Circular Rib

Definition and Overview

Circular rib is the Japanese industry term generally used to refer to rib knitting. By knitting knit stitches and purl stitches alternately, it forms a structure with vertical ribs. Weft knitting is a type of knit made by continuously forming loops with yarn.

In many cases, the front and back sides look almost the same, and it is characterized by good horizontal stretch and easy recovery. However, stretch, thickness, and other properties vary depending on the knitting method, yarn type, stitch density, and blend ratio.

Features

Circular rib has a three-dimensional texture from its ribs and is a structure that tends to provide more stretch than jersey. It conforms well to body movement and helps create a soft wearing feel, but in thin fabrics or loosely knitted fabrics, the shape may change easily.

For those made mainly with cotton, it tends to have a natural, gentle texture. In blends with polyester and other fibers, it can improve quick-drying properties and strength, while adding polyurethane makes it easier to enhance rebound (the property of returning after stretching).

Main Applications

It is used for items that require stretch and a pleasant feel against the skin, such as T-shirts, cut-and-sew tops, underwear, baby and kids' clothing, and nightwear. Items with moderate thickness are also used for tops and dresses that are less likely to cling to the body line.

It is also used for attached parts such as cuffs, hems, and necklines. If the body fabric and attached fabric differ in stretch or recovery, it can cause waviness around the neckline or dimensional differences, so it is important to check compatibility with the fabric to be combined.

• Innerwear and underwear
• T-shirts and cut-and-sew tops
• Fitted items such as leggings
• Rib knit attachments for necklines, cuffs, and hems
• Baby and kids' clothing

Selection and Handling Notes

Depending on the application, check the blend ratio, industry weight, thickness, horizontal stretch, and rebound. For products that fit the body closely, also check how they recover after being stretched in practice. For light colors or thin fabrics, select with sheerness in mind.

Knit fabrics tend to stretch during cutting and sewing, so align the grain and adjust feed amount and thread tension. For areas that need stretch prevention, such as necklines, use tape or interfacing as needed according to the specifications. Shrinkage, twisting, and color transfer due to washing vary depending on the material and processing, so a pre-wash test is necessary.

Differences from Similar Terms

Jersey is a basic weft-knit structure that looks different on the front and back sides, and its edges tend to curl. Circular rib differs in that the front and back sides have a similar appearance, and it makes it easier to take advantage of horizontal stretch than jersey.

Interlock is a double-knit structure with a relatively smooth surface. It does not show the clear ribs seen in circular rib as much, and may be treated as a more stable knit fabric. Note that "rib" broadly refers to rib knitting and rib knit attachments, so in transactions, the structure and blend ratio should also be confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between circular rib and spun circular rib?

Spun circular rib generally refers to circular rib with elastic yarn such as polyurethane added to increase stretch and rebound. However, the usage of the term differs by fabric manufacturer and distributor, so confirm the composition, elongation, recovery rate, and thickness using the specification sheet or samples.

Can circular rib be used for necklines?

Circular rib can be used for necklines because it has stretch, but if it stretches too much compared with the body fabric, it tends to become wavy. When attaching the neckline, check the finished neckline measurement, the shrinkage ratio relative to the body, and the feed amount during sewing, and consider a stretch-prevention specification if necessary.