John Kaldor Portia - ITY Silky Stretch Knit Fabric - Blue

ITY stands for Interlocking Twist Yarn. It's a type of polyester knit fabric known for its beautiful drape, softness, and excellent stretch, often having a silky feel.

While ITY fabric is generally easy to sew due to its stretch and drape, beginners might find managing the stretch and preventing tunneling (where stitches gather) challenging. Using the right needles and techniques can help.

Yes, the high stretch percentage (60% widthwise) and polyester-elastane blend make it very suitable for activewear like leggings and athletic tops.

This fabric offers approximately 60% stretch in the width and 30% stretch in the length.

Lay the fabric flat on a single layer to cut. Use a rotary cutter and mat or sharp fabric scissors. Avoid stretching the fabric while cutting. Using pattern weights can be helpful.

Polyester blends generally have good wrinkle resistance. It should resist wrinkling well under normal wear, but may require a low-heat iron if creases form.

While the exact weight isn't specified, ITY fabrics are typically considered medium-weight, suitable for a wide range of apparel.

Ensure you are using the correct needle type (stretch or universal) and that it is sharp and properly inserted. Check thread tension and consider using a ballpoint or stretch needle.

This is common with knit fabrics. Use a walking foot or a roller foot on your sewing machine. You can also use pattern weights instead of pins to hold the fabric in place while cutting. Consider using a temporary spray adhesive or stabilizer to keep edges flat during cutting and sewing.

A fabric softener during washing can help. Ensure the fabric is completely dry when ironing, and use a low heat setting. Using a humidifier in your sewing space can also reduce static.

Always pre-wash the fabric before cutting. If shrinkage occurs after construction, avoid high heat in the dryer and consider air drying finished garments.