Different Types of Net fabrics

Key Points

 

• Net fabric is an open-mesh textile made by knitting, knotting, or fusing yarns at intersections, creating hexagonal, square, or diamond-shaped holes.
• Common net fabric types include tulle, bobbinet, fishnet, crinoline, and illusion netting — each differing in hole size, stiffness, and transparency.
• Net fabric can be made from silk, polyester, nylon, cotton, or rayon; silk and cotton nets are softer and more delicate, while polyester and nylon nets are stiffer and more durable.
• Net fabric is widely used in bridal wear, evening gowns, petticoats, millinery veils, sportswear, and industrial applications such as mosquito nets and filtration.

 

Qicaiknitting’s stock of filter mesh is a versatile material used in multiple industries and in a variety of applications. To assist researchers and product designers in choosing the best mesh for their applications, we want to define and explain the different properties of our mesh and how they impact each other.

 

There are seven major attributes of mesh: 1) mesh opening, 2) open area, 3) mesh count, 4) thread diameter, 5) weight, 6) thickness and 7) air permeability. At Qicaiknitting, we don’t list weight, thickness or air permeability in our product information because, unlike the first four specifications, these three are not typically relevant in determining mesh use most applications. However, to give you a full picture of mesh properties, we will provide a simple definition for those terms as well.

 

Mesh Attributes

 

1)     Mesh Opening refers to the actual size of the opening. In the charts on our site, this is measured in microns. Mesh opening is typically the most critical attribute because it determines the size of the particles it will capture and the size of the particles it allows to pass through. This attribute is specified in microns, which is a metric measurement equaling one thousandth of a millimeter.

 

2)   Open area indicates the percentage of a specified area that is open. Open area can help determine what sort of flow restrictions might occur because of the filter. If we take a square piece of mesh screening that is exactly one inch by one inch and move all the lateral and horizontal fibers (warp and weft – we will cover this in another post or video) up and to one side we will be left with some part of the square that is solid (covered by the threads) and some part that is now open. With a mesh that has a 25% open area the square inch will be segmented into four parts, three (75%) will be covered by the threads and one (25%) will be open.

 

3)     Mesh count is the number of threads in a linear inch and is fairly easy to determine. For example, if you were to lay out a piece of mesh and place a ruler on top, then count the horizontal threads from the beginning of the ruler to the one inch mark that would give you the mesh count. Of course, this is a simple task for mesh sizes like 1000 microns, which has 19 threads per inch. But it is daunting or even flat out impossible for some of the smaller mesh sizes. For mesh sizes down to about 200 microns you can count, or at least count one quarter of an inch and multiply. For sizes much smaller than that, it becomes difficult without some magnifications and a good bit of patience.

4)     Thread diameter is the diameter of the thread measured in microns.

5)     Weight is the weight of the material typically measured in ounces per square inch.

6)     Thickness is the overall thickness of the mesh and measured in microns.

7)     Air permeability measures the rate of air flow passing perpendicularly through the mesh and, for our mesh, is measured liters (l)/square meter (sq. m.)/second (s).

 

The Relationship between Mesh Attributes

 

When selecting the appropriate mesh for an application it is important to know how these attributes are related to each other. Let’s use an example of mesh that has a 500 micron mesh opening, a 50% open area, a thread count of 20 and a thread diameter of 250 microns. If we were to change just one of these attributes, it would completely alter the product you’d be using. For example, if we decreased the thread diameter but left the mesh count constant, we would wind up with a larger mesh opening and open area. If we needed to capture smaller particles with a smaller mesh size, but wanted a similar open area for flow restriction reasons you could find a mesh that has the same thread diameter and a higher mesh count, or you could find a mesh that has an increased thread diameter and keep the thread count constant.

 

Different Types of Net fabric

 

Net fabric is an umbrella term used for describing open mesh fabrics. In net fabric, yarns are knitted, knotted, looped or twisted at intersections forming a piece of fabric with lots of open spaces /holes. These holes are formed in many geometric shapes ( maybe four-sided, six-sided or more). The shape can be square, hexagonal or octagonal.

Most of the net fabric today is knitted. The three types of construction methods used in net fabric manufacturing are Tricot, Raschel, and Bobbinet and this determine the shape of the holes. Raschel Knitting is the most common method of making netting. In this netting geometric shaped holes are formed by knitting yarns. The fabric is formed by a combination of a pillar and tricot stitches.

The size of the holes varies greatly in size depending on the function of the net fabric. The type and size of the yarn, finishing given also determines the type of netting fabric. The finishes applied on net include starch or resin type finish.

The net fabric can be made of different fibers like silk, polyester rayon, dacron, acetate or nylon. This composition determines a lot about the feel of the fabric. It can be fine or coarse or stiff. A silk net fabric is super soft whereas the nylon netting is somewhat stiff. Polyester netting can be coarse to even very soft. Most of the net you get in fabric shops is usually Nylon net.

In dressmaking net fabric is a big boon.  Lingerie, dresses, hosiery, bodysuits, and bodystockings – there are so many applications for the net fabric in garment making. Net is usually used to make veils, underskirts, interlining, to make overlays on evening gowns. It is used as trimmings and edging as ruffles and frills. It can change the silhouette of a dress. 

It is a very useful fabric in millinery. A net fabric with large holes is usually used for hat veils. A net fabric with medium holes is preferred for overlays for skirts etc. On bridal veils, a net fabric with tiny holes is preferred.

 

Different types of net fabrics

 

Tulle

The most famous netting fabric, Tulle is a very fine net fabric made by tricot method of construction. The holes have a hexagonal shape and are very small in size. Tulle & illusion are lightweight nettings made with finer yarns and small hole sizes. Tulle fabric has a very low denier and this makes it very fine and soft than any other netting fabric.

The best tulle is made with silk fibers. It is the best fabric for making overskirts, ruffles and trims and evening dresses. An illusion net is used for bridal veils. Learn more about What is Tulle and other details here.

 

Bobbinet

This is a net fabric made in England/France . This net was first developed by John Heathcoat in Nottingham, England in 1808. It is usually a very thin net fabric that is made like a lace but when it is made with cotton yarn the bobbinet fabric is a little heavier. The holes are hexagonal in shape and hence very distinctive. The fabric though very fine is quite strong. Good quality bobbinet fabric is quite expensive.

 

Fishnet

This is a slightly coarse netting. It is made by knotting yarn similar to a fisherman’s knot. It is made of polyester or nylon yarn and usually has a little bit of elastane fibers added in for stretchiness. It is used to make hosiery, bodysuits, body stockings and other clothing.

 

Maline

Net fabric with diamond-shaped holes. The fabric is very fine

 

French Net

This is a coarse net with large six-sided (diamond shaped)  holes. This open mesh fabric is used to make Birdcage veils. 

 

Russian Netting

This is similar to french net but with even larger holes. English Merry Widow is a similar netting.

 

Crinoline

This is Nylon or polyester filament net and is used to make underskirts (Petticoat) with lots of ruffles that will give a full skirt silhouette to the gowns on top. They are usually designed in tiered layers with lots of gathers to give a voluminous look. 

 

Point d’esprit

This is a  special type of netting fabric with dots embroidered or flocks printed to the netting surface. It is used in millinery veil designs.

 

Fence Net

This net fabric is used mostly to make hosiery (stockings) and has spandex added to it to make it stretchy. Usually has large holes.

 

Industrial Net

Net fabric with holes larger than that of regular fishnet and smaller than fence net – the strands are thick.

 

English Net

This is a tulle fabric which is made of cotton fibers. The netting holes are fine but the fabric is stronger than other tulle fabrics. It is popular as a fabric for making veils.

 

Designing & Sewing with net fabric

The design possibilities with net fabric are enormous. You can change the silhouette easily with netting added in appropriate places. 

Netting fabric edges do not ravel. But this doesn’t make it easier to cut and sew. One major problem in sewing net fabric is “what do you sew?” – it has more holes than the surface!.

Starting to sew the seams with a solid piece of fabric and then proceeding on to sew the net helps. It is see-through so when you sew seams you will have to ensure that it is well trimmed (Trim to a narrow seam allowance) and finished. A bound finish looks neat even when it is visible from the outside.

A thin fabric like chiffon is used to bind the seam allowance of net.

Everything you do with the net fabric, the beads you affix, the embroidery you do etc has to take into consideration the fact that the net is completely see through.

Marking the pattern on the net is another problem. You can keep the pattern over the fabric and cut. Use Tailor’s tack stitches to mark details like darts etc.

The fine net-like tulle tears easily so you have to handle them with care. Net is usually used as a  background for fine embroidery and care should be taken with appropriate stabilizers to maintain the net fabric as it is. Ironing should be done carefully lest you burn up the yarn.

 

Do's & Don'ts of Mesh Fabric | Search for Fabric

 

If you're an avid sports fan, a competing athlete, or a frequent gym-goer, chances are most of your workout apparel is made of mesh fabric. This fabric material is made of synthetic fiber, perfect for high-energy activities.

Because of its minuscule holes and light feel, this fabric is perfect for allowing your body to breathe while working up a sweat. Not to mention, the material is also quite durable and can withstand a lot of movement and wear and tear.

However, as great as mesh material fabrics are, they still require a certain level of care to keep them looking and feeling their best. Here are a few tips on how to take the best care of your mesh fabrics, along with some more information on the fabric:

 

More About Mesh Fabrics

As mentioned, mesh fabrics are made of synthetic materials, perfect for high-energy activities such as athletics and working out.

Other than sportswear, mesh fabrics are also typically used by many workers from the healthcare sector to make medical apparel such as scrubs and surgical gowns.

 

What Are the Different Types of Mesh Fabrics?

 

Different types of mesh fabric are available on the market. The most popular ones include:

 

● Polyester Mesh Fabrics

Polyester mesh fabrics are one of the most commonly available mesh fabrics on the market. These fabrics are made from polyester threads created through a chemical reaction involving petroleum, air, and water, resulting in a polymer of polyester fibers.

This mesh material is popular for athletic wear as it is breathable and quick-drying. It is also known for its resistance to shrinking and stretching, making it last longer with proper care.

Its durability and water-repelling qualities make it the perfect mesh fabric for swimwear and outdoor apparel.

 

● Nylon Mesh Fabrics

Another popular type of mesh material is nylon. Nylon is a synthetic polymer made from coal and petroleum, and it was first used as a replacement for silk in women's stockings.

This type of mesh fabric is also quite popular in athletics due to its elastic qualities. Nylon mesh fabrics are known for their resistance to wear and tear, making them quite durable.

This mesh material is commonly used in making protective suits and equipment for beekeepers. Nylon is also used to create delicate sewing garments like evening gowns.

As mentioned, both nylon and polyester mesh fabrics are commonly used in sportswear. However, nylon mesh has a higher heat resistance and a softer feel than polyester.

 

● Power Mesh Fabrics

Power mesh is a specialized type of nylon mesh fabric with properties that make it ideal for compression garments. This mesh material is regularly used in lingerie, shapewear, sportswear, and even medical garments, providing excellent support and compression.

Its construction sets the difference between power mesh and other mesh fabrics. Power mesh is made with myriads of interlocking yarns to provide high compression levels. This makes the fabric quite solid and durable, perfect for garments that need to give a lot of support, such as sports bras.

This versatile material offers a high level of stretchability and recovery, with its nylon fiber content helping it retain its original shape and size once removed. It is also breathable and can wick away moisture, making it perfect for activewear.

 

● Cotton Pique Fabrics

Cotton pique fabrics are mesh materials often used in polo shirts and other athletic apparel and are made from 100% cotton. The namesake of mesh fabric comes from the "piqued" or raised woven design resembling a waffle or honeycomb.

This fabric is known for its breathability and comfort, making it perfect for warm weather conditions. It is also exceptionally absorbent, making it ideal for sweaty activities.

Cotton pique mesh fabrics are also known for their resistance to shrinking and wrinkling. However, it is not as stretchy as other mesh fabrics and does not wick away moisture as well.

The raised woven design also helps to add texture and style to the garments. Cotton pique mesh fabrics are often used in sportswear and casual apparel.

With all mesh fabrics, it has holes, but the holes in the material are so tiny that they're almost invisible to the naked eye. Because of this, many do not categorize cotton pique as a genuine mesh fabric.

 

● Tulle Fabrics

Tulle is a fine mesh fabric often used in wedding gowns, veils, and tutus. This mesh fabric gets its name from the city of Tulle in France, where it was first produced in the early 19th century.

In some cases, this mesh fabric can be made from silk to alleviate the environmental impact of nylon and polyester. However, the most common type of tulle is made from nylon or polyester.

Tulle is a smooth and airy mesh fabric that gets its stiffness from the tightly woven yarns. It is often used to create layers in garments, adding volume and texture to the look without adding much weight. Tailors can also use it to add fullness to skirts and dresses.

This mesh netting is quite stiff and does not have much stretch to it. It is also quite fragile and can easily tear, so users must handle it carefully. It is a popular mesh fabric in arts and crafts and sewing projects.

 

Reminders and Warnings of Mesh Fabrics

 

Caring for mesh fabrics is not tricky, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind to keep your mesh garments looking their best.

Taking care of a mesh fabric depends on its type and material. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your mesh fabrics stay looking like new for longer.

With proper care, you can extend the fabric life of your mesh materials and enjoy them for many years to come!

Do:

▶ Cold or Hand Wash

Considering that your mesh fabric is made from synthetic material, as a general rule, washing your mesh fabric clothing items in cold water by hand or on a gentle cycle will help prolong the life of your mesh fabrics.

If machine washing is your preference, consider using the gentle cycle on your washing machine. This will help to protect your mesh fabrics from being damaged in the wash. Always check the care label before washing any mesh fabric clothing item.

 

▶ Regularly Brush Using a Soft-Bristled Brush

Brushing your mesh fabric items using a soft-bristled brush regularly is essential to remove any dirt or debris. This will also help keep the fabric looking new and prevent any pilling. This is best done to mesh fabrics with a stiff material (i.e., nylon and polyester).

It is vital to use gentle motions when cleaning your mesh fabric items. Pay close attention to the tiny holes in the fabric to avoid snagging on the netting.

Harsh scrubbing can damage the fragile fibers of your mesh netting, and this can cause the material to break down over time and become damaged.

 

▶ Pre-Treat Harsh Stains

If you notice any tough or harsh stains on your mesh fabric items, it is crucial to pre-treat them as soon as possible. The sooner you treat a coloring, the easier it will be to remove.

Harsh stains can damage the delicate fibers of your mesh fabric, so it is best to take care of them immediately.

You can pre-treat stains on your mesh fabrics in a few different ways. One way is to create a paste using water and baking soda, and another is to use a diluted vinegar solution. You can also use a stain solution that you can get from the store.

Whichever method you choose, test it on an inconspicuous area of the fabric first to ensure it does not damage the mesh netting.

 

▶ Store Folded

To prevent your mesh fabric items from being damaged, it is vital to store them properly. The best way to store mesh fabrics is to keep them folded or hang them up, which will help prevent creases or wrinkles from forming in the material.

It is also essential to ensure that your mesh fabrics are stored in a cool and dry place. An excellent way to store mesh fabrics is to keep them in a garment bag or folded in a drawer.

If you’re storing them in a closet, keep them away from heat sources such as radiators or vents.

 

Don't:

▶ Apply Harsh Chemicals

You should never apply harsh chemicals to your mesh fabrics, such as bleach, fabric softener, or any other type of chemical cleaner. These harsh chemicals can damage the fragile fibers of your mesh fabric and shorten its lifespan.

If you need to clean a stain on your mesh fabric, it's best to pre-treat it with a gentle solution before washing it. When washing your mesh fabric items, it is essential to use a mild detergent.

Harsh chemicals and detergents can damage the natural fibers of your mesh fabric, causing it to break down over time. Always check the care label before using any detergent or cleaning to be safe.

 

▶ Allow STAINS To Stay on the Fabric

Pay immediate attention to dirt, debris, and stains on your mesh fabric items. The longer these things are left on the fabric, the harder they will be to remove.

Allowing any dirty matter to stay on your mesh fabric for too long can damage the fabric's fibers and cause permanent stains.

 

▶ Use Petrochemicals or Solvents in the Fabric

Never use petrochemicals or solvents on your mesh fabric items. This includes gasoline, oil, or any other type of flammable liquid.

These liquids can easily damage the fibers of your mesh fabric and cause irreparable damage. Always check the care label before using any cleaning agent to be safe.

 

▶ Store Without Completely Drying the Fabric

After washing your mesh fabric clothing items, it's best to hang them up to dry. A clothesline or drying rack is the best way to protect your mesh fabrics from being damaged in the dryer.

If you choose to use a dryer, place it on a low setting or with no heat. High temperatures can affect the natural fibers of your mesh fabric, causing it to break down over time.

Before storing away your mesh materials, ensure that the fabric is thoroughly dry. Stowing your fabric while still wet can lead to mold, mildew, and other problems. Do not store your mesh fabric in a humid or damp area, as this can lead to damage.

 

It's All About the Fabric

 

When it comes to taking care of your mesh fabric items, it's all about the fabric. Different types of mesh fabric require additional care instructions, and it's crucial to always check the care label before washing or cleaning your mesh fabrics.

By following these simple tips, you can extend the lifespan of your mesh fabrics and keep them looking their best. With proper care and storage, your mesh fabrics can last for many years.

 

Search For Fabric: Your Reliable One-stop Fabric Shop

 

If you're looking for high-quality mesh fabrics, Search For Fabric is your one-stop shop. We offer a wide range of mesh fabrics that are perfect for various applications. From wedding dresses to costumes, we have the ideal material for your needs.

We also offer a wide range of other fabric types, including cotton, linen, wool, and more. We even offer sewing supplies and accessories to help you complete your projects.

 

Conclusion

 

Understanding the attributes of mesh and how they relate, makes selecting it for a specific application less daunting. That being said there are not an infinite number of possibilities available. This mesh is woven on looms that produce as much as 10,000 meters at a time, so only very large filtration and screen printing applications get to “choose” what they really want in terms of mesh properties. While there may be other sizes, and we encourage you to ask about them, the specifications on our site represent most of what is available. Understanding the properties of mesh and how they are related and then purchasing based on that information is more effective and realistic than trying to customize your own mesh.

Our team of experts is always available to help you choose the suitable material for your project.

 

FAQ

 

Q1:What is the best netting fabric for dresses and skirts in France?

Tulle and bobbinet are the most common choices — bobbinet was originally developed in England/France in 1808 and is still favored for fine, French-style lace netting.

Q2:What is the best netting fabric for dresses and skirts in Germany?

Polyester or nylon net fabric is generally preferred for durability and consistent quality in bulk sourcing, while tulle remains the top choice for soft, decorative use.

Q3:What is fine silk or cotton netting?

This refers to bobbinet — a fine hexagonal-mesh net fabric, thin yet strong, traditionally used for bridal veils and lace overlays.