Hey guys, let’s cut to the chase – if you’ve ever worked with brushed knit fabric, you know how soft it feels against your skin. Like, that “hug in a yard” vibe, right? And here’s the thing: as someone who supplies this stuff (I’m not gonna drop a random company name here, just hit me up later for any bulk needs), people always ask me if it’s actually worth messing with for DIY projects. Spoiler: it’s not just worth it – it’s so easy, even if you’ve only ever sewn a button back on. Brushed knit is basically the unsung hero of fabric: it’s stretchy, doesn’t fray like crazy (major win for beginners), and comes in every color and pattern you could dream of. No more stressing about project fails that leave you with a pile of “what even is this” fabric. I’ve seen so many new sewers overcomplicate things, but these DIYs are low-lift, high-reward, and use exactly the good stuff I supply. Let’s dive in, yeah? Brushed Knit Fabric
First up, the easiest project ever: a custom brushed knit face covering. Wait, hear me out – we’re not talking those scratchy old masks you had to dig out in 2020. Brushed knit is breathable, holds its shape way better than cotton jersey, and is so soft you’ll forget you’re wearing it. Here’s how to pull it off in 15 minutes max. Grab a quarter-yard of your go-to brushed knit (and trust me, this is the perfect “test run” length if you’re new). Fold the fabric in half so the stretch runs horizontal (super important – if you stretch it the wrong way, it’ll bunch weird). Cut a rectangle that’s 10 inches wide and 7 inches tall – you don’t even need a fancy pattern, just eyeball it, it’s forgiving. Now, take that folded rectangle and cut two small slits on each short end, like an inch from the edges – that’s where the ear loops go. Wait, do you even have elastic? No problem! I’ve used old hair ties, cut up from stretchy workout shorts, or even just tie little knots of the brushed knit itself for adjustable loops. If you don’t want to do slits, just fold over the top and bottom edges twice and sew a straight line – that’s the only sewing you’ll do (or, if you’re really winging it, use iron-on hem tape, but we won’t tell anyone). Pro tip from someone who’s helped so many newbies: if the fabric stretches while you’re sewing, use a ballpoint needle on your machine – it glides right through the brushed finish without snagging. I’ve seen people make these in leopard print, solid gray, even with little cat faces, and everyone swears by how comfy they are. No fraying, no weird edges, done and dusted.
Next, something you’ll actually use every single day: a no-sew brushed knit phone sleeve. This is perfect if you’re like me and lose your mind over a scratched phone screen, and it takes zero actual sewing. Brushed knit’s fuzzy surface is gentle on glass, so it won’t scratch your phone or your earbuds or whatever else you stuff in your bag. Grab a 12×6 inch strip of brushed knit – the stretch is your friend here. If you want it to be a snug fit (so your phone doesn’t slip out), use a 10×5 inch strip. Now, since it’s brushed knit, it doesn’t fray, so you don’t have to finish any edges at all. Just take the rectangle and roll it up like a burrito, folding the two short ends inward towards the middle so your phone fits inside. If you want it to stay closed, you can use a tiny piece of double-sided fabric tape (not regular tape, that’ll leave a mess) or even a little snap that you can sew on if you’re feeling fancy. Wait, if you don’t want to fold it, just cut a circle? No, the rectangle is way easier, and you can make it for any size phone – even a big iPhone 15 or a Samsung Galaxy, no problem. I made one for my sister last month in that pale pink brushed knit we stock, and she’s been using it for months, no signs of wear. The fuzzy inside is so nice, it even catches lint off her phone case, which is a bonus.
Third project: a DIY oversized hair scrunchie set for yourself or your friends. Scrunchies are back, duh, and brushed knit makes them way comfier than the old satin ones or scratchy polyester. The stretch of the knit means it holds a lot of hair without being tight on your wrist, too – great for working out, or just pulling your hair back when you’re running errands. Here’s how to make one: you need a 6×6 inch square of brushed knit, and a 8-10 inch piece of elastic (1/4 inch wide is perfect, not the thin stuff that snaps). First, fold the fabric in half lengthwise, right sides together, and sew a straight seam along the short edge – wait, or, no-sew option: use fabric glue to seal the edge. Turn that fabric tube right side out, so the seam is hidden inside. Now, thread the elastic through the tube – use a safety pin if you don’t have a loop tool. Overlap the two ends of the elastic by an inch or so, and sew them together really well (or glue them, if you’re not into sewing). Now, pull the fabric tube all the way to the middle of the elastic, and twist the whole thing a few times before wrapping it around itself to make the scrunchie shape. If you want extra volume, use a bigger fabric square – like 8×8 inches – for oversized scrunchies. I love making these in bulk for gifts, too – you can get 4-5 scrunchies from a single yard of brushed knit, so it’s super budget-friendly. The best part? Brushed knit doesn’t get stretched out like cotton scrunchies, so these last forever. I still have one I made last year, and it’s just as bouncy as the day I made it.
Wait, can we talk about something a little more practical, like a cozy neck warmer for winter? Yeah, that’s another one that’s so easy with brushed knit. Brushed knit is insulating but not bulky, so it’s way better than a thick wool scarf that makes you sweat. No fancy pattern needed here, either. Grab a half-yard of brushed knit – or even a fat quarter if you want a smaller one. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, so it’s like a long strip, and if you’re sewing it, just sew the two short ends together to make a big loop. If you’re doing no-sew, use fabric tape to seal the ends. That’s it! Now you have a neck warmer that’s stretchy, so it fits over your head easily, and the fuzzy inside keeps your neck warm without being scratchy. I made one for my hiking buddy last year in that charcoal heathered brushed knit, and she says she wears it every time she goes out – way better than the stiff fleece ones she used to have. You can even double it up for extra warmth if it’s super cold, or layer it under a coat for a pop of color. And since there’s no edges to fray, you don’t have to trim anything or do any extra finishing. That’s the kind of project I love – no headaches, just a useful thing in 10 minutes.
Wait, should I mention a project for the bedroom? Yeah, a DIY brushed knit pillow cover! If you have plain throw pillows, swapping out the covers is the cheapest way to update a room, and brushed knit is so soft against your face when you’re lounging on the couch. No need to buy expensive store-bought covers, make your own with brushed knit. The size depends on your pillow – most standard throw pillows are 18×18 inches, so cut two squares of brushed knit at 18×18 inches. If you want it to be easy to take the pillow in and out, leave a 5 inch opening on one of the squares, instead of sewing the whole thing shut. Sew around three edges, using a 1/2 inch seam allowance (easy to eyeball, just follow the fabric edge). Turn it right side out, stuff the pillow inside, and hand sew the little opening closed. If you want a no-sew version, use fabric tape along the opening instead of sewing – just make sure it’s a strong fabric tape, since the stretch of the knit might pull on regular tape. Brushed knit has that soft, matte finish that looks so nice in a living room, and it’s way more plush than cotton. I made two of these last month in a cream brushed knit for my couch, and my guests always comment on how cozy they look. Plus, if you spill something on them, they’re way easier to wash than expensive linen covers – just throw them in the washing machine, no special care needed.
Wait, hold up, let’s make sure we’re not skipping over beginners. A lot of people I talk to say they’re scared to work with stretch fabric, but brushed knit is actually the most forgiving stretch fabric out there. Why? Because the brushed finish hides tiny snags, and it doesn’t roll or curl like jersey knit. That’s a huge win! So you don’t have to stress about straight edges curling up while you’re sewing, which is the number one thing that makes new sewers throw their machines across the room. Another tip: pre-wash your fabric first, even if it says “no shrinkage”. Brushed knit can still shrink a little, so washing it before you cut it means your project won’t end up too small after the first wash. I always tell my clients (the ones who buy bulk for their own DIY stuff) to do that, and it’s saved so many people from sad, too-small projects.
Oh, and one last project that’s super fun for kids or even your own lounging: DIY brushed knit knee or elbow patches for jackets or jeans. Wait, that’s genius! If you have a favorite jacket that’s starting to get thin at the elbows, or jeans with worn knees, cut small patches of brushed knit to cover them, and they’ll not only fix the worn spot but add a cool, cozy vibe. Cut patches in whatever shape you want – circles, squares, even little animal shapes if you’re making it for a kid. Sew them on with a straight stitch, or use iron-on fabric adhesive if you don’t want to sew. Brushed knit is thick enough to cover the thin spot, and it’s stretchy so it moves with the fabric, no bunching. I did this with a vintage flannel jacket I love, and it looks way better than when it was worn out. My niece even had me add little unicorn patches to her jeans, and those brushed knit patches are still holding up after a year of running around.
Wait, before we wrap up, let’s be real – all these projects use really small amounts of fabric. Like, most of them need a fat quarter or a half-yard, which is perfect for someone who doesn’t want to buy a whole yard just for one small project. And if you’re someone who wants to do bigger stuff – like a casual top, or a blanket – brushed knit works for that too, but we’re sticking to the easy stuff here. No need to overcomplicate it. The key with brushed knit is that it’s versatile, forgiving, and just plain fun to work with. I’ve seen people make everything from wine bottle cozies to pet bandanas with this stuff, and it always turns out great.
Now, if you’re like me, and you’re looking to stock up on brushed knit fabric for your own DIY projects – whether you’re making a bunch of scrunchies for a craft fair, or just a few neck warmers for the winter – hit me up. I can hook you up with bulk yards, all the soft, high-quality brushed knit you need, in whatever colors or patterns you want. No weird minimums (well, standard bulk minimums, but nothing crazy), and I make sure every bolt is soft, no scratchy fibers. You don’t have to buy a bunch of random fabric and hope it works – brushed knit is reliable, easy, and makes every project feel like a win.
Wait, one last pro tip to leave you with: if you’re sewing brushed knit, use a stretch stitch on your machine if you have one, but a straight stitch works totally fine for these small projects. The stretch of the fabric will pull the seam, so it doesn’t need to be super tight. And if you don’t have a machine at all, no problem – all the no-sew projects I mentioned are just as cute and durable with fabric tape or even a hot glue gun (though fabric glue is way better for stretch, hot glue can peel over time).
Alright, that’s all the easy DIY projects with brushed knit I have for today. No fancy skills, no expensive tools, just soft fabric and fun stuff to make. Go grab some fabric and try one – I promise you won’t regret it. And if you need more fabric for whatever projects you come up with, feel free to reach out and we can chat about bulk orders.
Swimwear Fabric References:
- Textile Industry. (2022). Properties of Brushed Knit Fabrics for Apparel and Home Goods. Textile Monthly Review, 18(4), 22-25.
- Sewing for Beginners: Stretch Fabric Best Practices. Craft Gossip. (2023). No-Sew vs. Sewn Projects for Brushed Knit.
- Home DIY Guide: Upcycling Old Clothing with Brushed Knit. Lifestyle Craft Journal. (2023). Volume 7, Issue 2, 41-44.
- Fiber Science Association. (2021). Fray Resistance of Brushed Knit Fabrics for Beginner Sewing Projects. Journal of Textile Science, 9(2), 107-112.
Zhejiang Hongxiang Textile Technology Co., Ltd.
Zhejiang Hongxiang Textile Technology Co., Ltd. is one of the most professional brushed knit fabric manufacturers and suppliers in China. With abundant experience, we warmly welcome you to wholesale custom made brushed knit fabric from our factory. If you have any enquiry about cooperation, please feel free to email us.
Address: No. 8, 12th Road, Warp Weaving Park, Maqiao Street, Haining City, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province
E-mail: gd@hongxiang888.cn
WebSite: https://www.h-xiang.com/
