Two-way stretch knits. They stretch in both length and width and have a high percentage of resilient spandex fibers. These knits are usually selected for active sportswear. This is a stretchy knit used for stretch trims at wrists, ankles, neck and waist. It is available in tubular ribbing and in rib trim.
Most patterns designed for knits have a stretch gauge printed on the back of the pattern envelope.
The amount of ease built into the pattern design is based on the number of inches the specific knit will stretch. If the pattern recommendations are not followed, a garment can have too tight or too loose a fit. Using the proper stretch gauge is crucial to achieving the correct fit. Always check your fabric against the stretchability gauge on the back of the pattern envelope. Swimsuits and leotards require knits that stretch.