Manufacturer · Fashion Accessories
Knitted elastic is a narrow elastic tape produced on a knitting machine, in which rubber or elastane threads are held in a loop structure of polyester or polyamide. It is soft, light and flexible, narrows when stretched and is used mainly for lingerie, pyjamas, children's clothing, sportswear and loungewear – where comfort next to the skin matters more than firm support.
What knitted elastic is and how it is produced
Most knitted elastics are made on warp-knitting machines for narrow tapes, known in the trade as crochet machines. Many needles work simultaneously on them and form lengthwise chains of loops. Stretched elastomeric threads are inserted between the chains, and cross threads link them into one tape. When the tape leaves the machine and the elastic threads relax, the loops draw together and the elastic acquires its characteristic soft, slightly textured surface.
This technology allows great variety: plain elastic, elastic with a decorative edge, with a brushed (plush) back, with buttonholes, with a shiny thread or with a relief pattern. The width can range from a few millimetres to several centimetres.
Main raw materials
- Elastomeric thread – natural rubber (latex) or synthetic elastane. Elastane is thinner and tolerates sweat, light and washing better; rubber gives stronger tension at a lower thread price.
- Covering yarn – polyester (strong, light-resistant), polyamide (softer and smoother, preferred for lingerie) or cotton (a more natural feel, but greater shrinkage).
- Finishing – dyeing in colour, brushing one side, softening.
Properties of knitted elastic
The properties come directly from the loop structure. The loops can deform in all directions, so the tape is more pliable than woven elastic and fits smoothly to the body.
- soft feel and low weight – does not weigh down thin jersey;
- smooth, lighter tension, without cutting into the skin;
- good tolerance of needle penetration – it is sewn directly to the fabric;
- flexible edges that do not scratch;
- narrows when stretched and may roll in a wide channel under heavy load.
Why knitted elastic narrows when stretched
This is the most common question from sewers who replace woven elastic with knitted. When the tape is stretched lengthwise, the loops are pulled and become longer and narrower. The material needed for the elongation is "taken" from the width – like a net that narrows when you pull it. With woven elastic, the cross weft thread keeps the width stable, so it hardly narrows at all.
Narrowing is not a defect but a property of the knit. In practice it means:
- in a channel, the elastic looks narrower when the garment is worn – with wider tapes this can lead to twisting;
- when sewn directly, the narrowing is unnoticeable, because the seam holds the elastic along its whole length;
- for waistbands under heavy load, woven elastic, which keeps its width, is more suitable.
Types of knitted elastic
| Type | Feature | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Plain knitted elastic | Even, soft surface | Channels, sleeves, children's clothing |
| Picot (scalloped) edge elastic | Small decorative loops along the edge | Briefs, bras, nightwear |
| Plush-back elastic | Brushed side facing the skin | Bra underband, straps |
| Buttonhole elastic | Holes at regular intervals | Adjustable waistbands of children's trousers |
| Elastic with shiny thread or pattern | Visible decorative effect | Exposed waistbands, sportswear |
Where knitted elastic is used
Its softness makes it the natural choice for all products worn directly against the body that do not require firm support:
- Lingerie – leg openings and waistbands of briefs, bra underbands and straps, boxer shorts.
- Pyjamas and nightwear – channel waistbands, cuffs, necklines.
- Children's and baby clothing – elastic that does not press or leave marks.
- Sportswear – leggings, shorts, sports bras.
- Loungewear and accessories – sleeves, hats, covers, masks.
The width follows the function: narrow tapes of 5 to 12 mm finish lingerie edges and necklines, medium ones of 15 to 25 mm go into cuffs and children's waistbands, and wide ones from 30 mm upwards into the waistbands of pyjamas, tracksuits and leggings. The wider the tape, the more important it is to sew it directly or for it to have firm enough tension so that it does not twist in the channel.
The full range is in our knitted elastic category, and an overview of all types is in our elastics section.
How to recognise knitted elastic
If you have a sample without a specification, a few simple checks show whether it is knitted:
- Stretch a piece of about 10 cm – if the width visibly decreases, the elastic is knitted.
- Look closely at the face – knitted elastic has lengthwise chains of loops, woven elastic a cross interlacing.
- Cut across – knitted elastic rarely frays, while the ends of some woven tapes unravel.
- Fold the tape – knitted elastic is soft and falls freely, woven elastic is stiffer and holds its shape.
Caring for products with knitted elastic
Elastomeric threads are most sensitive to high temperatures, chlorine and prolonged exposure to sunlight. Washing at 30–40 °C, without bleach, drying without strong heat and ironing without pressing on the elastic extend the life of the product. When preparing the care label, take into account the most sensitive component – usually the elastic itself.
Knitted elastic from Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer and wholesaler of garment accessories and haberdashery with over 30 years of experience. We supply knitted elastic in various widths, in standard colours or dyed to Pantone, as well as custom elastic with logo, with delivery across the EU. Send the width, colour and a photo of the product via our contact form – we will suggest a suitable article and a sample.
