Knitted corduroy is a type of corduroy made by looping yarns, creating a soft and stretchy knit fabric. The main difference between knitted corduroy and woven fabric lies in how the threads connect. Knit fabric, like knitted corduroy, uses loops, while woven fabric uses threads that cross over each other. Understanding what knitted corduroy is helps you choose the right fabric and recognize whether a fabric is knit or woven.
Knit fabric, such as knitted corduroy, feels soft and bends easily, making it ideal for comfort.
Woven fabric is stiffer and holds its shape longer.
Key Takeaways
Knitted corduroy feels soft and stretches easily. It is very comfy to wear. This makes it good for sports clothes and everyday outfits.
Woven corduroy is tough and keeps its shape well. It has a classic ribbed look. People use it for jackets, pants, and furniture.
Knitted fabric can stretch in every direction. It does not wrinkle much. Woven fabric does not stretch much. It may need to be ironed.
Pick knitted corduroy if you want clothes that move with you. It is also easy to take care of. Choose woven corduroy if you want strong clothes. It gives a neat and firm look.
Always read the care label on your corduroy. This helps it stay nice and last longer.
Knitted Corduroy
Construction
You will notice that knitted corduroy stands out because of how you make it. This fabric uses a knitting method, which means you create it by interlooping yarns. When you look at knit fabric, you see loops that connect each row. This is different from woven corduroy, where yarns cross over and under each other. The looped structure of knit fabric gives knitted corduroy its unique qualities. You can stretch knit fabric in different directions, and it returns to its original shape. This makes knitted corduroy more flexible than woven types. You often find that knit fabric feels softer and smoother to the touch.
Key Features
When you choose knitted corduroy, you get a fabric with many benefits. Here are some of the main features you will notice:
Knit fabric offers excellent stretch and recovery, so your clothes move with you and keep their shape.
You feel more comfortable because knit fabric is softer than woven fabric.
Knit fabric provides great flexibility, making it easy to wear for long periods.
You will see that knit fabric resists wrinkles, so your clothes look neat all day.
The breathability of knit fabric helps keep you cool and comfortable.
You can use knitted corduroy in many ways. In clothing, you find it in dresses, shirts, pants, and casual wear. Many people like knit fabric for activewear because it stretches more than woven corduroy. You also see it in home textiles like curtains, bedding, and sofa covers. The softness and safety of knit fabric make it popular for plush toys. Some car seats and door panels use this fabric for comfort and durability. You may even find knit fabric in accessories such as scarves, hats, and gloves.
Tip: If you want clothes that feel soft, stretch easily, and stay comfortable, you should look for knit fabric like knitted corduroy.
Woven Corduroy
Construction
Woven corduroy is made with a special weaving method. The fabric starts with a woven base, often plain or twill. Extra yarns are added and float over other threads. These yarns make loops on the fabric’s surface. Sharp blades cut the loops to form raised ridges called wales. After cutting, the fabric is brushed to make it soft. Sometimes, the surface is trimmed to even out the ridges. This gives woven corduroy its bumpy, three-dimensional feel. Corduroy is different from other woven fabric because it uses this cut-pile method.
Key Features
Woven corduroy is strong and has a classic style. You can feel the ribbed texture from the raised wales. The fabric feels soft but is also sturdy. Woven corduroy keeps its shape and lasts a long time. It can wrinkle easily, so you may need to iron it. Making this fabric is hard and uses lots of yarns, which makes it tough and more expensive.
Here is a table that shows the main features of woven corduroy:
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Ribbed Texture | Raised lines or wales make a bumpy surface. |
Durability | Strong and tough, good for clothes and furniture. |
Fabric Composition | Usually made from cotton or cotton blends. |
Dimensional Stability | Keeps its shape longer than other woven fabric. |
Wrinkle Behavior | Gets wrinkled, often needs ironing. |
Production Complexity | Harder and more costly to make because of weaving. |
Timeless Appeal | Classic look, warm and comfy, liked for many years. |
You can use woven corduroy in many ways. In fashion, it is found in pants, jackets, skirts, and dresses. People like this fabric for fall and winter because it is warm and cozy. Woven corduroy is also used for sofas and chairs. Its strength and soft feel make it good for furniture. Thick types, like elephant corduroy, are used for heavy furniture. You might also see this fabric in bags, shoes, and hats because it is tough and looks nice.
Note: If you want fabric that keeps its shape, feels strong, and has a ribbed look, woven corduroy is a good pick.
Key Differences
Construction & Texture
When you look at the construction of knit fabric and woven fabric, you see big differences. Knit fabric uses loops that connect together. This looped structure makes the fabric soft and flexible. Woven fabric uses threads that cross over and under each other. This creates a tighter, more stable surface. If you touch knit fabric, you feel a smooth and stretchy texture. Woven fabric feels firmer and has a clear ribbed pattern, especially in corduroy. The raised lines, called wales, give woven corduroy its classic look.
Tip: If you want to know how to tell if a fabric is knit or woven, gently stretch the fabric. Knit fabric will stretch more and show loops, while woven fabric will feel tighter and show a criss-cross pattern.
Appearance & Feel
Knit fabric looks soft and has a gentle shine. You notice that it drapes well and moves with your body. Woven fabric, especially corduroy, has a more structured look. The wales on woven corduroy stand out and give the fabric a three-dimensional effect. When you touch knit fabric, it feels smooth and cozy. Woven fabric feels thicker and more solid. You may find that knit fabric feels lighter, while woven fabric feels heavier and more substantial.
Stretch & Comfort
You will find the biggest difference in stretch and comfort. Knit fabric stretches in all directions. The loops in knit fabric let it move with you and return to its shape after you pull it. This makes knit fabric very comfortable for clothes you wear every day. Woven fabric does not stretch much. The threads in woven fabric stay in place, so the fabric feels firm. If you want a fabric that lets you move easily, knit fabric is the best choice.
Here is a table that shows how knit fabric and woven fabric compare in stretch:
Fabric Type | Structure | Stretch Properties | Comfort Level |
|---|---|---|---|
Knit Fabric | Looped yarns | Excellent stretch in all directions; good recovery | Very comfortable |
Woven Fabric | Interlaced yarns | Minimal stretch; holds shape; stable | Firm, less flexible |
Corduroy (woven) | Woven with raised wales | Minimal stretch; durable and soft | Warm, sturdy |
You can see that knit fabric gives you more freedom to move. Woven fabric, including corduroy, keeps its shape and feels more supportive.
Durability & Care
When you choose knit fabric, you get a fabric that resists wrinkles and keeps looking neat. Knit fabric is easy to care for and often does not need ironing. Woven fabric, especially corduroy, is very strong and lasts a long time. It can wrinkle more easily, so you may need to iron it. Knit fabric may pill or snag if you do not handle it gently. Woven fabric stands up to heavy use and works well for items that need to last, like jackets or furniture.
Note: If you want a fabric that is easy to care for and stays smooth, knit fabric is a good pick. If you need something tough and long-lasting, woven fabric is better.
Uses
You will find knit fabric in clothes that need to stretch, like t-shirts, leggings, and activewear. People also use knit fabric for soft home items, such as blankets and plush toys. Woven fabric is popular for pants, jackets, skirts, and formal clothes. Corduroy, a type of woven fabric, is great for fall and winter because it is warm and sturdy. You also see woven fabric in furniture, bags, and hats.
Knit fabric: Best for casual wear, sportswear, and items that need to stretch.
Woven fabric: Best for structured clothing, uniforms, and home décor.
Corduroy: Perfect for warm clothing, upholstery, and accessories.
Remember: The right choice depends on what you need. If you want comfort and stretch, pick knit fabric. If you want structure and durability, choose woven fabric.
Pros and Cons
Knitted Corduroy
If you pick knit fabric like knitted corduroy, it feels soft and bends easily. Many people say knit fabric is very soft, light, and lets air through. You will see that it can stretch in every direction. This means it moves with your body and does not feel tight. That is why knit fabric is good for wearing all day, especially if you want to be comfy when you move or when it is cool outside. Knit fabric also helps keep your body at a good temperature and deals with sweat, so you feel nice no matter what you do. Pants made from knit fabric often have stretchy waistbands, which makes them fit well and lets you move freely.
But knit fabric has some problems too. You might see worn spots show up fast in places like the knees or thighs, especially if the fabric is not high quality or has wide wales. How long knit fabric lasts depends on how good it is and how you use it. Some people like the look of worn fabric, but if you want it to last longer, you should pick better knit fabric or try something else. Wide-wale knit fabric can wear out faster than ones with smaller wales.
Tip: If you want clothes that are soft, bendy, and comfy, knit fabric is a great pick. Just make sure to check the quality if you want it to last a long time.
Woven Corduroy
Woven fabric, like woven corduroy, is known for being strong and looking classic. You get fabric that keeps its shape and can handle lots of use. The bumpy lines on woven fabric make your clothes or furniture look cool and old-fashioned. Many experts say woven fabric is tough and can last for many years, so it is smart for both everyday and fancy clothes. Woven fabric also keeps you warm, so it works in many kinds of weather. Wide-wale woven fabric is extra strong and great for things like furniture that get used a lot.
But woven fabric can wrinkle more and may need ironing. It does not stretch much, so it might not feel as comfy if you need to move a lot. Taking care of woven fabric helps it last longer, but you have to spend more time keeping it nice.
Note: If you want fabric that is strong, keeps its shape, and always looks good, woven fabric is a great choice.
Fabric Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
Knit Fabric | Soft, stretchy, lets air in, comfy, easy to wear | Can wear out fast, not as strong in busy spots |
Woven Fabric | Strong, keeps shape, stylish, lasts long, keeps you warm | Not very stretchy, wrinkles easy, needs more care |
Now you can tell the main ways knitted and woven corduroy are different. Knitted corduroy is soft and stretches a lot. It is best for comfy clothes or sportswear. Woven corduroy keeps its shape and feels strong. It works well for jackets, pants, or furniture.
Some sewing patterns need a certain fabric to fit right and feel good.
Lately, people use new blends for more stretch, earth-friendly choices, and bright colors.
Factor | Knitted Corduroy | Woven Corduroy |
|---|---|---|
High | Low | |
Comfort | Very soft, flexible | Structured, supportive |
Best Use | Activewear, kids’ wear | Jackets, pants, furniture |
Tip: Before you pick, think about how you want your fabric to feel and work.
FAQ
What is the main difference between knitted and woven corduroy?
You will notice that knitted corduroy stretches more and feels softer. Woven corduroy feels firmer and holds its shape better. The way you make each fabric—knitting with loops or weaving with criss-cross threads—creates these differences.
Can you wash knitted corduroy and woven corduroy the same way?
You should check the care label first. Knitted corduroy usually handles gentle machine washing. Woven corduroy may need more careful washing and ironing to keep its shape. Always use cold water and avoid high heat.
Which type of corduroy is better for activewear?
You will find knitted corduroy works best for activewear. It stretches and moves with your body. This makes it comfortable for sports, play, or any activity where you need to move freely.
Does corduroy shrink after washing?
Corduroy can shrink if you use hot water or high heat in the dryer. You should wash it in cold water and let it air dry. This helps keep the fabric the right size and shape.
How do you choose the right corduroy for your project?
Tip: Think about what you need. For comfort and stretch, pick knitted corduroy. For structure and strength, choose woven corduroy. Look at the fabric’s feel, stretch, and care needs before you decide.
