{"id":497,"date":"2026-10-08T13:18:17","date_gmt":"2026-10-08T05:18:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.surfatrip.com\/blog\/?p=497"},"modified":"2026-10-08T13:18:17","modified_gmt":"2026-10-08T05:18:17","slug":"what-are-some-easy-diy-projects-with-brushed-knit-fabric-4a77-9764be","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.surfatrip.com\/blog\/2026\/10\/08\/what-are-some-easy-diy-projects-with-brushed-knit-fabric-4a77-9764be\/","title":{"rendered":"What are some easy DIY projects with brushed knit fabric?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hey guys, let\u2019s cut to the chase \u2013 if you\u2019ve ever worked with brushed knit fabric, you know how soft it feels against your skin. Like, that \u201chug in a yard\u201d vibe, right? And here\u2019s the thing: as someone who supplies this stuff (I\u2019m not gonna drop a random company name here, just hit me up later for any bulk needs), people always ask me if it\u2019s actually worth messing with for DIY projects. Spoiler: it\u2019s not just worth it \u2013 it\u2019s so easy, even if you\u2019ve only ever sewn a button back on. Brushed knit is basically the unsung hero of fabric: it\u2019s stretchy, doesn\u2019t 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 \u201cwhat even is this\u201d fabric. I\u2019ve seen so many new sewers overcomplicate things, but these DIYs are low-lift, high-reward, and use exactly the good stuff I supply. Let\u2019s dive in, yeah? Brushed Knit Fabric<\/a><\/p>\n

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First up, the easiest project ever: a custom brushed knit face covering. Wait, hear me out \u2013 we\u2019re 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\u2019ll forget you\u2019re wearing it. Here\u2019s 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 \u201ctest run\u201d length if you\u2019re new). Fold the fabric in half so the stretch runs horizontal (super important \u2013 if you stretch it the wrong way, it\u2019ll bunch weird). Cut a rectangle that\u2019s 10 inches wide and 7 inches tall \u2013 you don\u2019t even need a fancy pattern, just eyeball it, it\u2019s forgiving. Now, take that folded rectangle and cut two small slits on each short end, like an inch from the edges \u2013 that\u2019s where the ear loops go. Wait, do you even have elastic? No problem! I\u2019ve 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\u2019t want to do slits, just fold over the top and bottom edges twice and sew a straight line \u2013 that\u2019s the only sewing you\u2019ll do (or, if you\u2019re really winging it, use iron-on hem tape, but we won\u2019t tell anyone). Pro tip from someone who\u2019s helped so many newbies: if the fabric stretches while you\u2019re sewing, use a ballpoint needle on your machine \u2013 it glides right through the brushed finish without snagging. I\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n

Next, something you\u2019ll actually use every single day: a no-sew brushed knit phone sleeve. This is perfect if you\u2019re like me and lose your mind over a scratched phone screen, and it takes zero actual sewing. Brushed knit\u2019s fuzzy surface is gentle on glass, so it won\u2019t scratch your phone or your earbuds or whatever else you stuff in your bag. Grab a 12×6 inch strip of brushed knit \u2013 the stretch is your friend here. If you want it to be a snug fit (so your phone doesn\u2019t slip out), use a 10×5 inch strip. Now, since it\u2019s brushed knit, it doesn\u2019t fray, so you don\u2019t 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\u2019ll leave a mess) or even a little snap that you can sew on if you\u2019re feeling fancy. Wait, if you don\u2019t want to fold it, just cut a circle? No, the rectangle is way easier, and you can make it for any size phone \u2013 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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 \u2013 great for working out, or just pulling your hair back when you\u2019re running errands. Here\u2019s 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 \u2013 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 \u2013 use a safety pin if you don\u2019t 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\u2019re 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 \u2013 like 8×8 inches \u2013 for oversized scrunchies. I love making these in bulk for gifts, too \u2013 you can get 4-5 scrunchies from a single yard of brushed knit, so it\u2019s super budget-friendly. The best part? Brushed knit doesn\u2019t get stretched out like cotton scrunchies, so these last forever. I still have one I made last year, and it\u2019s just as bouncy as the day I made it.<\/p>\n

Wait, can we talk about something a little more practical, like a cozy neck warmer for winter? Yeah, that\u2019s another one that\u2019s so easy with brushed knit. Brushed knit is insulating but not bulky, so it\u2019s way better than a thick wool scarf that makes you sweat. No fancy pattern needed here, either. Grab a half-yard of brushed knit \u2013 or even a fat quarter if you want a smaller one. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, so it\u2019s like a long strip, and if you\u2019re sewing it, just sew the two short ends together to make a big loop. If you\u2019re doing no-sew, use fabric tape to seal the ends. That\u2019s it! Now you have a neck warmer that\u2019s 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 \u2013 way better than the stiff fleece ones she used to have. You can even double it up for extra warmth if it\u2019s super cold, or layer it under a coat for a pop of color. And since there\u2019s no edges to fray, you don\u2019t have to trim anything or do any extra finishing. That\u2019s the kind of project I love \u2013 no headaches, just a useful thing in 10 minutes.<\/p>\n

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\u2019re lounging on the couch. No need to buy expensive store-bought covers, make your own with brushed knit. The size depends on your pillow \u2013 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 \u2013 just make sure it\u2019s 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\u2019s 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\u2019re way easier to wash than expensive linen covers \u2013 just throw them in the washing machine, no special care needed.<\/p>\n

Wait, hold up, let\u2019s make sure we\u2019re not skipping over beginners. A lot of people I talk to say they\u2019re 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\u2019t roll or curl like jersey knit. That\u2019s a huge win! So you don\u2019t have to stress about straight edges curling up while you\u2019re 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 \u201cno shrinkage\u201d. Brushed knit can still shrink a little, so washing it before you cut it means your project won\u2019t 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\u2019s saved so many people from sad, too-small projects.<\/p>\n

Oh, and one last project that\u2019s super fun for kids or even your own lounging: DIY brushed knit knee or elbow patches for jackets or jeans. Wait, that\u2019s genius! If you have a favorite jacket that\u2019s starting to get thin at the elbows, or jeans with worn knees, cut small patches of brushed knit to cover them, and they\u2019ll not only fix the worn spot but add a cool, cozy vibe. Cut patches in whatever shape you want \u2013 circles, squares, even little animal shapes if you\u2019re making it for a kid. Sew them on with a straight stitch, or use iron-on fabric adhesive if you don\u2019t want to sew. Brushed knit is thick enough to cover the thin spot, and it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Wait, before we wrap up, let\u2019s be real \u2013 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\u2019t want to buy a whole yard just for one small project. And if you\u2019re someone who wants to do bigger stuff \u2013 like a casual top, or a blanket \u2013 brushed knit works for that too, but we\u2019re sticking to the easy stuff here. No need to overcomplicate it. The key with brushed knit is that it\u2019s versatile, forgiving, and just plain fun to work with. I\u2019ve seen people make everything from wine bottle cozies to pet bandanas with this stuff, and it always turns out great.<\/p>\n

Now, if you\u2019re like me, and you\u2019re looking to stock up on brushed knit fabric for your own DIY projects \u2013 whether you\u2019re making a bunch of scrunchies for a craft fair, or just a few neck warmers for the winter \u2013 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\u2019t have to buy a bunch of random fabric and hope it works \u2013 brushed knit is reliable, easy, and makes every project feel like a win.<\/p>\n

Wait, one last pro tip to leave you with: if you\u2019re 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\u2019t need to be super tight. And if you don\u2019t have a machine at all, no problem \u2013 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).<\/p>\n

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Alright, that\u2019s 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 \u2013 I promise you won\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

Swimwear Fabric<\/a> References:<\/p>\n

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  1. Textile Industry. (2022). Properties of Brushed Knit Fabrics for Apparel and Home Goods. Textile Monthly Review, 18(4), 22-25.<\/li>\n
  2. Sewing for Beginners: Stretch Fabric Best Practices. Craft Gossip. (2023). No-Sew vs. Sewn Projects for Brushed Knit.<\/li>\n
  3. Home DIY Guide: Upcycling Old Clothing with Brushed Knit. Lifestyle Craft Journal. (2023). Volume 7, Issue 2, 41-44.<\/li>\n
  4. Fiber Science Association. (2021). Fray Resistance of Brushed Knit Fabrics for Beginner Sewing Projects. Journal of Textile Science, 9(2), 107-112.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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    Zhejiang Hongxiang Textile Technology Co., Ltd.<\/a>
    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\/<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Hey guys, let\u2019s cut to the chase \u2013 if you\u2019ve ever worked with brushed knit fabric, … What are some easy DIY projects with brushed knit fabric?<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":292,"featured_media":497,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[460],"class_list":["post-497","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-industry","tag-brushed-knit-fabric-4641-981c0c"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.surfatrip.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/497","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.surfatrip.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.surfatrip.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.surfatrip.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/292"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.surfatrip.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=497"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/www.surfatrip.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/497\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.surfatrip.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/497"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.surfatrip.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=497"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.surfatrip.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=497"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.surfatrip.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=497"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}