What is netting fabric called?

Netting fabric is a nylon creation characterized by its interwoven warp and weft yarns, which are strategically looped or knotted to produce a fabric filled with open spaces.

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Tulle can be understood as a specific kind of netting fabric that features a lower denier, which indicates that the individual fibers utilized are finer. As a result, tulle is lighter and has smaller spaces between the threads. Often starched, tulle gains additional stiffness, making it a popular choice for adding volume.

Both tulle and netting are highly versatile, frequently employed in formal attire, hats, tutus, decorative elements, and more.

Net fabric serves as a broad term to describe open mesh materials. In these fabrics, yarns are knitted, knotted, looped, or twisted at their intersections, resulting in a piece of fabric featuring numerous open spaces or holes. These holes can take various geometric forms, such as four-sided, six-sided, or even more diverse shapes, with configurations that include square, hexagonal, or octagonal patterns.

A significant amount of contemporary net fabric is knitted. There are three primary construction methods for manufacturing net fabric: Tricot, Raschel, and Bobbinet. Each of these techniques impacts the shape of the holes within the fabric. Of these, Raschel knitting is the most commonly used method, whereby holes of geometric shapes are created through the knitting of yarns, combining pillar stitch and tricot stitches.

The dimensions of the holes can vary significantly based on the fabric's intended function. Factors such as the type and size of the yarn used, along with the finishing techniques applied, also influence the characteristics of the netting fabric. Finishes may include starch or resin types that add to the fabric's properties.

Net fabric can be composed of various fibers, including silk, polyester, rayon, Dacron, acetate, or nylon. The chosen fiber plays a significant role in defining the fabric's feel—ranging from soft to coarse or stiff. For instance, silk netting is luxuriously soft, whereas nylon netting tends to be more rigid. Additionally, polyester netting can range from coarse to soft. In fabric stores, nylon net fabric is the most common variant available.

In the realm of dressmaking, net fabric proves to be invaluable. It finds diverse applications in lingerie, dresses, hosiery, bodysuits, and bodystockings. Netting is commonly used to create veils, underskirts, interlining, and overlays for evening gowns, while also serving decorative purposes through trimmings and edging with ruffles and frills, effectively altering a dress's silhouette.

This fabric is particularly beneficial in millinery. Large-holed net fabrics are preferred for hat veils, while medium-holed varieties are suitable for skirt overlays. For bridal veils, a net fabric with tiny holes is often favored.

Common Types of Net Fabrics

Tulle

Arguably the most recognized netting fabric, tulle is a fine net made using the tricot construction method. Its small hexagonal holes distinguish it, creating a delicately lightweight effect. Tulle and illusion nets, known for their fine yarns and tiny opening sizes, possess a low denier, making them softer than most other netting types.

The highest quality tulle is constructed from silk fibers, marking it as an ideal choice for creating overskirts, ruffles, trims, and evening gowns. Illusion nets often find their place in bridal veils. Explore further details about tulle through the available resources.

Bobbinet

Originating from England and France, bobbinet is a net fabric that was initially produced by John Heathcoat in Nottingham. Typically thin and lace-like, bobbinet can be slightly heavier when constructed from cotton yarns. Its hexagonal holes offer a unique and distinctive appearance, making it both fine and surprisingly robust. High-quality bobbinet fabric tends to be on the pricier side.

Fishnet

This variant of netting is slightly coarser, incorporating knotting techniques similar to those used in fishermen's knots. Constructed from polyester or nylon yarn, it often includes some elastane for added stretch, making it ideal for hosiery, bodysuits, body stockings, and similar garments.

Maline

Maline features diamond-shaped holes and is classified as very fine net fabric.

French Net

This variety showcases coarse netting with large six-sided (diamond-shaped) holes, commonly employed in the creation of birdcage veils.

Russian Netting

Similar to French net, Russian netting features even larger holes, and the English Merry Widow variety shares similar characteristics.

Crinoline

For more information, please consult a net fabric manufacturer. This net—a combination of nylon or polyester filaments—is used primarily to create underskirts (petticoats) adorned with ruffles, resulting in a fuller skirt appearance on gowns. Construction typically involves tiered layers with generous gathers, contributing to a voluminous effect.

Point d'esprit

This distinct netting fabric features embroidered dots or flock printing on its surface, often utilized in millinery veil designs.

Fence Net

Primarily used for hosiery (stockings), this net fabric incorporates spandex, adding stretchiness and featuring larger holes.

Industrial Net

This netting showcases larger holes than regular fishnet yet is narrower than fence net, with thick strands enhancing durability.

English Net

Characterized as a tulle fabric crafted from cotton fibers, English net features fine holes and is stronger than other tulle variations. This fabric is a popular choice for crafting veils.

Creating and Stitching with Net Fabric

The design potential with net fabric is extensive, enabling effortless silhouette alterations when integrated in strategic locations. Notably, netting fabric edges do not unravel; however, this does not simplify the cutting and sewing process. A significant challenge encountered in sewing net fabric lies in its structure—there are more holes than surface area!

To initiate the seams, starting with a solid piece of fabric and then transitioning to the net proves effective. Given its see-through nature, proper trimming (narrow seam allowance) and finishing are necessary to create neat edges. Binding the seams with a thin fabric like chiffon ensures a polished appearance, even when visible from the outside.

When affixing beads, embroidering, or performing other tasks on net fabric, it is crucial to account for its transparency.

Pattern marking on netting poses its own challenges. It is often best to lay the pattern over the fabric and cut it accordingly. Utilizing tailor's tacks can efficiently mark specific details, such as darts.

The fine, net-like structure of tulle can tear easily; thus, careful handling is paramount. Netting commonly serves as a backdrop for intricate embroidery, which necessitates appropriate stabilizers to preserve the fabric's integrity. Additionally, caution is essential when ironing to avoid damaging the yarn.

Fascinating Facts about Net Fabric

Net fabric is perhaps one of the oldest textiles known to humankind. Primitive individuals crafted nets to catch wild animals. Over time, this versatile fabric has been employed for various purposes, from fishing to thought-provoking artistic endeavors, such as the installation "Messages from the Atlantic Passage" by UK artist Sue Williamson.

Related articles: Various names of textiles; Other open weave fabrics 

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