The Versatility of Tricot Fabric: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

Isn’t it strange how a fabric becomes an essential part of our life for only being flexible, durable, and stretchable? A little attention to its maintenance can change the entire longevity of the fabric. Tricot fabric does the same.

Tricot fabric is a material, commonly known as lining. Yet it comes in great use for the home crafts market. Dyeing is available for tricot fabric. The fine ribs make the fabric an ideal choice for a couple of sectors. Let us hear how tricot fabric has transformed itself over the years.

Defining Tricot Fabric

Tricot fabric refers to the plain warp-knitted lining material. It is made of both natural and synthetic fibers. The word ‘tricot’ is derived from ‘Tricoter’. Tricoter is a French word. It means knitting. In France, the fabric used to be knitted by hand. The labor of love represents the evolution of the fabric from the beginning day to the modern day.

This beautiful material, indeed, remains and holds its roots till now. The fabric is well-recognized as it feels warm or cold. It absorbs moisture, dries quickly, and has features of antibacterial and deodorant.

What is Tricot Fabric made of?

Nylon, and spandex, or a blend of both fibers are the core materials of tricot fabric. Some other fibers that contribute to the manufacturing are Cotton, Wool, Silk, and Rayon. These fibers are ideal for activewear. The blend turns the fabric into a breathable one that does not cling to the body. However, the popular or common construction materials of this fabric are nylon and spandex. In certain cases, it is polyester and spandex.

Tricot fabric in 40 denier is minimal and no-stretch-knit fabric from the lens of lengthwise. There is the 4 way stretch fabric of the tricot that provides both support. Fibers required for tricot fabric are run-resistant.

It means the fiber ensures proper water absorption, anti-bacterial features, and a quick drying properties. Besides, 100% Polyester made tricot fabric has 190 GSM. That means the weight of the fabric is 190.

Tricot Fabric & Its Unique knitting

Tricot fabric has unique knit patterns. The knit of the tricot fabric creates a crosswise rib. Since the fabric has two sides, the back part represents a crosswise rib. Meanwhile, the front fabric shows a zigzag effect. The fabric has perfect stretch.

Besides, tricot fabric is a plain warp-knit-based fabric. In warp-based fabric, the lengthwise thread is dominant. These threads form into interwoven featured loops with weft threads. They have different ratios. Warp-knitted tricot fabric can form a variety of types of fabric- plain, mesh, elastic, and velvet.

Tricot fabric has both crosswise and lengthwise rib patterns. These patterns are on both sides of the fabric. In the warp-knit fabric type, the fabric has continuous loop columns. A single needle loop has the nature of the thread. This needle makes the difference between warp and weft knitting. These loops after all create a zigzag pattern.

These loops are longitudinal. The smoothness is there on the front side. Also, there is a textured surface on the backside. The structure creates ribbing on the front side. It also creates ribbing on the back side of the fabric. Ribbing makes the tricot cloth incredibly durable. The durability happens during the process of knitting structure.

The knitting process creates softness and flexibility. High-quality tricot usually does not create static electricity in the body. Also, it ensures the wearer feels comfortable while wearing. The interlacing threads make the material smooth and soft. The fabric features an intricate knitting process where the form of art matters the most.

Manufacturing Process

Tricot fabric requires a flatbed knitting machine for creation. Here is the step-by-step process by which the material comes to the reality. The process is:

Step 1: For texture and durability, 3 sets of yarn are chosen.
Step 2: A warp knit procedure is the beginning of the fabric making.
Step 3: Both lengthwise and crosswise ribs are added to the fabric creation. These ribs provide a stretchy nature to the tricot.
Step 4: High-speed machines ensure uniform yarn production with much precision.

Categories of Tricot Fabric

Tricot fabric has no defined categories. But there are some types that are available in the market.

Warp Tricot Fabric: This type is 100% polyester made fabric. There is also a warp woven technical process. Digital print is used in manufacturing warp tricot fabric. The process involves raw materials, pre-treatment, dyeing, finishing, pre-setting, Napping, finished product finalization all these.
Tricot Jersey: Tricot jersey features both soft or smooth and rough sides. The fabric is soft. That is why, it is used for making cloths. The fabric ensures extreme durability. This type requires manufacturing on a machine named a horizontal knitting machine. This fabric offers better driveability and wrinkle-resistance ability.

Tricot Mesh: This fabric is a warp knit type of fabric. The manufacturing fibers are cotton, silk, nylon, wool, etc. Tricot mesh fabric comes with a polished appearance. The fabric is both strong and delicate in terms of textiles. Besides, the fabric has features, for instance, as breathability, Flexibility, and Moisture-Wicking. Mesh fabric always provides good ventilation.

Tricot Fabric Properties

Fabric Composition	Nylon, Cotton, Spandex, Wool
Fabric Breathability	High
Fabric Stretchability	High
Fabric Durability	High
Moisture Absorption	High
Anti-Bacterial Properties	Anti-bacterial resistant
Fabric Elasticity	High
Wrinkle-Resistance Ability	High
Washing Temperature	Cool
Used for	Lining, undergarments, home crafts

Features of Tricot Fabric

Tricot fabric has come a long way from being of the French-origin to the ideal cloth. For activewear, the fabric has all of the features the fabric owns. Some of these features are:

Comfort: This fabric is extremely comfortable. It feels effortlessly soft. Besides, during intense workouts, the fabric being a part of your sportswear, ensure your comfort.
Stretchability: Tricot fabric is stretchable. Its elasticity molds to the contour of your body. The fabric whispers against the skin. It grants you a flexible movement for freedom.
Durability: Tricot fabric is durable and long-lasting. The fabric has the ability to withstand any sort of physical challenges. The fabric is an all-year-round wear fabric that is enduring even season after season.
Practicality: Tricot fabric resists wrinkles and holds dye very well. It makes fabric vibrant, dressed, and cheerful with an aesthetic appeal. So, only luxury does not make tricot fabric the most appealing.
Versatility: Tricot fabric is versatile because it comes in a variety, color and pattern-wise. It varies in both color and pattern. Because of the construction, tricot fabric is sturdy. It is easy to handle. The versatility provides the garment with absolute comfort and ideal usage in close-fitting garments.
Affordability: Tricot fabric is affordable. The prices depend on quality, brand, location, and these factors. Per yard, the fabric is from Low to High. The fabric costs $3 to $20 on average, with quality starting from Basic to Premium.
Texture: The fabric is both smooth and sleek. The fabric feels soft due to the texture. The comfort provides bliss against the skin. The texture is also responsible for the fabric being ideal for underwear and intimate apparel.
Drape Ability: Tricot fabric has a good drape. The fabric stays in a conforming position to retain the body shape. The desired drape appearance is suitable in this context.

What is Tricot Fabric Used for?

Tricot fabric offers durability, comfort, and stretchability. The primary use of this fabric is for lining. In sportswear, the fabric has more stretch. But the fabric has less stretchy features. For sporting activities, tricot fabric serves the best.

Fabric deniers in a variety of weights create high-quality products in the sector of lingerie. For example: 15 to 29 denier weights are perfect for light-dressing gowns. Meanwhile, the heavier 40 deniers work accurately for other products- slips, camisoles, etc.

The smooth surface and flexibility make the fabric an all-rounder to wear all day long. Because of these given features, they are used for the following sectors:

Sportswear: swimwear, swimsweats
Activewear: Sport bra, yoga pants
Lingerie: Sleepwear, underwear.
Light-dressing gowns: Peignoirs, slips, panties, and nightgowns.
Outerwear: Jackets, pants.
Lining: Bags, luggage, jewelry box, storage containers
Home Decor: Pillows, and living space essentials.
Medical Field: Bandages, Aids, Hospital Gowns, Surgical Mesh

Tricot Fabric Care

This fabric is a speedy wash material. It is made for those who people who are active and have a hustle lifestyle. The fabric is easy to maintain and easy to care for. The fabric requires low maintenance. The fabric hardly requires any special treatment.

Issues of Sagging:

After being washed, tricot fabrics do not sag. It means the fabric maintains its shape effectively. Even if the fabric contains synthetic fiber, the fabric has features of chlorine resistance and UV protection.

Washing Treatment:

Washing tricot fabric with cool water and on a gentle cycle is more than enough to keep the fabric livable. Using bleach damages the fabric and fades the color.
The safest and most effective cleaning method is handwashing.
Using a laundry detergent can be another option. In that case, the detergent has to be mild.
Air drying the garment is the drying solution.

Ironing:

Use the iron on the wrong side of the fabric.
Keep the heat setting low.
Use pins to keep the fabric in a specific position.

Storing:

To enhance the durability of the fabric, the tricot requires to be put in a place that is cool, dry, and far from sunlight. The fabric will stay fresh if there is proper ventilation in the storage.

FAQs:

How to identify Tricot Fabric?

Tricot fabric is identifiable by many methods. For instance:

The Surface has to be smooth and shiny.
Lightweight
The knitting pattern is unique
Distinct texture
The fabric is stretchy in one direction.

Is Tricot Fabric Sustainable?

The answer varies based on the fibers used. Tricot fabric, made of cotton or wool, is a sustainable choice. The fabric contributes to the carbon footprint if it is energy-intensive during the knitting process. The durability makes it sustainable as it minimizes the demand for new clothes. Overall, the fabric is sustainable if it goes through an eco-friendly production process.

Does Tricot Fabric have any merit or demerit?

Tricot fabric is in both advantageous and disadvantageous positions. The merits of tricot fabric are-

Extreme breathability
Cooling in hot weather
Incredible drape
It offers a sturdy structure yet it allows free movement.

Demerits of Tricot Fabric:

UV resistance
Tightly woven
Nylon-spandex-made tricot fabric degrades when it comes to sunlight.
The risk of color fading in the situation of sunlight exposure.
The fabric does not tolerate heat if the fiber is synthetic.

What is Tricot Fabric Good for?

Certain features make tricot fabric an ideal product. For example, tricot fabric has a common use in the production sector. Usually, industrial products, for instance, filters, materials-reinforcement, and insulation, these production capacities make the fabric open for any sort of application. The reason is their strength and durability, and their withstand power in heavy use, and harsh conditions.

Is Tricot Fabric Warm?

Tricot fabric is suitable for summer wear. That means, the fabric is not warm. But the fabric can be warm if it is made of wool-like material. Wool is strong in terms of fiber. It has warp threads that make strong loops. Weft threads make the fabric firm, heavy, as well as not a lightweight fabric.

Is Tricot suitable for summer garments?

Summer-friendly fabrics are cotton-made. Compared to synthetic materials, polyester, and nylon, cotton is a popular option. However, the use of cotton may result in a non-stretchable tricot fabric during summer days. The elasticity of the fabric is also available due to synthetic materials. So, the use of cotton may not end up in a desired fabric feature.

Conclusion

Moreover, the fabric is flexible and can mold the body. It has uses in the sectors of sportswear and workout apparel. The fabric maintains its gentleness even after being washed thousands of times.

The durability features make the fabric withstand the rigor of daily life. Otherwise, the fabric loses its shape as well as color. The resilience of the fabric creates a consistent effort. This is how it is getting to be the favorite part of your life through slipping into your favorite go-to wear.

Tricot Fabric: Warp-Knit Lining Material with Distinct Knit