefits of Interlock Fabric?

Interlock fabric comes with useful qualities that make it beneficial for users. However, some of these benefits are:

• Thickness of the fabric is supreme.
• The fabric has a  smooth surface.
• The fabric hardly curls.
• The fabric is flexible comparatively.
• The fabric is similar on both sides.
• It is easy to work with.
• Interlock is easy to sew.
• Affordable in pricing.

How Stretchy an Interlock fabric is?

The stretchability of the fabric depends on its construction. The fabric is stretchy, it gets back to its original shape very easily. This fabric can retain its shape even after being washed and worn.

Is Interlock Fabric summer-friendly?

Interlock fabric provides better heat insulation properties. There is an air layer between two surfaces: Front and Rear. These surfaces keep warm compared to single-yarn knitted fabrics. 

Conclusion

Interlock is a knitted fabric. Because of its knit structure, interlock grasps better comfort, breathability, and moisture absorbency. It is fabric comes in a variety of rib knits. Besides, interlock knits are compound in nature. 

The fabric is sustainable in terms of its eco-friendly manufacturing process. Although bamboo and rayon are not the primary yarns of these fabrics, the fabric still is a perfect option for style preferences. 

The thickness and the inheritance of the materials are supreme. The unique construction characterizes the fabric with huge popularity within and beyond the fashion and apparel industry.