A Guide to Ponte Roma Fabric

Hailing all the way from beautiful Italy, Ponte Roma fabric is fabulously versatile. Here at Croft Mill, we stock an extensive selection of Ponte Roma fabrics in a wide range of colours and styles. If you're new to the wonderful world of Ponte Roma or just want to discover more of the fabric's divine details, then this edition of the Croft Mill blog will tell you all you need to know.

The English translation of 'Ponte Roma' is 'Roman Bridge'. This might sound like a strange name for a fabric type until you look more closely: the structure of the double-knit loops resembles the iconic style of classic Roman bridges. And they're almost as strong! In the past, almost all Ponte Roma fabrics were of a single colour but patterned examples are becoming more and more popular.

As the name suggests, a 'double knit' fabric comprises two separate layers of fabric. These layers of fabric have been tightly knitted together by a special knitting machine that incorporates two sets of needles. The result is a strong yet stretchy material, on both sides of which can be seen fine ribs. This latter quality often makes Ponte Roma the perfect fabric for making reversible garments.

If you're new to sewing or haven't used double-knit fabrics before, then it might seem to be a difficult challenge. It's true that such fabrics can stretch or roll up at the edges during sewing but you shouldn't let that put you off: working with Ponte Roma fabric is much easier than working with other comparable jersey fabrics.

Ponte Roma fabric is ideally suited to creating structured garments, thanks to its enhanced firmness and stability. Of medium weight, the fabric strongly resists wrinkles and creases whether you choose to make dresses, skirts, trousers, jackets or whatever your imagination can inspire you with.

As with any new fabric, you should always wash and dry Ponte Roma fabric BEFORE you attempt to start cutting and sewing: this will ensure that any shrinkage is removed. Using a round-headed needle, work the fabric gently through the sewing machine without stretching or pulling.

Check out the Croft Mill website to discover our complete range of Ponte Roma fabrics, along with matching linings and threads. Enjoy sewing!