Fabric Type

Fleece Knit Fabric is a type of weft insertion jersey. Weft insertion fabrics are weft knitted fabrics in which an additional yarn is inserted for each course. These additional yarns are not knit, rather they are held by the loops in each course of the fabric. The inserted yarn may be decorative or functional like stretch yarn. It provides stability, cover, and comfort. The insertion yarn is usually coarser than the base yarn. When the insertion yarn forming piles are sheared and napped, it is called Fleece Knit Fabric.

Typically, fleece knit fabric is created from polyester (which comes from petroleum). The fibres of polyester are woven into a light fabric which is brushed to help the fibres increase in volume. Fleece Knit Fabric can also be made from recycled plastics such as plastic water bottles, giving it an eco-friendly edge whilst being inexpensive.

The characteristics of fleece knit fabric make it incredibly useful for keeping warm, particularly whilst being active. Fleece knit fabric has a pile surface on both sides of the fabric, meaning each side has a layer of cut fibres. Air pockets can sit between the threads in this pile surface, meaning the material can hold in that bit more warmth.

Not only polyester fleece knit fabric is warm and durable, but it is moisture resistant making it ideal for extreme weather conditions or for sportswear which it became popular for in the 1990s, due to it being warmer than wool and much lighter to wear.

Fleece knit fabric has been used for everything from ear-warmers for baby calves, to underwear for astronauts. It’s versatility makes it one of the most commonly used fabrics in the textile industry today.