# Single jersey

Single jersey fabric is weft knit fabric produced by circular knitting machines. It is made from a single set of needles, creating a fabric with loops on one side and a series of interlocking "V" shapes on the other. The basic knit fabric are produced with flat and piled sides. It consists of a single sheet of knit fabric.The fabric has a GSM range between 120 and 220 GSM. It is ideal for lightweight garments. It has a curling tendency. The stretchability of the single jersey is moderate because of the knitting structure. There is the softness of the fabric that offers comfort against the skin. Besides, the fabric allows air circulation making it perfect for warm weather. Single fabric is an ideal material for clothing, t-shirts, baby clothing, casual wear, and yoga clothing.

## History

The name "jersey" derives from the fishermen of Jersey who used to wear a stretchy knitted fabric. The fabric is called "jersey" after the island. The beginning of jersey fabric started as menswear and the sweaters of fishermen. Later, the jersey was revolutionized by Coco Chanel as a comfortable dress for women.

## Types

Single jersey fabric can be produced with different material and texture. Example:
* Cotton single jersey (e.g: Made with 100% Cotton Fiber)
* Blended single jersey (e.g: 65% Polyester 35% Cotton)
* Spandex single jersey (e.g: 90% Polyester, 10% Spandex).
* Slub single jersey (e.g: Having slub yarns effect)
* Viscose single jersey (e.g: 100% Vicose)

## Structure

Single jersey is a weft knitted fabric. It is formed by single set of needles. There are two sides of single jersey fabrics. They are: the face side and the backside. This structure gives the fabric its signature stretch and flexibility. The appearance of both sides of the fabric is different. As a fabric, a single jersey is unbalanced. The thickness and weight are half of the rib fabric. This fabric is made of cotton, polyester, and blends. The structure of the single jersey is a single layer that causes curling. Single jersey has moderate stretch. Lycra-enhanced single jersey offers better flexibility.

## Feature

Single jersey offers freedom of movement and has excellent drape ability. Besides, the fabric recovers creases and ensures shape. The stretchability is moderate. The appearance is smooth in front and looped in backside. It is consistent in quality which affects high yield in knitting. Single jersey is the lightweight and most widely available fabric. The material requires a lot of stretching and the edges. The fabric is suitable for every season of wear.

## Production

Single jersey fabric is produced by circular knitting machine. This machine is equipped with 60 to 120 feeders. It uses a series of needles. These needles are arranged above a cylindrical needle bed. Yarn feeders feed the yarn into the needles in a continuous process. Then it turns into forming loops to produce the S/J fabric.

### Knitting Techniques

The knitting technique used in single jersey fabric is the RL plain knitting. RL plain knit techniques consist of R (plain) loops on one side. There is another L (reverse) loop on the other. While making the pattern of RL knits, there are different images involved with the knitting elements. The jacquard technique is also used to create colorful patterns. There are patterns, for instance, lines in the transverse direction are applied with the colored threads. The needle and steel array arrangement also makes different possible patterns. Usually, a single jersey offers fewer patterning possibilities compared to other kinds of knits.

## Properties

* Lightweight: Single jersey fabric is thin and lightweight. It is perfect for summer clothing and activewear.
* Stretchability: The knit structure allows the fabric to stretch easily, providing comfort and ease of movement.
* Breathability: Its open structure allows air to pass through, making it suitable for sportswear and casual wear.
* Softness: Single jersey is known for its soft texture, especially when made from cotton or cotton blends .
* Curling Edges: A common characteristic of single jersey is its tendency to curl at the edges when cut, due to the tension in the knit structure.

## Application

Single jersey fabric is widely used in the fashion and textile industry. Its primary applications include:
* T-shirts: Its softness and breathability make it a popular choice for T-shirts.
* Sportswear: The stretch and moisture-wicking properties of single jersey make it suitable for athletic wear.
* Undergarments: Its lightweight and comfortable nature make it ideal for undergarments.
* Casual Wear: Single jersey is often used for dresses, skirts, and casual tops.

### Advantages and Disadvantages
#### Advantages

* Comfortable and easy to wear.
* Cost-effective to produce.
* Suitable for a wide range of garments.

#### Disadvantages

* Prone to curling at the edges.
* Less durable compared to double-knit fabrics.
* May lose shape over time if not properly cared for.

### Versatility of Single Jersey

In the textile industry, the reason behind the single jersey and its popularity is its wide range of applications. Besides, the fabric has great softness and stretchability. It is a popular choice for comfortable wear on an everyday basis. The single jersey fabric has flexibility and comfort. It is a go-to fabric for clothing items. It is used for t-shirts as the fabric offers comfort and style. It is used to manufacture leggings, summer dresses, and casual wear. Designers and consumers appreciate the material as a staple in casual and fashionable wear. Single jersey is available in a diversified specification, for instance, weight, width, intended use, and finishing.