Thread: 2-way vs 4-way

What's the difference between fabric that is 2-way stretch vs 4-way stretch. I know it's usually preferable to have 4-way, but if you find some amazingly super cool fabric in 2-way, can you still use it?

Thanks for your help!

depends on what you are using it for!

I like 2-way stretch for skirts and pants...
the stretch is "around" my hips, and there is no extra sag in the length.

Was hoping for something a bit more kinky. ;-)

4-way knits very often have spandex to provide the lengthwise stretch. Spandex is a fiber that is in itself stretchy and it has great recovery. So fabrics with spandex in don't get stretched out of shape very fast. If you use a 2-way knit, its stretch comes entirely from how the fabric was woven. Often it will get baggy if it's gotten stretched far or very often.

The problem with 4-way stretch knits for things like decorated dresses or skirts is that the weight of the decor will pull the garment longer, longer, longer if you hang it. That's why such heavy decorated lycra garments should be stored flat.

Originally Posted by anala

Was hoping for something a bit more kinky. ;-)

LMAO ..l;,

Originally Posted by luvnafctn

What's the difference between fabric that is 2-way stretch vs 4-way stretch. I know it's usually preferable to have 4-way, but if you find some amazingly super cool fabric in 2-way, can you still use it?

Thanks for your help!

2-way stretch fabric stretches in one direction. Which direction depends on the knit. It can stretch crosswise, from selvage to selvage, or lengthwise, parallel to the selvages.

4-way stretch fabric stretches in both directions, crosswise and lengthwise. Sometimes the stretch is the same in both directions, sometimes it's more stretchy one way and less stretchy the other way.

When sewing with 2-way, the stretch needs to go across/around the body. Otherwise, the garment will just stretch and sag sadly downwards.

Can you use 2-way instead of 4-way? Well, that depends. What do the pattern instructions say, and what are you making? If the pattern says 2- or 4-way, you're fine.

If the pattern says 4-way only, the situation gets tricky. The easy thing to do is find a similar pattern designed for a 2-way or non-stretch fabric. Or if you're comfortable altering patterns, something simple like a skirt *MIGHT* be adapted to 2-way, by putting the stretch across/around the body, and adding extra length to make up for the lack of stretch.

Originally Posted by anala

Was hoping for something a bit more kinky. ;-)

Even worse, I was hoping for a recipe for Cincinnati-style chili! .w.:

I have to say my mind was equally intrigued......

Originally Posted by anala

Was hoping for something a bit more kinky. ;-)

..l;,..l;,..l;,

Originally Posted by anala

Was hoping for something a bit more kinky. ;-)

..l;,

Sorry - I didn't mean to dissapoint!

Thank you all for your help! I found some really cool fully sequined fabric that has 2-way stretch, and I was hoping maybe I could use it for something. Thanks again!