Jersey, French Terry & Cotton Fabric Guide
Choosing the right fabric is an important part of creating comfortable, practical clothing for babies and children. At Personally Stitched, we carefully select fabrics that are suitable for everyday wear, gentle on sensitive skin, and designed to last through real life.
This guide explains the main fabric types we use across our handmade collections and how they differ in feel, structure, and use, helping you choose with confidence.
Cotton Jersey Fabric (210gsm)
Cotton jersey is our most commonly used fabric for baby and toddler clothing
What is cotton jersey?
Cotton jersey is a soft, knitted fabric with natural stretch. We use a high-quality cotton jersey with a small percentage of elastane, which allows garments to move comfortably with your child while maintaining their shape over time.
Our printed jersey fabrics are produced using carefully selected base fabrics and printed in the UK using pigment inks.
Why cotton jersey works so well for babies & toddlers
- Soft and smooth against the skin
- Gentle and comfortable for everyday wear
- Stretch allows unrestricted movement
- Lightweight yet durable
This fabric is especially well suited to babies who are crawling, rolling, or learning to walk, as well as active toddlers who need comfort without restriction.
Breathability, stretch & everyday comfort
The knitted structure of jersey allows airflow, helping regulate body temperature. The added stretch means garments:
- Pull on easily
- Move naturally with your child
- Retain their fit after washing
Washing & longevity
- Machine washable
- Designed for frequent wear and washing
- Holds colour and shape well with correct care
🔗 Best used for: Rompers, leggings, baby sets, everyday essentials
French Terry Fabric (260gsm)
French Terry is chosen for its balance of comfort, warmth, and practicality.
What is French Terry?
French Terry is a knitted cotton fabric with a smooth outer surface and a soft looped texture on the inside. It offers more weight than jersey while remaining breathable and flexible, making it ideal for children’s clothing.
Our French Terry fabrics are carefully sourced and printed in the UK using pigment inks.
Why French Terry is ideal for children
- Soft and cosy without bulk
- Comfortable for layering
- Breathable and flexible
- Suitable for active toddlers
French Terry is often chosen as a natural-feel alternative to heavier sweatshirt fabrics.
Seasonal wear & durability
French Terry works particularly well for:
- Cooler months
- Transitional seasons
- Layering pieces
Washing & care
- Machine washable
- Retains softness and structure
- Hard-wearing for everyday wear
🔗 Best used for: Joggers, sweatshirts, relaxed fit trousers, layering garments
Plain Cotton Jersey (OEKO-TEX Standard 100)
In addition to our printed fabrics, we also use plain or blender cotton jersey fabrics.
What is OEKO-TEX cotton jersey?
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification means the fabric has been tested for harmful substances and is considered safe for use in clothing, including children’s wear.
While these fabrics are not organic, they are still carefully selected for comfort, softness, and durability.
Why we use plain cotton jersey
Plain jersey allows us to:
- Offer better colour availability
- Match cuffs, waistbands, and linings accurately
- Create practical, long-lasting everyday garments
Washing & wear
- Machine washable
- Easy-care and durable
🔗 Best used for: Cuffs, waistbands, contrast panels, everyday basics
Waffle Knit Jersey (OEKO-TEX Standard 100)
Waffle knit jersey is used selectively across certain designs to add texture and visual interest.
What is waffle knit fabric?
Waffle knit is a textured knitted fabric with a distinctive grid pattern. Our waffle fabrics are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, meaning they are tested for harmful substances and suitable for children’s clothing.
These fabrics are not organic, but are chosen for their comfort, texture, and durability.
Why we use waffle knit
- Soft with added texture
- Breathable and comfortable
- Provides visual interest and structure
Waffle knit is often used where a slightly heavier feel or textured finish is desired.
Washing & care for waffle knit
- Machine washable
- Wash on a gentle cycle
- Avoid high heat to help maintain texture
- Reshape whilst damp if needed
With correct care, waffle knit garments wear well and remain comfortable over time.
Best used for: Cardigans, layering tops, lightweight jumpers
Cotton Woven Fabrics
Woven cotton fabrics offer a completely different look and feel compared to knitted fabrics.
What is woven cotton?
Unlike knitted fabrics, woven cotton has little to no stretch, giving garments a more structured shape. We source our woven cottons from carefully selected wholesalers and specialist suppliers, allowing us to create limited-run collections.
Why woven cotton is used for certain styles
- Lightweight and breathable
- Crisp structure for dresses and shirts
- Perfect for detailed prints and seasonal designs
Woven cotton is ideal when structure and shape matter more than stretch.
Seasonal & limited collections
Because woven fabrics are often sourced in smaller quantities, many designs are released as limited collections. This allows us to offer something a little different while maintaining quality and comfort.
Washing & care
- Machine washable
- Best washed on gentle cycles
- Holds its shape when cared for correctly
Best used for: dresses, shirts, special occasion outfits
Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Child
Each fabric has its own benefits depending on age, season, and style:
Jersey → everyday wear, babies, next-to-skin comfort
French Terry → layering, cooler months, relaxed fits
Woven cotton → structured garments, seasonal styles
If you’re unsure which fabric is best, sizing and fit also play a role.
🔗 Helpful links:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are your fabrics suitable for babies and children?
Yes. All of the fabrics we use are carefully selected for comfort, durability, and everyday wear. Our printed cotton jersey and French Terry fabrics are OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, meaning they have been tested for harmful substances and are suitable for children’s clothing.
What is the difference between cotton jersey and French Terry?
Cotton jersey is lightweight and stretchy, making it ideal for everyday clothing and garments worn directly against the skin. French Terry is slightly heavier, with a looped backing on the inside, offering extra warmth and structure while still remaining breathable and comfortable.
Do you still use non-organic fabrics?
Yes. While some fabrics may not be organic, they are still chosen with care and are suitable for children’s clothing. Our printed jersey and French Terry fabrics are OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, meaning they have been tested for harmful substances. Our plain jersey and waffle knit fabrics are also OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified.
What fabric is best for everyday baby clothes?
Cotton jersey is generally best for everyday baby clothing due to its softness, flexibility, and breathability. It allows freedom of movement and is comfortable for babies during play, rest, and daily activities.
Which fabrics are best for cooler weather?
French Terry is ideal for cooler months or layering, as it provides warmth without feeling bulky. Waffle knit fabrics can also be suitable for transitional seasons when a slightly thicker fabric is preferred.
What fabrics are used for dresses and special occasion outfits?
Dresses, shirts, and special occasion outfits are often made using 100% cotton woven fabrics. These fabrics have little to no stretch, giving garments more structure and shape, and are well suited to detailed prints and seasonal styles.
How should I wash handmade children’s clothing?
Most of our garments are machine washable. For best results, we recommend washing on a gentle cycle and following the care instructions provided with each item.
Can I request a specific print on a different fabric base?
Our printed designs are usually paired with a fabric base that suits the season, such as lighter jersey for spring and summer and French Terry for autumn and winter. As many of our fabrics are printed specifically for us, if you’re looking for a particular print on a different fabric base, please feel free to get in touch and we’ll be happy to advise where possible.
How do I choose the right fabric for my child?
The best fabric depends on your child’s age, the season, and how the garment will be worn. Stretchy fabrics like jersey work well for younger children and everyday wear, while more structured woven fabrics are ideal for special outfits.
Our Fabric Promise
Every fabric we use is thoughtfully chosen for comfort, durability, and everyday wear, so you can feel confident knowing your little one is dressed in clothing made with care — whatever the fabric choice.
If you have questions about fabric choice, care, or suitability, we’re always happy to help.