What is Brushed Polyester Fabric?
Brushed Polyester Fabric is a jersey-type knit that is brushed to raise the fibers which create a nap and softness to the fabric. It is made of polyester and spandex fibers. Common percentages are 95% Polyester and 5% Spandex.
Single brushed polyester is only brushed on the right side of the fabric. Double brushed polyester or DBP is brushed on both sides.
What does brushed polyester feel like?
Brushed Poly is a medium-weight knit fabric. It has a lot of drape and some people describe it as feeling “buttery”. It is very soft and feels a bit fuzzy on the brushed area. Brushed Poly is very stretchy and has great recovery, making it a great fabric for leggings!
Brushed Polyester does not breathe well and it best for garments worn in cooler weather. Due to the lack of breathability, brushed polyester is not recommended for use on clothing worn by young infants who have a hard time regulating their body temperature.
Needle
Like with most knits, a ballpoint needle is recommended for Brushed Polyester. Use a size around 75/11 for the best stitch.
Sewing
Brushed Polyester is a great fabric for sewists new to knit fabric. Use a narrow zig-zag stitch or a lightning bolt stitch when sewing your seams with a basic sewing machine. A serger is a great tool for sewing with Brushed Polyester as it allows for clean finishes on the inside of the garment and seams that are able to stretch further without breaking.
There is no need to finish your seams with Brushed Polyester Fabric. The fabric will not fray due to the knit weave!
Caring for Brushed Polyester
Wash brushed polyester in cool water and dry low. If you need to iron brushed polyester, use an iron with low heat.
Summary
There are many garments that can be made with Brushed Polyester fabric such as dresses, skirts, tops, loungewear, and leggings! It’s a super soft fabric and can be found in many beautiful patterns and solids!
