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Single Jersey, Interlock and Rib: Knit Structures Explained

6 July 2026 by

Knitted fabric is built from loops, and the way those loops are formed decides stretch, weight and feel. Here are the structures buyers meet most.

Single jersey

The basic weft knit — smooth face, looped back, light and stretchy. It is the workhorse for t-shirts, in soft combed hosiery yarn around 24s–40s. See yarn for t-shirts.

Rib

Alternating face and back loops give lengthwise ribs and strong widthwise stretch — used for cuffs, collars and fitted knitwear.

Interlock

A double-knit with two interlocking single-jersey layers — thicker, stable, smooth both sides. Popular for premium tees, polos and children’s wear, usually in finer combed yarn.

Matching yarn to the knit

Softer, even yarn knits cleaner; heavier structures use more yarn, so size the order with our requirement calculator and target weight with the GSM converter.

Sourcing knitting yarn? We supply cotton, CVC and bamboo tuned for the loop.

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More in our yarn guides.

Poplin, Twill and Satin: Weave Types and the Yarn They Need
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