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What is ribbing fabric?

Ribbing fabric is not woven but knitted. It is therefore a tricot (jersey) fabric with elastic properties. Thanks to the presence of elastane (usually 5% or more), the cuff fabric retains its shape and does not hang out. Ribbing is usually (but not always) knitted circular. This means that the sides of the fabric are knitted together.

What can you use ribbing fabric for?

Ribbing fabric is mainly used for finishing hoodies, sweaters and trousers. It can be used around the neckline as a collar, around the wrist as a cuff, around the waist as a waistband or, for example, around the ankles as an ankle cuff.

How do you use ribbing fabric?

You cut the pattern parts, such as a neckband, wristband or waistband, from ribbing fabric. Then stitch the short side with the right side of the fabric facing in. You then iron the seam so that it stays open and then fold the ribbing fabric in half lengthwise with the right side out. Iron well.

To attach the collar nicely to an opening of the garment, divide the collar and the opening into 4 equal parts using pins, markers or a small cut in the seam margin. Slide the ribbing over the opening, then pin the raw edges of the ribbing and the opening together, aligning the markings. Stitch the seam and as you stitch, stretch the cuff fabric a little bit so you don't get any wrinkles. Iron the seam margin away from the cuff fabric. Optionally, you can give a decorative stitch at 1 to 3 mm from the edge.

How do you calculate the length of the ribbing fabric?

You start by measuring the opening that you want to finish with ribbing. Multiply the measured length by 0.75 and add the seam allowance. This will usually amount to 1 + 1 cm.

To determine the width of the cuff fabric, measure the desired width of the cuff (for example 3 cm). Multiply this by 2, because the edge is always folded in half (so this will be 6 cm). Finally, add the seam margin (1 + 1cm).

Do you need more inspiration?

Be sure to check out our workshops, patterns or blogs for extra tips and ideas!