Often used as a lining material, tricot fabric is a material that can be made from natural or synthetic fibers and has a unique weave that allows it to be smooth on one side while sporting texture on the other. Here are some basic facts about tricot fabric and how to the material is used.
Basically a plain warp knit fabric, tricot fabric can be created with an array of fibers and fiber blends. It is not unusual for various types of tricot to be manufactured with the use of cotton, wool, silk, rayon, or nylon, or any combination of fibers. Because the pattern for tricot fabric is a close knit design with the fibers running lengthwise while employing an interlooped yarn pattern, the texture of tricot is a little different from some other types of material. One side will feature fine ribs running in a lengthwise pattern, while the other side will feature ribs that run in a crosswise direction. The finished look of tricot is that of a sturdy yet soft material that can be ideal for a number of applications.
One of the more common uses of tricot fabricis in the creation of liners for pieces of luggage, jewelry boxes and clothing storage containers. Tricot is a non-elastic fabric that will hold its shape for a number of years, so the linings do not begin to sag or billow as the container ages. Because tricot is fairly durable, the liner will also show very little in the way of wear or tear, even with frequent use.
Another popular use of tricot fabric is for women’s undergarments. Because the material can be made with fibers that allow for not only support but also comfort, tricot is often employed with the manufacture of panties in particular. Tricot can be created with a fabric pattern as well as dyed any number of colors, so the selection of tricot undergarments is not limited when it comes to the look. As a perfect choice in warm weather, tricot undergarments are especially helpful, since they do allow the body to breathe.
A growing use of tricot fabric is found in the home crafts market. Tricot is an easy material to work with, so many home crafters are beginning to use tricot as the medium for producing doll clothing and as the fabric of choice for cloth wreaths and similar projects. Crafters are finding that tricot fabric can be an inexpensive alternative to some other types of material, while still providing quality results.