📌 Why Are Some Fabrics Sold by the Kilogram?
Why Are Some Fabrics Sold by the Kilogram? | Understanding Knit Fabric Pricing in the Textile Industry
Understanding Knit Fabric Pricing in the Textile Industry
When shopping for fabrics—especially knit materials—you might have noticed something unexpected: some are sold not by the meter or yard, but by the kilogram (kg). For many buyers, this pricing model seems confusing at first. But once you understand the logic behind it, it actually makes perfect sense—especially for stretchy, elastic fabrics like jersey, rib knit, or spandex blends.
So, why do fabric suppliers quote certain textiles by weight rather than length? Let’s break it down.
🧵 Knit vs. Woven: The Core Differences
Before diving into pricing, it’s important to understand the structural difference between knit and woven fabrics:
| Feature | Knit Fabrics | Woven Fabrics |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Loops of yarn (weft or warp knit) | Interlaced warp and weft yarns |
| Stretchability | Naturally elastic and soft | Limited stretch unless blended |
| Use Cases | T-shirts, leggings, underwear | Shirts, trousers, jackets |
| Shrinkage risk | Higher (especially post-wash) | Lower |
| Best sold by | Kilogram (kg) | Meter or yard |
Knit fabrics, due to their flexible loop construction, can expand and contract depending on how they’re handled, transported, or even measured. This property is what makes weight-based pricing more accurate and fair for both buyers and sellers.
📦 Why Knit Fabrics Are Sold by Weight
Here are a few key reasons:
1. Stretch Alters Measurement
Knit fabrics can easily stretch during rolling, folding, or unrolling. If you were to measure such fabric by the meter under tension, you might receive less actual cloth than expected when it relaxes.
2. Fabric Needs Time to Relax
After unrolling, knit fabric typically requires 12–24 hours to return to its relaxed (natural) length. If you measured it too early, it could appear longer than it actually is.
3. GSM + Width = Real Value
Suppliers often quote GSM (grams per square meter) and fabric width (in meters). These two specs allow buyers to estimate yield (meters per kg) with confidence—regardless of stretch or shrinkage.
📐 How to Calculate Meters from Kilograms
Let’s say you’re buying a 160 GSM knit fabric that’s 1.6 meters wide. Here’s how to estimate how many meters you’ll get from one kilogram:
👉 That means one kilogram will give you around 3.9 meters of fabric.
Each GSM and width combination has its own formula. That’s why factories often quote a “meterage coefficient” with every fabric.
💼 What We Offer
As a textile manufacturer with years of experience in both woven and knit fabrics, we understand how important accurate measurements are for your production planning.
Whether you’re sourcing cotton jersey, DTY double brush (milk silk), or mesh spandex, we offer:
✅ GSM and width specs for every fabric
✅ Optional quoting by meter or kg
✅ Flexible yield estimates for sampling or mass production
✅ Expert support to help optimize your cost per piece
🤔 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can woven fabrics also be sold by weight?
A: They can, but it’s rare. Since they don’t stretch like knits, meter-based pricing is more consistent for woven textiles.
Q: What does GSM mean in fabric?
A: GSM (grams per square meter) measures fabric density and weight. It’s crucial for calculating how much fabric you get per kilogram.
Q: Why is fabric width important?
A: A wider fabric gives more usable area per meter or kilogram, affecting both design and cost.
Q: Is fabric shrinkage included in the calculation?
A: Not always. It’s best to consult your supplier and request post-wash shrinkage data if precision is critical.
📣 Final Thoughts: Why This Matters for Buyers
Using weight as a pricing standard allows suppliers and buyers to avoid miscalculations, reduce fabric waste, and improve budgeting—especially when working with elastic or blended fabrics.
The next time you see fabric sold by the kilogram, remember: it’s a smarter way to ensure you get exactly what you pay for.
