Dance & Performance Knits

Can I purchase Lycra dance and swimwear knits at Spotlight?

Yes, you can. If you are planning to make items for keep fit, swimming and other forms of activity, this stretchy, super-light material is just the thing. It also makes great super hero costumes! Our large range of fabrics here at Spotlight gives you the choice between many different colours and designs, and all our fabrics are available by the metre, which means you can buy as much or as little as you need for your project.

What is the difference between Lycra and Spandex?

Quite simply, there is no difference, as they are the same material. Lycra is simply a registered trade name, and is used by some people like they might say Hoover for a vacuum cleaner, or Kleenex for tissues. In some parts of the world, Spandex fabric is also referred to as Elastane. A common characteristic of all Spandex materials is their ability to be stretched and go back to their original form quickly. This unparalleled elasticity gives the material more strength, suppleness, and resilience than most other fabrics.

Did you know?

That Spandex is an anagram of Expand and that is how the name was created?

What else do I need to know about Lycra or Spandex fabric?

There are many types of Lycra or spandex that you can choose from. One of the biggest things to take into consideration when selecting a spandex is whether it is 2-way or 4-way stretch. 2-way stretch fabric will only stretch one direction: horizontally or vertically. 4-way stretch fabric will stretch in both directions. This is especially important for finding a fabric that will work for your pattern. If a pattern calls for 2-way stretch, you can use 4-way stretch fabric. However, if your pattern calls for 4-way stretch, you cannot use 2-way stretch without altering the pattern.

Are there other differences in Spandex fabrics?

Spandex fibres are usually combined with other fibres such as nylon, polyester or cotton. This gives them different characteristics. Here are some of the most common types of Spandex:

• Nylon spandex, sometime referred to as Milliskin. This is a bit thinner than heavy-weight spandex such as moleskin. Moleskin is thick enough not to need a lining in most cases, but Milliskin might.
• Cotton and Rayon Lycra is most often found in things like t-shirts and yoga wear.
• Performance Lycra is used for athletic clothing. It is specifically designed to wick moisture away from the body, which means it is better for active wear than cotton Lycra, which retains moisture.
• Special Spandex fabrics may include glitter or foil effects.