Sponsors
Sponsors
weights (Moderated by Deepika, Sharon1952)
Posted on: 4/5/08 11:48 AM ET
Hi, Hoping there is a knit expert out there. I am looking at knits to purchase on the internet and really have no idea what the weight means. Can anyone explain what 10 weight, 20 weight means? I've looked all over for this information. I do not want to buy a t-shirt weight to make a dress!
Thanks. Lis
Thanks. Lis
Posted on: 4/5/08 12:28 PM ET
In reply to Lis K
I thought Wazoodle had a chart on knit weights, but it is for knit types.
I also found this guide to sewing knits, but it does not appear to go into weights either.
And lastly I found this information from a website for a commercial embroidery company.
------
I also found this guide to sewing knits, but it does not appear to go into weights either.
And lastly I found this information from a website for a commercial embroidery company.
Quote:
What does the fabric weight mean? Is heavier better?
The fabric weight (i.e. 6.5 oz cotton) is the average weight of the fabric per yard of cloth. Lot’s of people think heavier must be better but that’s not always the case. Different fabric weights are made to create different thicknesses, hands (how a shirt feels), drapes, and wear. We sell a 12 oz sweatshirt but hardly anyone ever buys it. The thing is practically bulletproof. If you want to play soccer or work around the yard you would much prefer a midweight 7.5 oz sweatshirt. If you are ice fishing, you want the 12 oz.
What does the fabric weight mean? Is heavier better?
The fabric weight (i.e. 6.5 oz cotton) is the average weight of the fabric per yard of cloth. Lot’s of people think heavier must be better but that’s not always the case. Different fabric weights are made to create different thicknesses, hands (how a shirt feels), drapes, and wear. We sell a 12 oz sweatshirt but hardly anyone ever buys it. The thing is practically bulletproof. If you want to play soccer or work around the yard you would much prefer a midweight 7.5 oz sweatshirt. If you are ice fishing, you want the 12 oz.
------
Living life to the fullest.
Who knew being a Granny was the best thing ever?
Who knew being a Granny was the best thing ever?
Posted on: 4/5/08 12:38 PM ET
In reply to Lis K
I guess it depends on the kind of knit (fiber) you want to use.
I know the weights of the knits I use frequently (cotton, rayon, silk). Michelle T gives you the right information for cotton knit. Rayon knit will often come in 11oz (thin) and 14oz (has a bit more body). The average standard for silk jersey is 6oz; it's thin. These are the standard weights that you will see more often, but of course manufacturers can produce knits in various weights.
I find it useful to know the weights of knits when you buy on the internet, cause you're able to know the feel/drape/body of the fabric without actually touching it.
I know the weights of the knits I use frequently (cotton, rayon, silk). Michelle T gives you the right information for cotton knit. Rayon knit will often come in 11oz (thin) and 14oz (has a bit more body). The average standard for silk jersey is 6oz; it's thin. These are the standard weights that you will see more often, but of course manufacturers can produce knits in various weights.
I find it useful to know the weights of knits when you buy on the internet, cause you're able to know the feel/drape/body of the fabric without actually touching it.
Posted on: 4/6/08 2:02 PM ET
In reply to Michelle T
Thanks for the information. Obviously, this is still a mystery to most of us. LOL
Posted on: 4/6/08 2:04 PM ET
In reply to Twinset
I thank you for your input. Obviously there is not a lot of information out there on this subject. Buying knits on the internet seems to be dicey. Maybe they can send me an inch of fabric to check out. LOL
Posted on: 4/6/08 2:17 PM ET
In reply to Lis K
Yes! Be sure to get samples if you can. I recently sent to Spandex World for samples of what I thought was pant-weight RPL. (Rayon Polyester and Lycra.)
What I received was a very thin delicate fabric.
What a surprise!
Carla
What I received was a very thin delicate fabric.
What a surprise!
Carla
Posted on: 4/6/08 2:52 PM ET
10 oz cotton jersey is an average tshirt knit. 12 oz is more like men's knit shirt (not plain tshirt) weight.
That's my experience, although your mileage may vary.
-- Edited on 4/6/08 2:52 PM --
------
That's my experience, although your mileage may vary.

-- Edited on 4/6/08 2:52 PM --
------
Trinity
I probably have too many sewing machines, but how am I supposed to resist when they're either free by the side of the road or people give them to me?
http://thimblesthreadsandneedles.blogspot.com/
I probably have too many sewing machines, but how am I supposed to resist when they're either free by the side of the road or people give them to me?
http://thimblesthreadsandneedles.blogspot.com/
Posted on: 4/6/08 2:54 PM ET
This is from Wazoodle, and in reference to t-shirt weights, but you can probably extrapolate from there:
t-shirt knits
Notice that the she mentions different weights depending on the fabric content.
-- Edited on 4/6/08 2:58 PM --
------
t-shirt knits
Notice that the she mentions different weights depending on the fabric content.
-- Edited on 4/6/08 2:58 PM --
------
With a great wardrobe that's still in the flat-fabric stage.
Posted on: 4/6/08 6:40 PM ET
In reply to Lis K
Hi,
I forgot to mention that you will also often see 100% viscose matte jersey in a 7.5oz weight.
About 100% cotton jersey, I remember buying some to make t-shirts in a store which carried it in two weights: 8oz and 10oz. I liked the 10oz better (more body). I think that you will see the 10oz very often (like Xenophea mentions). I think the information Michelle T is giving you applies for sweatshirt cotton, probably a blend with poly, but it is not specified. These days we see a lot of blends (with lycra, poly, elasthane, etc.) so the weights vary (not same weights as 100% cotton).
I hope you don't find all this too confusing! Personally I learned about weights by paying attention when the information is available on the rolls or on the tag, or from the salesperson.
I forgot to mention that you will also often see 100% viscose matte jersey in a 7.5oz weight.
About 100% cotton jersey, I remember buying some to make t-shirts in a store which carried it in two weights: 8oz and 10oz. I liked the 10oz better (more body). I think that you will see the 10oz very often (like Xenophea mentions). I think the information Michelle T is giving you applies for sweatshirt cotton, probably a blend with poly, but it is not specified. These days we see a lot of blends (with lycra, poly, elasthane, etc.) so the weights vary (not same weights as 100% cotton).
I hope you don't find all this too confusing! Personally I learned about weights by paying attention when the information is available on the rolls or on the tag, or from the salesperson.
Posted on: 4/6/08 7:12 PM ET
In reply to CSM--Carla
Carla, I'm glad those were free samples and not an order for three yards.
------
------
No sewing project is ever a complete success nor a total failure.
* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.
Selected Reviews, Classes & Patterns







