Fabric Guide

Ponte Roma

Ponte Roma is a stable double-knit fabric with a smooth, refined appearance. It combines structure with comfort and is widely used for trousers, skirts, dresses, blazers, jackets and other garments that benefit from extra body. Composition, weight, thickness, stretch and finish can vary between qualities.

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Firmly knitted Ponte Roma fabric with comfortable stretch
Also known asPonte Roma / ponte knit / double-knit jersey
ConstructionDouble knit
CompositionVaries by quality
StretchFrom limited to comfortable stretch
Suitable forTrousers, skirts, dresses & jackets
The Fabric

What is Ponte Roma?

Ponte Roma is a compact double-knit fabric that feels noticeably firmer and more stable than many lightweight single jersey fabrics. Its dense knitted construction creates a smooth surface, a refined appearance and enough body to help garments retain their shape.

Ponte Roma does not have one fixed fibre composition. Qualities may contain viscose, polyester, polyamide and/or elastane, for example. As a result, weight, stretch, recovery, thickness and handle can vary by product.

WHAT TYPE OF FABRIC IS PONTE ROMA?

Ponte Roma is a stable double-knit fabric, usually denser and more structured than lightweight single jersey. Its double-knit construction gives the fabric good body, shape retention and comfortable stretch, making it particularly suitable for garments that need structure without feeling rigid.

Ponte Roma does not have one fixed fibre composition. Qualities may contain viscose, polyester, polyamide and/or elastane, among other fibres. The exact weight, thickness, stretch and recovery therefore vary between products. Always check the specifications of the individual fabric.

Variations by Quality

Possible Variations

CompositionVarious fibres and fibre blends
StructureStable double knit
WeightFrom medium-weight to more substantial
Stretch & recoveryVaries by quality
Important: Ponte Roma qualities can vary considerably in composition, weight, thickness, stretch and recovery. Always check the specifications of the individual fabric.
Uses & Selection

What is Ponte Roma used for?

TrousersFor smart, comfortable trousers where the fabric provides sufficient body while still allowing freedom of movement.
Skirts & DressesFor garments that need more structure than those made from a thin, fluid jersey.
Blazers & JacketsFor soft tailoring and jackets that combine shape retention with the comfort of a knitted fabric.
Tops & Co-ordsDepending on weight and stretch, suitable for structured tops, co-ords and other comfortable garments.
Choosing the right quality: pay particular attention to weight, thickness, stretch and recovery. A firmer Ponte Roma provides more support and structure, while a softer quality may be better suited to garments that need greater freedom of movement.
Care

Care Instructions

Pre-washing
Pre-washing Pre-washing can be advisable if the finished garment will later be washed
Washing
Washing Wash according to the instructions for the chosen quality
Drying
Drying Preferably air dry, or follow the individual product instructions
Do not bleach
Bleaching Only when permitted by the individual product instructions
Good to Know

Sewing & Choosing

Pre-washing Pre-washing can be advisable if the finished garment will later be washed. Shrinkage and changes in shape depend on the composition and finish.
Cutting Lay Ponte Roma flat and relaxed and avoid stretching the fabric while measuring and cutting. Take the direction of greatest stretch into account.
Sewing Use a needle and stitch suitable for knitted stretch fabrics. Always test the needle, stitch length and thread tension on an offcut first.
Finishing Double knits often fray very little, but seams should still be finished appropriately and be able to stretch sufficiently with the fabric.
Direction of Stretch Position pattern pieces consistently and take the direction of stretch into account so both sides of the garment behave and look the same.
Choosing a Quality Compare composition, weight, thickness, stretch, recovery and care requirements for each Ponte Roma quality.
Alternatives

Similar Fabrics

Jersey, French Terry and viscose are possible alternatives, depending on the amount of structure, stretch and drape required for the garment.

Soft stretch jersey fabric

A lighter and generally more fluid alternative when less structure and greater freedom of movement are desired.

French Terry knitted fabric

A comfortable knitted fabric with a sportier appearance and characteristic loops on the reverse.

Fluid viscose fabric

Suitable when a softer, more fluid drape is more important than the compact structure of Ponte Roma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ponte Roma FAQs

What is Ponte Roma?

Ponte Roma is a compact knitted stretch fabric with a smooth surface and relatively high stability. The exact composition, thickness and stretch vary between qualities.

What is the difference between Ponte Roma?

They are closely related trade names for firm, compact knits, but suppliers do not always use the terms in the same way. Compare the composition, weight, thickness and stretch of the individual product.

Is Ponte Roma stretchy?

Generally, yes, because it is a knitted fabric. The amount of stretch and recovery depends on the construction and composition, including whether elastane has been added.

What is Ponte Roma used for?

Ponte Roma is widely used for trousers, skirts, dresses, blazers, jackets and other garments that need to be comfortable while retaining shape and structure.

Which needle should you use for Ponte Roma?

Use a needle suitable for knitted or stretch fabrics and choose the needle size according to the quality. Always test the combination on an offcut first.

Does Ponte Roma fray?

Double knits generally fray less than many woven fabrics. The exact finishing method depends on the quality and the intended garment.

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