Fabric 101: Woven Fabric vs. Knit Fabric

If you’ve ever wondered why some fabrics feel structured and crisp while others are soft and stretchy, the answer comes down to how they’re made. Understanding the difference between woven and knit fabrics is a helpful starting point for choosing the right material, whether you’re sewing clothing, designing home interiors, or working on a creative project.

In this post, we will cover:

• How woven and knit fabrics are constructed
• What is the difference between woven and knit fabrics
• What are the characteristics of both types of fabric
• How to choose the right fabric for your specific project

What’s the Difference Between Woven and Knit Fabrics?

At a technical level, the difference is in the construction. Woven fabrics are made by interlacing two sets of yarns at right angles, known as the warp (vertical) and weft (horizontal). This over-under pattern creates a stable, structured fabric with little to no stretch. Knit fabrics, on the other hand, are created by looping a single yarn into interconnected stitches, which gives them their natural stretch and softness.

Ultimately, it’s about how the yarns come together. Woven fabrics have that vertical and horizontal structure, while knits are interlocking loops.

What Are Woven Fabrics?

Woven fabrics are formed by weaving yarns together in a grid-like pattern, which helps them hold their shape and adds durability. Within that category, there’s a wide range of finishes and uses. Kona cotton is a go-to for quilting and crafting, while organic sateen is often used for dresses and custom linings. Linen remains a favorite for drapery, upholstery, and pillows, and linen-cotton canvas works well for tablecloths and napkins. On the lighter side, double gauze is popular for summer apparel and baby swaddles, while heavier canvas fabrics are used for wall hangings and more structured projects.

At Little Cocalico, we have such a wide woven selection. Creators can take one type of fabric and use it across completely different applications, from quilting to high-end fashion to home interiors.

Because of their structure, woven fabrics are especially versatile, showing up in everything from apparel to upholstery to quilting projects. They are a strong choice for home interiors, where durability and structure matter, but Little Cocalico approaches that category differently than many traditional suppliers.

Additionally, all of our fabrics are machine washable, dryable, and ironable, features that are not always common in home interior fabrics.

That focus on usability means you’re not limited to spot cleaning or special care, even for pieces like drapes, pillows, or table linens that see everyday use.

Woven Fabric Feature: Kona Cotton

A go-to for quilting and crafting, Kona Cotton is a reliable woven fabric known for its consistency and versatility. It’s easy to work with, holds its shape well, and is a staple for both beginners and experienced makers.

What Are Knit Fabrics?

Knit fabrics are made by looping yarns together, creating a flexible structure that allows the fabric to stretch and move. That construction is what makes knits feel soft and comfortable, which is why they’re so often used in everyday clothing.

One defining feature of knits is that natural stretch. If it’s soft, stretchy, and comfortable, it’s probably a knit.

Common knit fabrics include jersey, often used for t-shirts, waffle knits found in both fashion and cozy loungewear, and French terry, which is especially popular for sweatshirts and kids clothing. Organic cotton spandex blends add even more versatility, working across everything from casual wear to elevated apparel.

At Little Cocalico, that versatility is paired with a strong commitment to quality and sourcing. Because of this, all of our knits are organic cotton based, and they’re all made in the USA.

Knits are typically used anywhere comfort and flexibility are key, including everyday clothing, kids pajamas and rompers, and loungewear. They’re also designed to handle repeated wear, especially in high-use situations like children’s clothing.

We test all of our fabrics for washing and durability. They’re designed to hold up through real life, a feature especially important for kids clothing. This durability also applies to the printing process, which is also very robust and “life-proof.”

Because of their looped construction, knit fabrics can shrink more than woven fabrics. That’s accounted for in production, but it’s still something to keep in mind when sewing or selecting a pattern.

Knit Fabric Feature: French Terry

A cozy knit fabric with a soft interior, commonly used for sweatshirts, loungewear, and comfortable kids clothing that needs to handle frequent wear.

How to Tell the Difference Between Knit and Woven Fabric

In many cases, you can identify a fabric just by looking closely. Woven fabrics have a visible crisscross pattern, with yarns running vertically and horizontally, while knit fabrics look more like a series of loops, similar to a sweater.

How to Choose Between Knit or Woven Fabric

The best choice ultimately depends on your project. Woven fabrics offer structure, durability, and flexibility across home and apparel, while knits bring softness, stretch, and comfort to everyday wear. We believe much of fabric’s beauty is in its adaptability. One type can serve so many different purposes depending on how you use it. Here at Little Cocalico, that adaptability is paired with a focus on organic materials, American production, and durability that’s tested to stand up to everyday life.

Here are some questions to consider when choosing between woven and knit fabrics:

Does it need stretch?

If so, knit fabrics are the better choice since they’re made from looping yarns that naturally allow movement.

Does it need structure to hold its shape?

Woven fabrics work best in situations where structure and holding shape are important because their crisscross construction creates stability.

Is this for everyday, comfortable clothing?

Knit fabrics are ideal for softness and flexibility, especially for t-shirts, loungewear, and kids clothing.

Is this for home decor or something more structured?

Woven fabrics are typically better for items like curtains, pillows, and upholstery.

Will it get a lot of wear and washing?

Both can hold up well. Little Cocalico’s fabrics are designed for durability, so either can work depending on the project.

Does it need to drape or flow?

Lightweight woven fabrics or certain knits can both work, but knits will have more natural and drape movement.

Are you sewing something fitted or form-fitting?

Knit fabrics are usually the better option for projects that need to tight fitting because of their stretch.

Do you want a more crisp or tailored look?

Woven fabrics will give you that cleaner, more structured finish.

After you decide on woven or knit fabric for your project, you’ll then need to choose between all the different types of fabrics available in that category. Here at Little Cocalico, we offer a large selection of both woven and knit fabrics for print on demand orders. You can browse all our fabric bases here to start your order.

Next up in Fabric 101…

Up next, we’re breaking down the language of fabric so you can shop, sew, and design with confidence. From grain and drape to weight and shrinkage, we’ll walk through the terms that help you understand how a fabric will look, feel, and perform.