Ice Fabrics Nylon Spandex Fabric by the Yard - 60in Wide Charcoal

In this review the reviewer finds the Ice Fabrics nylon spandex fabric best suited for makers who need a smooth, stretchy textile for swimwear, activewear, or fitted covers; the single biggest reason to buy is its reliable 4-way stretch and comfortable feel that moves with the body. Ordered as continuous yards at 60in width, this 210 GSM tricot blend of 82% nylon and 18% spandex balances elasticity with durability, making it a practical pick when stretch, color accuracy, and a soft hand are priorities.

Key Features

• Smooth nylon spandex: The tricot construction gives a silky surface that feels comfortable against skin and reduces friction during activity.
• 4-way stretch: Elasticity in both directions allows garments and covers to retain shape while following movement in yoga, swimming, or dance.
• Breathable design: The fabric allows air circulation to help prevent overheating and reduce sweat buildup in active use.
• Durable blend: The 82% nylon and 18% spandex mix resists fading and pilling when cared for by hand washing and line drying out of direct sun.
• Wide format and yard options: Available in 58/60in width and continuous yard lengths, it suits projects from leggings to tablecloths without awkward seams.

Who It's For

This fabric is ideal for sewists and small designers making swimsuits, bodysuits, leggings, and dancewear who need a smooth, stretchable textile that holds color well and feels soft on skin. Crafters making fitted seat covers or tablecloths will also appreciate the width and stretch for a snug finish.

Those who need heavy, structured upholstery or thick thermal garments should look elsewhere, as a few users found the weight and thickness lighter than expected for very dense applications. Also, if machine-wash durability without any color transfer is required, test a swatch first, since one customer reported bleeding during washing.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Soft, smooth finish that is comfortable against skin and suited to swim and active wear.
• Reliable 4-way stretch that recovers well and helps garments move with the body.
• Breathable and lightweight 210 GSM tricot, useful for workouts and layered garments.
• Wide 58/60in format and continuous yard options reduce seam work for larger projects.

Cons

• Some customers report mixed opinions on thickness; it may be too light for heavy-duty uses.
• Occasional reports of fabric staining or color bleeding during wash mean pre-wash testing is advised.

Specifications

Fabric type	Nylon spandex tricot
Composition	82% nylon, 18% spandex
Weight	210 GSM
Width	58/60in
Stretch	4-way stretch
Care	Hand wash with tap water, line-dry out of direct sunlight

Our Verdict

The Ice Fabrics nylon spandex is a practical, value-minded choice for makers of swimsuits, leggings, and fitted costume pieces who need a soft, breathable textile with true 4-way stretch. It offers good color accuracy and fabric quality for its class, though those needing heavier or machine-wash resilience should sample first. For most activewear and lightweight fitted projects it delivers dependable performance at a reasonable price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this fabric suitable for swimsuits?
Yes, its nylon/spandex blend, smooth tricot face, and 4-way stretch make it well suited to swimsuits and swim-lined garments.

How should the fabric be cared for?
Hand wash in normal tap water and line-dry out of direct sunlight to preserve color and elasticity.

Will the color bleed in the wash?
Most buyers report good color accuracy, but a minority reported bleeding; it is recommended to pre-wash a swatch to check for color transfer before cutting larger pieces.