Braided vs. Knit Elastic
For different textile projects, braided and knit elastic materials offer various properties to meet your requirements. While both feature flexibility and stretch, they offer different strengths, comfort, and durability in clothing, accessories, and activewear applications. Understanding the differences between braided and knit elastic can help you choose the right option to ensure the material properties match the needs of your project.
What is Braided Elastic?
Braided elastic uses braided strands of elastic fibers for a unique combination of strength and stretch. It has a high tensile strength to withstand use without losing its shape for controlled stretch with good recovery, making it a popular option for heavy-duty applications. This material features firmness, rigidity, and durability for a thick and sturdy option that offers resistance to wear.What is Knit Elastic?
Knit elastic is made using knitting techniques to interweave loops into a flexible and stretchable material. It features high stretch with exceptional recovery to maintain its original shape, making it a favorable choice for garments and accessories that need a snug, comfortable fit. Additionally, it is lightweight and breathable for a material option that prioritizes comfort and flexibility.Braided vs. Knit Elastic: A Quick Comparison
Characterized by stretch and flexibility, braided and knit elastic feature different material properties better suited to different types of textile projects. Braided elastic has a flat, strong, and durable structure; however, knit elastic is softer and more flexible because of its knitted loop structure, which also contributes to greater stretch for more freedom of movement. For more durability in heavy-duty applications, braided elastic has a stronger hold and more rigid elasticity, but knit elastic delivers more comfort against the skin.Projects for Braided Elastic Materials
Braided elastic is typically recommended for uses where it is not directly sewn to fabric. Because this elastic features parallel ridges lengthwise, it offers more grip than other materials, but may narrow when stretched, as well as be prone to rolling. It has higher strength and durability than other elastic materials, making it perfect for applications where rolling may not be an issue, including:- Waistbands in pants, skirts, and shorts
- Elastic in underwear and swimwear
- Athletic apparel stretch bands
- Headbands, belts, straps, hair ties
- Stretch ties and cords for packaging
- Elastic for securing storage covers
Knit Elastic Material Applications
Lightweight, knit elastic materials are versatile due to their material properties. Featuring a looped structure, these materials combine comfort with elasticity for projects that require a snug fit. They can be used in a variety of sewing applications, providing comfort and flexibility while maintaining their resiliency when pierced for use in projects such as:- Light to mid-weight fabrics
- Stretch cuffs in clothing and apparel
- Underwear and sportswear
- Compression textiles
- Bed sheets and mattress covers
- Headbands and other accessories