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

In this review the Ice Fabrics nylon spandex by the yard is evaluated for makers who need a reliable, stretchy fabric for swimwear, activewear or dancewear. The single biggest reason to buy is its combination of smooth hand and consistent 4-way stretch that moves with the body, which makes it especially useful for form-fitting garments and performance wear. The reviewer found the fabric to be breathable, lightweight and soft against the skin, making it a solid choice for sewists who want dependable stretch and vivid color without heavy bulk.

Key Features

• 4-way stretch: The tricot construction delivers even elasticity in both directions so garments keep their shape and allow full range of motion.
• 210 GSM weight: Moderately substantial for swim and activewear, offering a balance between drape and support for bodysuits and leggings.
• 82% nylon, 18% spandex: A durable blend that resists fading and stretching out when properly cared for, useful for repeated wear.
• Breathable fabric: The knit allows air circulation during workouts, helping the wearer stay cooler and more comfortable.
• Wide usable width: At about 58/60 in wide you can cut larger pattern pieces or avoid seams for many projects like tablecloths or costumes.
• Easy care: Hand wash and line-dry instructions keep the fabric looking new without special detergents or treatments.

Who It's For

This fabric is ideal for hobby sewers and small production makers who create swimsuits, dancewear, yoga pants and fitted active garments. Its smooth feel and reliable stretch suit items that require close body fit and recovery, and the broad width is helpful for fewer seams on larger pieces.

Those who need a very heavy or structured fabric for long-term upholstery or heavy outdoor use should look elsewhere, and anyone who needs totally guaranteed colorfast performance in machine washing may want to test a swatch first because a small number of users reported bleeding during washing.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very smooth hand and comfortable next-to-skin feel suitable for swim and dance garments.
• Consistent stretchiness and recovery make it practical for activewear that moves with you.
• Wide 58/60 in width reduces seams and expands cutting options for larger pieces.
• Lightweight yet durable blend that resists pilling with correct care.

Cons

• Thickness opinions vary; some users find it a bit thin for lined or heavily structured pieces.
• One customer reported fabric staining/bleeding when washed, so pre-testing colorfastness is advised.

Specifications

Composition	82% nylon, 18% spandex
Weight	210 GSM tricot
Stretch	4-way stretch
Width	58/60 in
Care	Hand wash, line-dry out of direct sunlight
Suitable uses	Swimwear, activewear, yoga pants, dancewear, tablecloths

Our Verdict

The Ice Fabrics nylon spandex is a practical, good-value fabric for makers who need a smooth, breathable material with true 4-way stretch for swim and active garments. It balances softness, width and durability so it is recommended for sewists and small brands making fitted wear, provided you test colorfastness first if you plan frequent washing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this fabric suitable for swimsuits?
Yes, the 82/18 nylon-spandex blend with 4-way stretch and 210 GSM weight performs well for swimsuits and lined swim garments.

How should I care for it?
Hand wash in normal tap water and line-dry out of direct sunlight to preserve color and elasticity.

Will it work for leggings and yoga pants?
Yes, its breathability and stretch make it suitable for form-fitting leggings and yoga wear, though those wanting heavy compression may prefer a thicker knit.