Cotton / Modal Knits
If you're after a medium-lightweight knit with a bit of strength, this is the fabric for you. Cotton/modal knit pairs the comfort of cotton with the softness and drape of modal (a silky rayon-family fiber), usually with a touch of lycra for stretch - and it has terrific stretch recovery, so it holds its shape beautifully. The result is a soft, breathable knit that's a joy to wear for tees and fitted tops.
How to sew cotton/modal knit
Pretreatment
Machine wash in cold water and lay flat to dry. Do take the time to pretreat - there's a minimal amount of shrinkage in the first washing.
Needles & thread
Use a 75/11 stretch needle. Cotton-covered polyester or all-polyester thread are the best choices for construction.
Seams, seam finishes & hems
A short zigzag (2.0 length, 1.5 width) is recommended for most seams. Trim the seam allowances to 1/4" when finished - it looks more professional and prevents the seam showing through to the outside. With a serger, use a 3- or 4-thread balanced stitch. The fabric doesn't ravel, so seam finishes aren't required. For topstitched hems, use a twin stretch needle (it gives a neat finish on the inside as it forms the hem), or a coverstitch if you have one.
Interfacing
A lightweight knit fusible is recommended - match the stretch of the interfacing to the stretch of the fabric. And do fuse a little interfacing to the hem area: that bit of extra support keeps hems looking fresh for the life of the garment.
What to make with cotton/modal knit
Tees, tanks, cardigans, pullover tops, camisoles, skirts, and skinny pants. The fabric's recovery makes it especially good for form-fitted garments - if you've been looking for the right fabric to make a tank with a built-in shelf bra, look no further.
Creative possibilities
Use remnants for accessories like headbands or wristbands. Cotton/modal also makes a fabulous trim for other knits - its recovery makes it perfect for neckline edges and cuffs.
A pressing tip
Lycra and high heat don't marry well. Instead of pressing hard, hover the iron over the seam and shoot steam at the fabric, then remove the iron and finger-press the seam in place.
Shop & related guides
Browse EOS's cotton fabrics and knits. Learn more about the fibers in all fabric care guides.
FAQ
What is cotton/modal knit fabric?
A soft, medium-lightweight knit blending cotton with modal (a silky rayon-family fiber), usually with a little lycra for stretch. It's breathable, drapey, and has excellent stretch recovery, so it holds its shape.
How do you sew cotton/modal knit?
Use a 75/11 stretch needle, a short zigzag (2.0 length, 1.5 width) or a 3-4 thread serger, and a twin stretch needle or coverstitch for hems. Use a lightweight knit fusible and press gently with steam.
Does cotton/modal shrink?
Only minimally, and mostly in the first wash - so pretreat it (machine wash cold, lay flat to dry) before cutting.
What is cotton/modal good for?
Tees, tanks, camisoles, cardigans, and other fitted tops; its recovery also makes it ideal for necklines, cuffs, and shelf-bra tanks.