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Print on knit fabric

When it comes to creating stunning designs on fabric, printing on knit fabric opens up a world of possibilities. Knit fabric, known for its comfortable nature, offers unique challenges and opportunities for printing.

What is knitted fabric?

Knit fabric is created by interlocking loops of yarn, resulting in a fabric that is stretchy and flexible. Unlike woven fabric, which is created by weaving threads together, knit fabric has a unique structure that allows it to stretch and recover. This stretchiness makes it ideal for garments that require comfort and flexibility.

Difference between knit and woven fabric

To print on knit fabric successfully, it's crucial to understand the key differences between knit and woven fabric. The main difference lies in the structure of the fabric. Woven fabric is made by weaving horizontal and vertical threads together, creating a stable and rigid fabric. Knit fabric, on the other hand, is made by interlocking loops, resulting in a fabric that has a natural elasticity. This difference in structure requires different printing techniques to achieve the best results.

Types of printing on knitted fabric

How to print on knit fabric? There are several types of printing techniques that can be used on knit fabric, each with its own benefits and considerations. Let's look at the most common ones:

Sublimation printing on knit fabric

Sublimation printing is a technique that involves transferring ink onto fabric using heat. The ink is first printed onto transfer paper and then transferred to the fabric using heat and pressure. Sublimation printing is known for its vibrant colors and durability. It is particularly suitable for polyester knit fabric, as the ink bonds with the fabric at a molecular level, resulting in long-lasting prints.

Sublimation printing at House of U
At House of U, we use sublimation printing for our knit fabrics. This is because the knit fabrics we have our collection are all in the U-circular collection. Our U-circular collection is made from recycled polyester obtained from recycled PET bottles. We print our polyester fabrics by sublimation resulting in beautiful prints.

View our U-circular fabrics

In addition to fabrics, we also print a few products with the printing technique of sublimation. The U-circular Velvet plaid is made of 100% recycled polyester and is also printed with this printing technique.

View our velvet plaids

We always print our polyester fabrics by sublimation which results in beautiful prints. The U-circular Towel also consists largely of recycled polyester, which makes it possible to print these towels with the printing technique sublimation as well.

View our towels

Digital printing on knit fabric

Digital printing has revolutionized the world of fabric printing, and it works equally well on knit fabric. This technique involves printing designs directly onto the fabric using specialized printers. Digital printing offers unlimited color options and intricate detail, making it perfect for complex designs.

Screen print on knitted fabric

Screen printing is a popular technique for printing on knit fabric. It involves using a mesh screen with a stencil to transfer ink onto the fabric. This method allows for precise and vibrant designs, making it a favorite among designers. However, when printing on stretchy knit fabric, special considerations need to be taken to ensure the ink does not crack or peel when the fabric stretches.

Heat transfer printing on knit fabric

Heat transfer printing involves using heat and pressure to transfer designs onto fabric. This method is commonly used for printing on knit fabric due to its ability to adhere well to stretchy material. Heat transfer printing allows for high-quality prints with excellent color saturation.

Knitted fabric examples

At House of U we have a variety of knitted fabrics. Examples are:

Printing knit fabrics at House of U

Printing on knit fabric requires a combination of technical knowledge and artistic skill. By understanding the unique properties of knit fabric and choosing the right printing technique, you can achieve stunning results. At House of U, we have years of experience printing knit fabrics and have seen countless beautiful colorful designs come by.

Would you also like to have your design printed on one of our (knit) fabrics? A good first step is to order our fabric book or Eco Fabric Kit. You will receive fabric samples so you can see and feel the fabrics first. That way you can be sure you're making the right fabric choice! Already chose a fabric you like? You can start custom fabric printing and upload your design in our design generator.

Order our fabric book Order our Eco Fabric Kit

Do you have further questions or need help choosing a suitable fabric? If so, please contact us as we would be happy to help.