The Difference Between Knitted Fabric And Jacquard Fabric

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Fabrics offer diverse textures and patterns. Two fabric types, knitted and jacquard, have distinct construction techniques. Both fabrics have aesthetic qualities. Knitted fabrics are valued for their elasticity and comfort, whereas jacquard fabric stands out for its intricate patterns. Depending on the application, each fabric gets counted due to informed decisions. This article will cover each of the terms that draw distinct lines between knitted and jacquard fabric.

Definition of Knitted and Jacquard Fabric

Knitted Fabric: Knitted fabrics are soft, breathable, and stretchy. The smooth, elastic material is known as knitted fabric. It is produced by employing needles to interlock loops of yarn.

Because of its softness and elasticity, knitted fabric is frequently used in apparel such as t-shirts, sweaters, and sportswear. Lightweight and heavyweight knitted textiles are suitable for a range of uses and seasons.

Jacquard Fabric: Jacquard fabric is not a separate fabric in the textile industry. Instead, it falls under the category of knitted fabric with intricate patterns. These fabrics are thicker and ideal for making structured garments, such as jackets, skirts, and apparel.

What Makes Jacquard Fabric Different from Knitted Fabric?

The knitting technique distinguishes knitted and jacquard fabric. Jacquard fabric uses a knitting machine to weave intricate patterns into the fabric. The method also involves manipulating the yarn. The goal is to create a durable design by following a specific sequence.

Some other factors make jacquard fabric different from knitted ones. For instance:

Patterns: Jacquard fabric features a wide range of patterns, including florals, paisley, polka dots, and other striped sequences.
Fibers: Jacquard fabrics are made of several fibers, such as silk, wool, cotton, rayon, and others. Fibers affect the texture, drape, and sheen of the fabric.
Stretch: The jacquard fabric is stretchy. It is because of the mixture of the elastic fibers, for instance spandex and elastane.
Double-sided: Jacquard fabrics often have double-sided features. That means the fabric has two faces. These sides help in sewing.

Basic Difference between Knitted and Jacquard Fabric

There is a chart of the basic difference between knitted and jacquard fabric given in the following:

Subject of comparison	Knitted Fabric	Jacquard Fabric
Construction Material	Constructed by interlocking loops of yarn	Woven-constructed using the jacquard loom to create patterns
Fabric Breathability	Highly Breathable	Less Breathable
Fabric Durability	Less durable	More durable
Fabric Shine	Matte Finish	Subtle Shine
Fabric Appearance	Plain appearance with simple patterns	Complex and decorative patterns
Texture	Soft and stretchy	Not stretchy; instead, stiff and firm with the intricate patterns
Application	Causal wear, activewear, and basics	Formal wear, upholstery, and luxury

Difference of Properties between Knitted and Jacquard Fabric

There is a difference between the properties of knitted and jacquard fabric. For instance:

Subject of comparison	Knitted Fabric	Jacquard Fabric
Prone to Wrinkling	Less prone to wrinkling because of the elasticity	More prone to wrinkling due to the structured weave.
Fabric Moisture-Absorption	High moisture absorption	Depending on the yarn used. Because Jacquard fabric can be natural and blended fabrics mixed.
Fabric Washing Temperature	30 to 40 degrees Celsius	Cold to moderate washing temperature
Yarn Count	100 to 250+ GSM	150 to 350+ GSM

Features of Knitted and Jacquard Fabric

From the characteristics side, knitted and jacquard fabric both can be differed.

Here is the list of the areas where knitted and jacquard fabric make a difference:

Knitted Fabric:

Pattern Integration: Knitted fabric features simple patterns and solid colors. Different patterns are created using the knitting technique. In decorative designs, pattern integration can be added with dyed yarns for a variety of purposes.
Versatility: Knitted fabrics are highly versatile. Two things that make them suitable for a number of garments, are stretchiness and breathability. Versatility here means the fabric is used for casual wear, loungewear, and sportswear. From t-shirts to activewear, knitted fabrics cater to the warm and cold seasons.
Elasticity: Knitted fabrics are naturally elastic. The reason is their looped construction. The elasticity provides excellent comfort and flexibility, making them ideal for different activewear clothing. Also, they retain their shape after stretching and durable use.
Fabric Care: Knitted fabrics are low-maintenance. They only require gentle washing at low temperatures in order to prevent stretching and damage. Machine wash is also suitable wit ha delicate cycle. Some of the delicate knits require handwashing.
Applications: Knitted textiles are used in daily clothing, such as t-shirts, sweaters, and leggings. Because of their comfort and stretch, they are also commonly used in athletics, baby clothing, and undergarments. Heavy knits are ideal for winter items such as scarves, caps, and cardigans.

Jacquard Fabric:

Pattern Integration: Jacquard fabrics have elaborate patterns woven into them using a jacquard loom. The designs are structural elements of the fabric generated by manipulating the warp and weft threads. This approach enables highly intricate, long-lasting designs that add refinement and visual appeal.
Versatility: Jacquard fabrics are extremely flexible, with applications ranging from formal attire to home décor and accessories. Their intricate designs and durable structure make them excellent for upholstery, draperies, and evening attire, while lightweight jacquards are employed in more casual clothes.
Elasticity: Jacquard fabrics are often less stretchy due to their woven construction. However, mixes, including elastic fibers such as spandex, can impart elasticity, making them better suited for tailored clothes. Their fundamental strength is structure and pattern rather than flexibility.
Fabric Care: Jacquard fabrics must be handled gently to preserve their woven patterns. Handwashing or using a gentle machine cycle with cold water is advised. Bleaching and high-heat drying should be avoided to keep the fabric's integrity and color vibrant.
Applications: Jacquard materials are used in luxury garments such as suits, skirts, and jackets. They are also commonly used in home décor, including curtains, upholstery, and ornamental pillows. Jacquard is often used in accessories such as scarves and purses to add refinement and style.

FAQs

What is Jacquard Knit Fabric?

Jacquard knit fabric is a form of knitted fabric that incorporates intricate patterns or designs directly into the cloth during the knitting process. Unlike printed patterns, which are applied to the surface, jacquard knit patterns are made by manipulating multiple yarns on a specialist knitting machine. They result in designs that are integrated into the fabric structure.

What are the types of Jacquard Knitting?

The process of jacquard knitting involves working with several yarns to create complex designs in knitted materials. The two primary varieties are Double Jacquard Knitting, which is reversible and long-lasting and is used for scarves and bulky clothing, and Single Jacquard Knitting, which has floats on the back and designs on one side and is perfect for lightweight clothing.
For large-scale patterns, Intarsia Jacquard Knitting creates bold, continuous designs devoid of floats. Fair Isle Jacquard Knitting, which is popular in Nordic knitwear, uses short floats and two or more colors per row. Last but not least, computerized jacquard knitting makes it possible to produce intricate, accurate designs on a big scale for home and fashion textiles.

Conclusion

Knitted and jacquard fabrics serve diverse needs and functions in the textile industry. Knitted textiles are flexible, breathable, and simple, making them great for both casual and activewear. In contrast, jacquard fabrics provide refinement and beautiful designs that are appropriate for formal clothing and decorative purposes. By distinguishing between their structure, texture, and uses, one can choose the cloth that best suits the intended purpose and stylistic preferences.