What is Lycra | Properties and Uses | How to Lycra Yarn is Used in Knitting

Selim Reza

18 Oct, 2025

What is Lycra?

Lycra, also known as Spandex or Elastane, is a synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity. It can stretch up to 5–8 times its original length and return to its original shape without losing its strength. Lycra is widely used in the textile and fashion industry due to its ability to provide comfort, flexibility, and a snug fit.

Properties of Lycra

Elasticity: Extremely stretchable and recovers its original shape easily.
Lightweight: Soft and comfortable to wear.
Durable: Resistant to wear and tear, making it long-lasting.
Smooth Texture: Adds a silky and smooth feel to fabrics.
Moisture-Wicking: Some Lycra blends can absorb and release moisture efficiently.
Resistance to Body Oils and Perspiration: Maintains shape and quality even with repeated use.

Uses of Lycra

Apparel: Sportswear, activewear, yoga pants, swimsuits, leggings, and undergarments. Provides stretch, fit, and freedom of movement.
Knitting and Weaving: Blended with cotton, wool, or polyester to create stretchable knitted fabrics. Common in socks, gloves, and elastic waistbands.
Medical and Supportive Clothing: Compression garments, bandages, and orthopedic supports.
Fashion Accessories: Stretchable hats, gloves, and other accessories that require flexibility.

How Lycra Yarn is Used in Knitting

Blended with Other Fibers: Lycra yarn is often combined with cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers to add stretchability while retaining the texture and strength of the base yarn.
Knitting Techniques: Produces seamless, stretchable fabrics for socks, leggings, and activewear. Used for panels in garments requiring elasticity. Lycra enhances ribbed patterns, cuffs, and collars for snug fits.
Fabric Finishing: The knitted fabric can be heat-set or finished to maintain the stretch and recovery properties of Lycra.

How to Lycra Yarn is Used in Knitting?

How Lycra Yarn is Used in Knitting

Blending with Other Fibers: The blend adds stretch and elasticity to the fabric while retaining the texture, appearance, and durability of the base yarn. Lycra yarn is rarely used alone. It is usually combined with cotton, wool, or synthetic yarns.
Knitting Techniques: Circular Knitting: Lycra-blended yarns are used to produce seamless, stretchable fabrics, commonly used in socks, leggings, and sportswear. Flat Knitting: Used for panels of garments that require elasticity, like sleeves or fitted tops. Rib and Stretch Knitting: Lycra enhances ribbed patterns, cuffs, collars, and waistbands, giving a snug and comfortable fit.
Adding Elasticity and Recovery: Lycra gives knitted fabrics the ability to stretch and recover to their original shape, preventing sagging or deformation. This is especially important in garments that require close-fitting comfort, like underwear, activewear, and swimwear.
Fabric Finishing: After knitting, fabrics containing Lycra are often heat-set or finished to stabilize the stretch and improve durability. This ensures that the garment retains its shape even after repeated use or washing.

In knitting, Lycra yarn is mainly used as a blended fiber to provide stretch, elasticity, and shape retention. It is ideal for making garments that need a snug, comfortable fit and flexibility, such as sportswear, leggings, socks, and fitted tops.