Our collection of lycra fabric and lycra material includes 2 way and 4 way stretch spandex, mesh lycra, metallic finishes, velvet stretch lycra fabric, and printed lycra designs. If you want to buy lycra fabric for activewear, dancewear, costumes or fitted apparel, this category offers premium lycra materials sold by the yard, so you can order exactly the lycra fabric by the yard your pattern calls for. Browse high quality stretch materials at The Sewing Studio Fabric Superstore and find the right lycra for your project, including black and other shades.
Building activewear or a costume? Pair your lycra with elastic for waistbands and swim edges, or browse our sewing patterns for fitted and stretch garments. Prefer to see and feel the fabric first? Stop by our Maitland showroom to shop lycra fabric in person.
Understanding Lycra, Spandex, and Elastane
If you're searching for "Lycra" or "Spandex," you're essentially looking for the same elastic fiber. To help you choose the right material for your project, here are the most common questions our customers ask.
What is the difference between Lycra, Spandex, and Elastane? There is no chemical difference. Spandex is the generic name for the fiber in the USA, while Elastane is the term used internationally. LYCRA® is simply the premier brand name for high quality spandex produced by The LYCRA Company.
Is Lycra fabric good for beginners? Yes, but it requires the right tools. Because Lycra is slippery and highly elastic, we recommend using pattern weights instead of pins to avoid snagging the fibers. Always use a stretch or ballpoint needle, size 70/80, to prevent skipped stitches.
Does Lycra fabric shrink? Lycra itself is highly resistant to shrinking, but it is often blended with cotton or polyester, which can shrink. We recommend a delicate cold wash and air drying, since high heat in a dryer can eventually break down the elastic fibers.
For more stretch and fashion fabrics, shop our fashion fabrics and fabrics collections.
