1. What Is Knitted Interlining?
Knitted interlining is a fusible textile component engineered for integration between a garment's outer fabric and its lining. Unlike traditional woven interlinings, knitted interlining is constructed through a loop-forming process — either warp or weft knitting — which creates an inherent two-way or four-way stretch, making it the material of choice for modern stretch fabrics, active wear, and softly structured garments.
The term "knitted interlining" encompasses tricot interlinings (warp-knit), weft-knit fusible fabrics, and circular-knit constructions. A hot-melt adhesive — typically polyamide (PA) or polyester (PES) — is applied to one face of the knitted base cloth. During garment assembly, controlled heat and pressure permanently bond the interlining to the shell fabric, adding shape, body, and stability without sacrificing drape or comfort.
As a leading interlining manufacturer, Jiaxing Rainbow (UBL) Interlining Co., Ltd. produces an extensive range of knitted fusible interlinings spanning lightweight tricots through medium-weight knitting series, all manufactured under ISO 9001:2008 and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification.
2. Construction & Fabric Structure
The mechanical properties of a knitted interlining are determined primarily by its base cloth construction. Understanding the fabric architecture helps buyers specify the correct product for their application.
Warp Knitting (Tricot)
Warp-knit or tricot interlining is the most widely used knitted interlining construction in the garment industry. Yarns run predominantly in the machine direction (warpwise), yet the looped interlocking creates controlled cross-directional elasticity. Tricot fabrics are dimensionally stable, resist fraying, and deliver a smooth, consistent surface for adhesive dot application. They are particularly valued for shirt front pieces, lightweight blazer facings, and anywhere precise dimensional control is needed alongside a soft hand feel.
Weft Knitting
Weft-knit interlinings are produced on flat or circular knitting machines. Yarns travel in the cross direction (weftwise), producing higher stretch in the width direction. This construction suits jersey-based outerwear panels, sportswear backs, and any shell fabric with significant two-way stretch, ensuring the interlining moves with — rather than against — the outer material.
Adhesive Coating Systems
The bonding performance of knitted interlining depends on the adhesive type, pattern density, and application method:
- Powder dot: Fine adhesive particles are scattered and sintered onto the base cloth, producing a soft, flexible bond ideal for lightweight jerseys and knit shells.
- Double dot (paste-over-powder): A layer of hot-melt paste is applied over the powder foundation, increasing peel strength and washing durability — preferred for outerwear and tailored garments.
- Scatter coating: Random distribution of adhesive, producing an ultra-soft handle suitable for delicate fabrics.
3. Types of Knitted Interlining
| Type | Base Construction | Stretch Direction | Typical Weight (GSM) | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tricot (Warp-Knit) | Warp-knit loops | Moderate cross-stretch | 17 – 50 | Shirt fronts, blazer facings, collars |
| Jersey Knit | Single weft-knit | High two-way stretch | 30 – 80 | Sportswear, stretch casual wear |
| Interlock Knit | Double weft-knit | Moderate four-way stretch | 50 – 100 | Outer coats, structured knit panels |
| Raschel Knit | Warp-knit (multi-bar) | Low to moderate | 25 – 60 | Lace garments, specialty fashion |
Table 1. Overview of knitted interlining constructions and their typical applications.
UBL's Knitting Series and Tricot Series represent the core of their woven/knitted interlining offering — engineered for superior elasticity, softness, and reliable adhesive performance across all of the above construction types.
4. Specifications & Parameters
Selecting the right knitted interlining requires matching its technical parameters to those of the shell fabric and the end-use garment. The following table summarises the standard specification range available from UBL.
| Parameter | Standard Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base material | Polyester, Nylon, Blends | Polyester most common for knitted types |
| Fabric weight | 17 – 140 GSM | Fully customizable per order |
| Roll width | 90 – 180 cm | Standard widths; narrower cuts available |
| Adhesive type | PA (polyamide), PES (polyester) | PA for lower temp; PES for higher durability |
| Dot pattern | Double Dot, Powder Dot | Double dot preferred for outerwear |
| Color options | White, Black, Gray, Custom | Custom dyeing available on MOQ |
| Shrinkage (post-fuse, post-wash) | ≤ 1.5% | Tested to ISO standards |
| Peel strength | ≥ 8 N / 2.5 cm | Varies by adhesive and shell fabric type |
Table 2. Standard technical specifications for UBL knitted fusible interlinings.
5. Fusing Guidelines
Proper fusing is critical to achieving the structural performance a knitted interlining is designed to deliver. Incorrect temperature, pressure, or dwell time can result in delamination, strike-through, or fabric distortion.
| Parameter | Recommended Range | Consequence of Deviation |
|---|---|---|
| Fusing temperature | 125 °C – 150 °C | Under-temp: poor bond; Over-temp: strike-through |
| Pressure | 2.0 – 4.0 bar | Low pressure: uneven bonding; High: fabric crush |
| Dwell time | 10 – 18 seconds | Short time: delamination; Long time: distortion |
| Cooling | Lay flat until cool | Handling while warm causes bond stress |
| Moisture content of shell | 0% – ≤ 2% | Moisture causes steam pockets and weak bonding |
Table 3. Recommended fusing parameters for knitted fusible interlining.
UBL's technical team provides garment manufacturers with application-specific fusing recommendations as part of their quality assurance support service, including fusing trial protocols and wash-testing guidance.
6. Applications by Garment Type
Knitted interlining's elasticity and soft handle make it suitable across a broad range of garment categories. The table below maps each garment type to its recommended interlining construction and weight range.
| Garment Category | Recommended Type | Weight Range (GSM) | Key Performance Need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men's / Women's Suits | Tricot warp-knit | 30 – 60 | Shape retention, drape, dimensional stability |
| Overcoats & Trench Coats | Interlock / double-dot tricot | 50 – 100 | Wash durability, peel strength |
| Sportswear & Activewear | Jersey weft-knit | 20 – 50 | Four-way stretch compatibility, breathability |
| Casual Shirts & Blouses | Lightweight tricot | 17 – 30 | Soft hand, low-add bulk, comfort |
| Lingerie & Intimate Apparel | Ultra-light weft-knit | 17 – 25 | Skin softness, stretch recovery |
| Children's Wear | Soft tricot / powder dot | 20 – 45 | Hypoallergenic, low formaldehyde, flexibility |
| Petticoats & Formal Dresses | Lightweight knit | 17 – 35 | Volume without stiffness, gentle fusing |
Table 4. Garment-type application guide for knitted interlining selection.
For complete garment-level interlining solutions, UBL provides dedicated configuration guides for suit interlinings, overcoat interlinings, petticoat interlinings, and trench coat interlinings.
7. Comparison: Knitted vs. Other Interlining Types
Knitted interlining competes with woven and non-woven alternatives. Each has distinct strengths; the table below provides an at-a-glance comparison to support material selection decisions.
| Property | Knitted | Woven | Non-Woven |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stretch / Elasticity | High (2-way or 4-way) | Low to moderate | None to very low |
| Hand feel / Softness | Very soft | Moderate | Variable (can be stiff) |
| Dimensional stability | Good (warp-knit) | Very good | Good |
| Weight range | Ultra-light to medium | Light to heavy | Ultra-light to heavy |
| Cost | Medium | Medium – High | Low – Medium |
| Wash durability | Excellent | Excellent | Good – Excellent |
| Fraying at cut edges | Minimal (loops lock) | Moderate | None |
| Best-suited garments | Stretch, casual, activewear | Tailored, structured | Disposable, budget, uniform |
Table 5. Comparative analysis of knitted, woven, and non-woven interlinings.
For structured tailoring applications, UBL's woven interlining range — including plain and twill fabric series — complements the knitted range by offering greater rigidity and body. Non-woven alternatives are covered by the non-woven interlining series, which includes nylon, polyester, and mixed-fibre options.
8. Quality Standards & Certifications
Garment manufacturers sourcing interlining for global markets must meet increasingly stringent regulatory and sustainability demands. UBL has built its quality framework around internationally recognised standards.
- ISO 9001:2008 — Quality management system certification covering process control from raw material intake through finished goods dispatch.
- OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 — Ecological textile certification confirming that all components, including adhesives and dyes, are tested for harmful substances and safe for direct skin contact.
- GRS (Global Recycled Standard) — Available on selected products; certifies the recycled content of polyester base cloths. See the GRS Recycled Interlining range.
- In-house testing — Professional equipment for peel strength, shrinkage, colour fastness, formaldehyde content, and wash-cycle durability testing.
Buyers requiring documentation for customs or retail compliance can request test certificates and OEKO-TEX® licence copies via the UBL contact page.
9. Product Catalog Overview
UBL's full product portfolio spans knitted, woven, non-woven, special, and auxiliary interlining categories. The cards below highlight the core range with direct links to detailed product pages.
Browse the complete UBL product catalogue for the full specification sheets and available variants across all series.
10. Sourcing Knitted Interlining from UBL
Jiaxing Rainbow (UBL) Interlining Co., Ltd. operates manufacturing facilities in Zhejiang and Jiangxi, China, as well as an overseas facility in Dhaka, Bangladesh — providing supply-chain flexibility for buyers in South and Southeast Asia.
Why Choose UBL?
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Over two decades of interlining manufacturing experience
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Vertically integrated production from base-cloth knitting to adhesive coating and finishing
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ISO 9001:2008 and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified
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Custom weight, width, color, and adhesive configurations available
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Technical support from sampling through mass production
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Global logistics and delivery services — learn more at the delivery services page
Factory Locations
| Location | Address | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| China (Zhejiang) | No.18 Shanying Road, Huimin Town, Jiashan County, Jiaxing, Zhejiang | +86-573-84870988 · ubl@hzubl.com |
| China (Jiangxi) | Fengchao Industrial Park, Shi Town, Wannian County, Shangrao, Jiangxi | +86-793-3819978 · ubl@hzubl.com |
| Bangladesh (Dhaka) | Leaf Apparel Solutions, Cumilla Para, Badda Link Road, Dhaka 1212 | +88-01711929520 · leafentr@gmail.com |
Table 6. UBL manufacturing and representative office locations.
For the latest company milestones, production upgrades, and market insights, visit the industry news and company news sections of the UBL website.
Request Samples or a Custom Quote
Whether you need a small sample lot or a full production run, UBL's sales team can advise on the right knitted interlining specification for your garment.
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