Interlock Knit Fabric
The premium double-kit that looks identical on both sides — no curling, no twisting. Smoother, heavier, and more structured than jersey. The go-to fabric for polos, hoodies, and premium sportswear.
What Is Interlock Fabric?
Interlock is a premium double-knit fabric produced on specialized interlock circular knitting machines equipped with two sets of needles. Unlike single-jersey — which has a distinct face and back and curls at the cut edges — interlock is identical on both sides, lies completely flat, and maintains its shape through cutting, sewing, and washing.
The double-layer construction traps a thin layer of air between the two knit faces, providing better thermal insulation than single-jersey at the same GSM. This makes it the preferred choice for polo shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, dresses, and baby clothing where a substantial, premium hand feel is non-negotiable.
We produce interlock in 100% cotton, 65/35 poly-cotton, 60/40 CVC, cotton-spandex (95/5), poly-spandex (92/8), and 100% polyester — across 160 to 350 GSM with custom yarn counts and finishes.
How Interlock Is Built
Two sets of needles knit two separate layers that interlock at each wale — creating a unified double-faced fabric.
Two Identical Faces
Front and back look and feel the same — no "wrong side." Ideal for reversible garments or exposed seams.
Zero Edge Curling
The interlocking structure balances tension on both sides — cut edges stay flat, making cutting and sewing significantly easier.
Air Insulation Layer
The micro air gap between the two knit layers provides 15–20% better thermal insulation than single-jersey at the same GSM.
Natural 2-Way Stretch
Stretches 20–30% in width without spandex. Adding 5% spandex boosts recovery and stretch to 40–50%.
Available Fiber Compositions
Interlock structure works with any fiber — choose the composition that matches your performance and cost targets.
GSM Range & Use Cases
Interlock's double-layer construction means it feels heavier than jersey at the same GSM — a 180 GSM interlock feels like a 220 GSM jersey.
Baby Wear
Premium Tees
Light Hoodies
Sweatshirts
Track Tops
Outerwear
Premium
Stock & Custom Colors
Interlock's smooth, even surface takes dye exceptionally well — deep, rich solids with excellent colorfastness.
Engineered Advantages
The double-knit structure isn't just cosmetic — it delivers measurable performance benefits over single-knit alternatives.
Double-Faced
Identical appearance on both sides — no "wrong side." Enables reversible designs and clean exposed seams.
Zero Edge Curling
Balanced interlocking tension keeps cut edges completely flat — faster cutting, easier sewing, cleaner hems.
Better Insulation
Air trapped between the two knit layers provides 15–20% more warmth than single-jersey at the same weight.
Premium Hand Feel
Smoother, denser, and more substantial than jersey — the fabric feels expensive even before any finishing.
Natural 2-Way Stretch
20–30% width stretch without any spandex — comfortable fit that moves with the body naturally.
Run & Snag Resistant
If one loop breaks, the interlocking structure prevents the run from propagating — far more durable than single-jersey.
Flat Print Surface
Smooth, even face with no pronounced texture — ideal for screen printing, DTG, and embroidery with crisp detail.
Dimensional Stability
Less distortion during sewing and wear — garments hold their shape through dozens of wash cycles.
What Interlock Is Used For
Interlock is the premium choice across sportswear, corporate wear, and fashion — anywhere structure meets comfort.
Interlock vs Jersey vs Piqué
The three most common knit structures compared — so you pick the right construction for your product.
| Property | Interlock | Single Jersey | Piqué |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | Double-knit, 2 faces Best | Single-knit, 1 face | Single-knit, textured |
| Hand Feel | Smooth, dense, premium Interlock | Soft, light | Textured, waffle-like |
| Edge Curling | None Interlock | Significant Issue | Minimal |
| Insulation | Best — air-trapping Interlock | Lowest — single layer | Moderate |
| Weight (at same GSM) | Feels 15–20% heavier | True to GSM Lightest | True to GSM |
| Stretch | Good 2-way (20–30%) | Excellent 4-way Jersey | Minimal |
| Print Surface | Flat, smooth Interlock | Smooth, slight roll | Textured — uneven Harder |
| Run Resistance | Excellent Interlock | Poor — runs propagate | Good |
| Breathability | Moderate | Best Jersey | Good — textured surface |
| Cost Per Meter | Moderate | Lowest Jersey | Moderate–High |
| Best For | Polos, hoodies, premium wear | Tees, activewear, basics | Classic polos, golf wear |
Honest Assessment
- Double-faced — identical on both sides, no wrong side
- Zero edge curling — dramatically easier cutting and hemming
- 15–20% better thermal insulation than single-jersey at same GSM
- Smooth, flat surface — the best knit structure for printing and embroidery
- Natural 2-way stretch without any spandex addition
- Runs and snags don't propagate — far more durable than jersey
- Excellent dimensional stability during sewing and wear
- Premium hand feel that commands higher retail price perception
- Uses ~20% more yarn than single-jersey — higher material cost
- Less breathable than single-jersey due to double-layer construction
- Slower knitting speed — interlock machines run at lower RPM than jersey machines
- Slightly thicker seams — not ideal for ultra-lightweight garments
- Less 4-way stretch compared to single-jersey without spandex
- Not suitable for applications requiring extreme drape or flow
Printing & Decoration Methods
Interlock's flat, smooth surface makes it the best knit structure for almost every decoration method.
Screen Printing
Interlock's flat surface produces the sharpest screen print results of any knit structure. No texture interference means crisp edges, solid coverage, and consistent opacity — especially on 1–6 color designs.
Embroidery
The dense double-knit structure holds embroidery stitches exceptionally well — no puckering, no show-through, and clean defined edges. This is why most embroidered polo shirts use interlock, not piqué.
Sublimation
Works on 65/35 TC interlock and 100% polyester interlock. The flat surface produces even better sublimation results than textured knits. Not compatible with cotton or CVC interlock.
Engineer Your Interlock
Every variable is adjustable — from yarn count to brushing to special finishes.
Fiber Composition
100% cotton, poly-cotton, CVC, spandex blends, or 100% polyester — your choice of fiber.
Yarn Count
20s to 40s — finer yarns for lighter weight, coarser for heavier, more textured feel.
GSM Target
160 to 350 GSM — controlled through yarn count, knit density, and stitch length.
Brushing / Fleece
Optional brushing on the back face creates fleece interlock for hoodies and sweatshirts.
Finish Treatment
Pre-shrink, bio-polish, anti-pilling, anti-microbial, softener, or enzyme wash.
Width & Roll
Standard 58–60" width or custom. Rolled on tubes or folded as per your preference.
Ordering Process
From first contact to delivery — a streamlined 5-step process.
Inquiry
Day 0Samples
3–5 DaysApproval
1–2 DaysProduction
15–21 DaysDelivery
4–7 DaysMOQ, Capacity & Lead Time
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Related Knit Structures
Compare interlock against other knit types to find your perfect fabric.
Ready to Start Your Interlock Order?
Get a detailed quote with pricing, lead time, and free fabric samples — typically within 4 business hours.