Oil fabric is a popular option for making cozy yet fashionable apparel because of its soft and flexible qualities. This knitwear is perfect for both special occasions and daily wear because it combines elegance and practicality.
The ability of oil fabric to drape exquisitely and accentuate the natural contours of the body is one of its main advantages. This material can provide both comfort and style, whether you’re searching for a statement piece or something warm and inviting to lounge in.
In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, oil cloth is also very strong and resilient to normal wear and tear. Because it’s simple to maintain, you can wear your favorite clothes for longer periods of time without having to worry about their style fading.
Oil fabric is an excellent option for creating elegant, everyday clothing because it is a soft, stretchy, and versatile knit material that provides both comfort and style. Because of its flexibility, it fits comfortably, and its smooth texture gives any ensemble a refined touch. Oil fabric offers the ideal ratio of comfort and style, whether worn casually or in more formal settings.
What is "oil" fabric
One type of blended fabric that is soft to knit is called oil fabric. It is used to create flowing, airy dresses that fit the figure flawlessly and hug it exquisitely.
The material seems to have been given this peculiar name because of the unique tenderness of the sliding, soft "oil" texture, the smooth surface of elastic knitwear, how pleasant it is to the body, and its resistance to rolling. The fabric’s name, which translates from English to "slinky jersey," sounds like "tight knitwear." In informal settings, this material is occasionally referred to as "cold."
Medium- or high-elasticity bi-elastic "oil" fabric stretches incredibly well. It rapidly regains its original shape, though, and does not distort at all.
Like so much of Europe’s fine textiles, elastic knit garments originated in the East. Its native country is presumably the United Arab Emirates. Fashionistas from many nations are now content to don exquisite ensembles composed of oil cloth. Additionally, this textile is made in Russia.
Composition and production features
"Oil" is a mixed material by composition. The properties and range of applications of this knitwear are ultimately determined by the different proportions of raw materials used in the production of its majority of varieties. These are the three types of fibers that vary most frequently from one another in terms of composition, texture, quality, and thread thickness. These are the following:
- synthetic polyester;
- artificial viscose, the fibers of which are obtained from wood cellulose;
- elastane or lycra – an ultra-thin elastane thread that can stretch several times and again take its previous size, is used in small quantities in any type of knitted fabric "oil". Its share is insignificant (5-8%), but it is necessary to increase the elasticity, resilience and stretchability of knitwear in different directions.
Textiles take on specific qualities based on the proportion of various yarn types in the knitwear composition. both favorable and unfavorable. For instance, a material with a small amount of lycra added gains good hygienic qualities and is primarily composed of viscose fiber. A matte-surfaced, silky, comfortable fabric that "breathes" well and doesn’t irritate or trigger allergies when it comes into contact with skin.
On the other hand, these knit garments have an average level of wear resistance and wrinkle easily.
When spandex is added to fabric that is up to 90% polyester fiber content, the material takes on new characteristics. It doesn’t wrinkle, gets a nice, soft sheen on the front, holds onto color vibrancy and decorative effect expressiveness for a long time, dries fast after washing, and doesn’t pill. Workwear made of polyester fibers is robust and long-lasting. Nevertheless, natural tissue loses all of its hygienic qualities when it stops being able to "breathe," which can lead to allergies and other unpleasant irritations.
A mixed knit fabric known as the "golden mean" has a preponderance of synthetic viscose threads or roughly equal amounts of polyester and viscose threads. For instance, a 70% viscose, 22-25% polyester, and the remaining elastane thread ratio is ideal. The qualities of both natural and synthetic fabrics are kept to the fullest extent in such knitwear.
The ratio that is most frequently used is either 70% viscose and 30% polyester, or vice versa.
Single- and double-sided knitwear can have a soft pile on the back or resemble velor on the front, depending on the composition. It can also be silky, light, and extremely thin, with a delicate, smooth, matte surface. or, conversely, thick and heavy. However, "butter" made of lycra is always an elastic knit garment with remarkable stretchability.
Instead of weaving, they use a knitting machine to create an "oil" knit canvas, creating a loop and design that resembles "pigtails" or "Christmas trees" out of synthetic and artificial threads. One thread, which may be a single thread or be made up of multiple threads spun from various raw materials, is used to knit the entire cloth.
This is a long-standing method of textile creation that people have learned. The outcome is a soft, elastic fabric that stretches extremely well, which is its benefit.
In addition, the fabric is applied with a printed pattern or dyed in bright colors or plain pastels.
Properties of knitwear
Whatever the kind, the material is always smooth, soft, and pleasing to the touch.
One characteristic of this knitwear is that synthetic materials—regardless of quantity—must be present in the material at all ratios. However, this is what establishes the primary characteristics of this material—its plasticity, stretchability, elasticity, and softness—as well as how it differs from regular fabric.
"Bi-stake" refers to the ability of a knitted canvas with elastan that is equally good in different directions. "Oil" stretches nicely both across and along its length, and after stretching, it snaps back to its initial position.
Additionally, the whole class of different kinds of "oil" fabric is distinguished by several similar qualities and shared benefits:
- Softness and "fluidity" – the material stretches perfectly in different directions, drapes beautifully and fits the figure.
- Ability to retain shape – despite the property of knitwear to stretch, the fabric does not change its size and practically does not stretch.
- Wearability and durability – the synthetics contained in the "oil" fabric give it special strength and better retain the shape in finished products. The fabric does not wear out and is much less likely to tear than, say, wool or cotton knitwear.
- The material, especially with a high content of viscose in the composition, is quite comfortable to wear, allows air to pass through. This indicator is worse for polyester "oil".
- With a density from 150 to 180 g/m2. m. the material is not see-through.
- “Butter” knitwear, which mainly contains polyester, does not wrinkle. Viscose knitwear, on the contrary, does not have this property.
- Resistance to the formation of yarn lint pellets on the surface of clothing.
Types of fabric
Texture, density, and thickness of fibers from various sources, from which textiles are produced with different properties and a characteristic type of fabric, are the parameters used for this classification. These parameters are brought together by the peculiar name "oil."
- "Micro oil" – soft, dense and at the same time very light knitwear. Almost weightless, characterized by increased elasticity. It is obtained by weaving polyester and viscose threads of different thicknesses with the addition of lycra. Beautiful, elegant, breathable knitwear, varied in texture and color, reminiscent of flowing silk. Suitable for elegant dresses, summer blouses and sundresses.
- Cold "butter" or "chill" – a lightweight material with an elastic structure, which is made from thin yarn. The knitwear is almost the same on both sides, and feels and looks like silk. The material received its original name for the cool feeling that occurs when clothing comes into contact with the skin. Another name for elastic, thin knitwear with a shiny surface is knitted silk. In addition, this is one of the varieties of this group of materials that “breathes”, and clothes made from it are quite comfortable in hot weather.
- Winter “oil” – viscose fibers predominate in the composition of dense knitwear with a velvety, slightly shiny front side. Dresses and skirts for cool weather are sewn from it. Things made from breathable material can be washed often, the structure of the fabric is not destroyed by ultraviolet radiation.
- Viscose “oil” – a heavy fabric with a matte, smooth front surface. Nevertheless, the fabric streams gently and drape, forming beautiful folds.
- Fleece knitwear – a fairly dense, practical and warm material with a high content of viscose threads. The front surface of the fabric is smooth. While on the back, thin viscose threads form a small pile – a kind of downy insulating fleece. Warm, cozy, soft things are sewn from this material.
- “Crystal” – soft knitwear shimmering with a pleasant light shine with a smooth, uniform surface on the front side and slightly rough on the back. From a material dyed in bright colors with a shimmering shine of natural minerals, which is actually why it got its name, beautiful outfits of an elegant silhouette with beautifully draped folds that hide figure flaws are obtained.
- Packed “oil” – one of the types of colored knitwear with a characteristic feature – a printed pattern, decorative print, ornament applied to the bleached or single-colored front side of the fabric.
- Crepe "butter" – a thin, light fabric with a rough grainy face, knitted from tightly twisted viscose and polyester threads. Evening dresses are made from light, elastic and thin material that practically does not wrinkle.
- Venice – silky, lightweight synthetic material made of polyester and elastane.
- Classic "butter" – canvas with a dense structure and a slightly noticeable muted shine. Most often, nightgowns and slips are made from it.
What is sewn from butter knitwear?
Knitwear that is comfortable, elastic, and maximizes fit—a quality that many other materials cannot match—works well for a variety of outfit styles. For everyday life as well as for holidays and celebrations. These can include flowing, light, and shimmering evening gowns; summer sundresses; casual and sportswear; shorts; women’s viscose "oil" T-shirts; warm suits; dresses; and jackets made of thick, fleece-lined winter knits.
How to choose a knitwear "oil"
It’s crucial to keep the following factors in mind when selecting a fabric:
- Clarify the composition and possible percentage of shrinkage of the material (information should be on the label). If it is not there, you can get the necessary information from the seller.
- Check the quality of the canvas. It should not visually “mow”, there should not be lowered loops, puffs, wrinkled surface or any irregularities.
- Select a particular type of matter for a model of a certain silhouette and purpose, taking into account the features of different materials from this group and your figure. For example, a very thin knitwear is more suitable for underwear, and more dense for home clothes.
Owners of curvaceous shapes prefer a loose silhouette with drapery and flowing soft folds because knitwear can fit the body, highlighting and emphasizing not only the advantages of the figure, but also what you might want to hide sometimes. This is particularly valid for thin knitwear types.
How to sew from "butter" knitwear: expert advice
The open cuts of this material are smooth, even, and do not crumble when sewing knit garments. An overlock does not need to be used when processing them.
Using special needles labeled "jersey" or superstretch, you can sew butter material on a home sewing machine with a knitted seam or a loose zigzag. In this instance, there is less chance of a needle puncturing the fabric.
Thin knit garments work well with very thin threads. Elastic, dense synthetic threads for denser knitwear.
Seams should be taped with silicone to keep them from stretching while sewing. The product’s seam can be ironed in various directions and "hammered" slightly with a small hammer to make it look flatter and avoid appearing thick.
Take caution when using scissors and pins on fabric as you may leave snags or puncture marks behind.
Experts advise using a large amount of width to reduce the pattern’s parameters by one or two sizes, or cut, without leaving allowances for seams, because bielastic knit materials have this property. The product, which will be greatly stretched in width, will become somewhat shorter, so the pattern does not need to be shortened. Specifically, "jumping" up. Throughout the sewing process, you must try the product on multiple times to prevent mistakes.
All pieces can be cut out using the same margins when cutting. Notes can be used in place of tags.
Care recommendations
If you give knitted items proper care, they will look good and last for a very long time.
Washing
First and foremost, it’s crucial to wash properly. You can follow the instructions in a washing machine or manual. However, with careful adherence to the temperature regime, which extends to 40 degrees, and the use of gentle liquid gels or washing powders free of harsh ingredients.
Knitwear "oil," which is quite resilient but contains synthetic materials, is susceptible to high temperatures and loses its qualities when exposed to specific chemicals.
Drying and ironing
You can use the mode at low speeds for machine wringing knit garments.
Dry naturally, away from the sun and heat sources, on hangers or a rope in a straightened shape.
Any creases that appear on the fabric during wear or after drying can be ironed using a steamer set to the delicate setting or an iron heated to 110 °C passed through moist gauze with little pressure.
Feature | Description |
Material | Oil fabric is made from a soft, flexible knit that drapes beautifully. |
Comfort | This fabric is comfortable to wear, making it ideal for everyday clothing. |
Durability | Despite its softness, oil fabric is durable and long-lasting. |
Appearance | The fabric has a smooth, attractive finish that looks great in various styles. |
Care | Easy to maintain, oil fabric can be machine washed and holds its shape well. |
One material that is particularly useful and provides both comfort and style is oil fabric. Because of its flexibility and softness, it’s perfect for making clothes that are both stylish and comfortable to wear. Oil fabric can be tailored to create a wide range of outfits that are appropriate for various settings, whether you’re looking for something more dressy or more casual.
Because of the fabric’s stretchability, a perfect fit is guaranteed, enhancing the body’s natural silhouette by hugging the body. This makes it a top option for people who appreciate style and practicality. It’s also useful for daily wear due to its ease of care.
All things considered, oil fabric is a wise option for anyone looking to mix comfort and contemporary design. Both designers and fashion enthusiasts turn to it because of its versatility and ease of use. Clothes made of oil fabric will keep you feeling and looking your best whether you’re going out or spending a relaxing day at home.