The world of textiles is enormous and diverse, providing countless options for apparel design. The footer is the most comfortable and adaptable option available. Because of its cozy and soft texture, this fabric is a favorite for making comfortable clothing that looks as good as it feels.
There are various kinds of footers, the two most popular being the two-thread and three-thread variants. Their structure and thickness make a difference in what applications they work best for. The type of footer used is often the reason why your favorite sweatshirt feels so warm and snug or why your tracksuit is both comfortable and long-lasting.
This article will discuss why two-thread footer works best for tracksuits and why three-thread footer works best for sweatshirts. This guide will assist you in selecting the appropriate material for your next sewing project, whether your goal is to better understand fabrics.
Three-thread footer | Two-thread footer |
Commonly used for sweatshirts | Perfect for tracksuits |
Thicker, with a soft inner layer | Thinner, offering more flexibility |
Warm and cozy, ideal for colder weather | Lighter, suitable for moderate climates |
- What kind of fabric is footer 2-thread and 3-thread?
- Composition and properties
- Types
- Advantages and disadvantages
- Application: what is sewn from footer fabric?
- Reviews
- Origin story
- Video on the topic
- Working with futter: varieties, decatization, secrets of perfect tailoring
- I sewed a cool women"s tracksuit from futter – a hoodie and trousers.
- I sew a women"s tracksuit with my own hands. Futter suit – a hoodie and trousers (Sewing and demonstration)
- WHICH FABRIC IS BETTER TO SEW A SPORTS SUIT?
- WHAT TO SEW FROM FUTHER / SELECTION OF PATTERNS / IRINAVARD
- DIY tracksuit. Hoodie
- Review of futter suits. New video course on sewing
- Futter two-thread and three-thread in ready-made products.
What kind of fabric is footer 2-thread and 3-thread?
One kind of fabric weaving is called footer (like cooler, pique, interlock, jersey, etc.).
The looped underside of footer knitwear sets it apart from other varieties.
Little loops are formed by knitting extra purl threads into the base. They can function as tiny insulators on their own or as a means of fastening the fleece. The material stays smooth on the front side at the same moment.
Excellent to know. The densities of 2- and 3-thread footers are not the same. Since there are more loops in a three-thread, the fabric is typically thicker and warmer.
Composition and properties
Cotton makes up the footer’s base. To enhance its qualities, the fabric’s composition can be improved by adding polyester, lycra, or wool to pure 100% cotton fabric.
Material characteristics:
- Retains softness and plasticity at high density.
- Due to the knitted weave, it allows air to pass through and removes moisture from the body even with a high synthetic content.
- Practically does not wrinkle.
- Retains heat well.
A two-thread has a density of 190–260 g/m2, while a three-thread has a density of 220–350 g/m2.
Types
The fabric’s composition, the quantity and placement of loops on the back, and the presence or absence of fleece can all be used to categorize footer.
A succinct explanation of the most common footer types:
- Two-thread and three-thread loop – the lightest fabric options without combing and with chaotic loops on the inside.
- The diagonal variety is distinguished by neat loops on the inside. They are located at an angle of 45 degrees. Photo:
- Penye is a knitwear made from the best long cotton fibers. Penye footer is very soft, smooth on the front side, silky.
- Penye compact is higher in quality than combed, does not roll, very wear-resistant. Compact is a new production of cotton.
- Fleece with lycra is elastic, stretches well and retains its shape better.
- The addition of polyester increases the wear resistance of the fabric, but worsens the breathable properties.
- Fleece with combed natural wool is incredibly warm, but requires special care. At the same time, it is considered the most expensive.
Advantages and disadvantages
Every year, footer becomes more and more popular. It is arguably the most widely used fabric nowadays for making tracksuits, adult sweatshirts, and children’s clothes.
Its benefits are alluring:
- Soft and comfortable, takes the shape of the body.
- In most cases, it allows the body to breathe, does not steam.
- If it has a fleece, it is very warm.
- Inexpensive.
- Wear-resistant.
- It has a wide selection of colors.
- You can choose a fabric with a natural composition, stretch, with or without a fleece, thick or thin.
Fleece has very few drawbacks. Generally speaking, they are seen in low-quality fabrics:
- Thin cotton jersey can shrink, stretch at the knees and elbows (but at the same time it is the softest and most hygienic).
- Pills may appear on clothes made of pure cotton. Such fleece may be less wear-resistant than fabric made from a mixture of cotton and polyester.
- Dense three-thread fleece may be too hot. It is less breathable and is recommended for the second layer of clothing.
- The fleece in a low-quality footer quickly rolls up, and the backing takes on an unpresentable appearance.
Footer fabric is a multipurpose fabric that is frequently used to make clothes, especially ones that are cozy and long-lasting. With its warmth and thickness, the three-thread footer is great for sweatshirts in cooler weather. Conversely, the two-thread footer is a popular design for tracksuits and offers a great balance of flexibility and comfort, making it ideal for activewear. Knowing how these fabrics are specifically used will help you select the appropriate fabric for your upcoming sewing project.
Application: what is sewn from footer fabric?
Footer has been used extensively in the production of dressing gowns, pajamas, warm underwear, and casual clothing for more than 40 years. Items crafted from this knit fabric are now a staple in kids’ wardrobes.
What is sewed from various footer types:
- Home clothes, children"s pants, loose sweatshirts are sewn from thin cotton two-thread.
- 2-thread with lycra is suitable for tight-fitting sportswear, dresses.
- 2-thread with fleece is warmer. The same clothes are sewn from it, but for cooler weather.
- 3-thread diagonal is used to sew children"s and adult tracksuits, overalls, sweatshirts. It is dense, elastic and soft. Perfect for autumn and cool summer.
- Three-thread cotton footer is coarser, practically does not stretch. You can sew loose clothes from it – sweatpants, pajamas, a robe.
- 3-thread fleece is considered the densest and warmest, often contains polyester. It also doesn’t stretch well, but it is flexible and soft enough. Ideal for sewing warm clothes, hoodies, sweatshirts.
Reviews
The majority of footer reviews are favorable. What they write about the fabric is shown here.
Milana: "My mother has three children. I enjoy wearing footer-made clothing. It’s cozy, warm, and reasonably priced. The kids don’t take it off during the winter. I bring cozy two-thread cotton clothing for the little ones (rompers, blouses, pajamas), and my oldest daughter adores stylish sweatshirts and cozy dresses with patterns.
Eugeniya K.: "I thought it would be warm, so I ordered a two-thread footer suit online." However, no. The material is cool; cool summer evenings are better suited for it.
Natalya: "I make my own clothing." I used various footers, diagonal, loop, comb, 2-thread, and 3-thread with fleece. A two-thread works well in the summer and early fall, and a three-thread works well in the winter. More costly, but higher quality, are the diagonal and comb. I purchase textiles that contain very little polyester and lycra. After that, they don’t wrinkle or roll up, and the clothing keeps its beauty for a very long time.
Origin story
The history of footer fabric comes in multiple forms. Some sources claim that it originated in Egypt, Mexico, and India—all nations that grow a lot of cotton. Experts assure us, though, that the technology involved in creating knitwear is intricate and calls for the use of specialized weaving machines. These machines were obviously around earlier in developed Europe.
It is widely acknowledged that terry cloth was the forerunner of footer.
Mysteries abound in its origin story as well. All that is certain is that terry cloth was first produced in large quantities in England during the mid-1800s. The process for creating terry textiles was patented in 1864 by Englishman Samuel Holt, who also moved textile businesses to the United States.
Footer, a knitted variation of terry cloth, most likely first appeared in the early 1900s.
It’s interesting to note that the word "futter" means "lining" in German. Nevertheless, the material is unrelated to lining fabrics or Germany. Rather, the name alludes to the internal location of futter (lining) threads in the production technology.
Footer fabric is a useful material that can be included into regular outfits. For warm, comfortable sweatshirts that are ideal for cooler weather, the three-thread variety is perfect because of its thicker and warmer texture. It is a preferred material for making cozy, long-lasting clothes because of its softness and resilience.
Conversely, since it is lighter and more breathable, the two-thread footer is frequently utilized for tracksuits. This fabric is easy to move in and feels good against the skin, striking a balance between comfort and functionality. It’s a great option for sportswear, guaranteeing your comfort whether working out or engaging in casual activities.
Each style of footer has special features to meet various clothing requirements. Footer fabric provides warmth and coziness in a sweatshirt or flexibility and comfort in a tracksuit. It’s an enduringly stylish option that is dependable.