French Terry Fabric by the Metre

What is french terry?

French terry is a knitted fabric like jersey, only thicker. The reverse has small loops that make it soft against the skin without adding bulk. It stretches mainly across the width and still holds its shape well enough for sweatshirts, jackets, dresses and trousers. Because the loops are not brushed, french terry is less warm than brushed sweat – hence the name summer sweat. The guide Sweatshirt fleece vs french terry explains the difference, Jersey or sweatshirt fabric compares it with jersey.

Which french terry for which project?

• Plain french terry: for combining, hoods and pockets – and for whole jumpers in your favourite colour.
• Swafing Maike: our plain basic in over 50 colours when body, hood and pockets need to match exactly.
• Stripes and prints: for main pieces that stand on their own – from classic stripes to motifs for children's clothes.
• French terry panels: a pre-printed motif in one piece that goes onto a jumper, dress or blanket as a whole.

Sewing french terry: the essentials

Sew french terry with a jersey or stretch needle and a stretch stitch – narrow zigzag, stretch stitch or overlocker. As it is thicker than jersey, a slightly longer stitch works better; at bulky spots it helps to sew slowly and reduce the presser foot pressure. More in Sewing french terry: tips and Cutting sweatshirt fabric neatly.

Matching cuffing

Sleeves, hem and neckline usually get a cuff. You will find it under cuffing fabric, many colours match our plain sweats.

Buying french terry at Die Stoffkönigin

You can order french terry from 20 cm, then in steps of 10 cm; panels are sold as a whole piece. Most fabrics are about 150 cm wide and made of 95 % cotton with 5 % elastane, many carry the OEKO-TEX label – width, weight, composition and care are listed with each fabric. Prefer to touch the fabrics? Visit our shop in Neumarkt-Woffenbach.